DOTD (2004) Film Image Analyses

Here is a shot from the end of the film where Anna is looking back onto the land where Michael is standing. The use of light on Anna reflects off of her connoting an angelic look. This image could also imply the context of America vs. the world. The American flag next to her shows a patriotic ideology of freedom fitting in well to the current situation. As it is suggested throughout the film, the virus has spread from the middle east linking into the 2004 context of the Iraq war and 9/11, the flag comes across as a subtle hint that America is victorious. This deals with the sensitive topic of the current day fear of terrorism, this could also be an example of horror films pushing the boundaries.  This is typical for George Romero, in that he often includes his own beliefs on important issues and incorporates them into his films. The mid-shot allows us to see the expression on her face and her body language of both relief but defeat at the same time. Ana and Kenneth are among some who survive and sail away on the boat. This is forward thinking flipping the characters fate and shows a removal of racism or sexism which was often seen in earlier horror films.