Critique Of Zombieland "Be A Hero" Scene

From watching and enjoying this film multiple times, this scene hold a particular place in my mind because of the style and the way the camera is used to add suspense and drama.This scene is the last climax of the film and it draws focus on Columbus (played by Jessie Eisenberg) as the main protagonist. The scene requires that he overcomes one final zombie to rescue the female protagonist Wichita (played by Emma Stone) who is stuck atop a ride in a dire situation where a zombie is about to bite her and her sister's, little rock(played by Abigail Breslin), legs.

I could easily write a review about the whole film but I've decided to focus on this scene in particular because it is built around overcoming your fears and the camera work fits and molds to emphasize the task that "Columbus" is faced with.

As mentioned earlier in the film, "I hate clowns"-Columbus, he has a particular hatred for clowns even before the zombie outbreak. This is beautifully shown in this scene by using a variety of shot like close ups,medium shots, crash zooms and long shots. The chosen shots are all linked to the suspense they are trying to convey between the zombie clown, and Columbus. The previous reference leads to this point as it is Columbus's personal climax of the film. The significance of this part to the story is shown by great the camera work.

 My personal favorite shot is when the crash zoom is used on Columbus, It really shows his contempt,anger and fear towards the zombie. It also shows that moment that he realizes that its time to break the rules and "be a hero". Other shots that catch my eye specifically is the close up of the clown zombie when its staring at Columbus. The shot plays perfectly on the expressions of Derek Graf. Due to the closeness of the shot you can see all the movements in the eyes, mouth, jaw and for the finale, the blood/pus falling from the mouth. The close up on that sets the darkness and terror that the zombie is instilling in both the audience and Columbus. When I look at the zombie I know that I would be terrified at this situation. To me that shows how effective the shot is.

The sounds that are used in this scene are designed to not only really heighten the sense of fear and terror that the zombie gives off, but to also show the change in heart from Columbus. For the zombie it was mainly centered around his grunts,growls and the sound of the blood pouring from his mouth. This is what drives the scariness of this zombie home. The combination of the shots and the sounds really show him as the absolute horror of the film. For Columbus's shots its the faint heartbeat and the sound of the rule being broken that shows his desire to overcome his fear and rescue Wichita.