Dead Set analysis.

Dead Set Analysis

Considering Dead Set is modelled on the actual show ‘Big Brother’. The Mise En Scene is typically comprised of crowds, cameramen, paparazzi, TV presenters, Studios and things that we associate with television in general. The Mise En Scene, when looked at as a whole, can connote the extents to which the contestants of the show are subject to. It highlights how the contestants really have no privacy and are constantly being watched and surveyed. Specifically the crowd, which can be a connotation of the hordes of zombies and how they’re really no different from the animals they’re soon to become. The strong portrayal of the media is used a lot in this scene. The director wants to show to us as an audience just how the general consensus of society is to accept whatever is thrown at them, and judge others by how they act whilst being watched, this is also an underlying theme of the show, how society is distracted by a lot of entertainment in this day and age. When we see the eviction, the director purposely emphasises the ‘crowd effect’. The ‘crowd effect’ seems to be a connotation of animals in packs, screaming and shouting and obsessing over one individual, essentially how zombies act, zombies being the main focus of the series. The performance of the director, somewhat connotes an evil mastermind. The scene frequently cuts to the director of the show (Big Brother) overseeing the events unfold and focusing his efforts on what shall benefit him and nobody else. This is once again enforced later on in the scene when he abandons everybody else and distracts zombies with other people. Clearly, the director of the show itself (Dead Set) wants the audience to see the representation of humans, and basic human instinct of survival, in contrast to the zombies who have the basic instinct to kill and feed. This gives the audience an understanding of the zombies and their characteristics in the series, who they are, or indeed, ‘what’ they are. Relating back to the point about distractions, the performance of Davina McCall (as herself) as she interviews the evicted contestant, conveys to the audience how entertainment such as this leaves people completely oblivious to more serious topics, such as the impending spiral of chaos when the zombie infection spreads. Casting the presenter of Big Brother herself (Davina) is used to enable the audience to relate and link the two shows together, adding a lot more realism and believability to the scene.

Editing is used very effectively here, when combined with camerawork and how both aspects benefit each other. Particularly the way they both represent chaos, anarchy and obliviousness to the situation. When the zombie transformation begins, the director uses a lot of alternation in rhythm and pace. For example, when the camera focuses on the guard who has been bitten, the pace is fast, tense and shaky. This then switches and creates a contrast when the camera shows the interview and the producers in the studio, which is calm, collected and considered a ‘normal’ pace. The quick cuts between these situations, build the tension and suspense of the scene, foreshadowing the coming turn of events. The infection is then shown to be spreading quicker and quicker and causing more people to panic and scream. However, this would generally be considered the ‘turning point’ of the scene, yet the studios are still unaffected, which reinforces how the viewers and TV crew are totally fixed on the show and not what is happening around them. The scene then cuts to the housemates, enjoying themselves, drinking and partying. It then shows the ‘outcast’ of the group, standing in a state of deep thought, followed by an insert cut to the giant screen outside, which also shows him watching, while the audience can see the public being slaughtered by zombies. This suggests to the audience that this character in particular is associated with dark things to come and should be considered evil. The overall audience response to the fast pace, violet scenes and character development would be horror, thrill and realisation that the show is taking a huge turn for the worse. There is a POV style effect made by the camerawork while showing the chaos and violence of the zombies. The camera moves, shakes and weaves in and out of zombies/people to create the illusion that the audience is there and is experiencing the horror first hand. This technique prompts a response of shock and horror from the audience, the director wants them to feel included and emphasise how scary such a situation would be. When the zombie attack spreads to the directors studio, there is an interesting transition used to show communication failing and anarchy is ensuing. The camera broadcasting Davina McCall’s interview fuzzes and cuts off. Showing to the audience that order has been consumed by chaos.

Lighting in this scene is predominantly low key. There are times in the scene when it switches to high key, such as when it shows inside the Big Brother House. However, due to the shows dark underlying themes, low key is more dominant. Low key lighting creates drama and emphasises dark tones, this matches well with the action that is happening on screen, because it is so action packed and dramatic. The low key effect also contrasts with the high key lighting in the Big Brother House. The housemates are having fun and enjoying themselves, safe from the horrors of the outside world, but the outside world is subject to darkness. This allows the audience to identify that the housemates are blissfully unaware of the gory events outside, representing the house as a sanctuary and utopia from the zombies.

Sound in the scene is comprised of various things. Most notably during the action sequences. Non-diegetic screams and roars reiterate the chaos and animalistic connotations. This makes the audience respond with shock and confusion, because so much is happening at once. What’s interesting however is that when the scene becomes completely revolved around the zombie attack, an upbeat and cheerful song is played, this is contrapuntal, because the audience can see people being attacked and killed violently. In addition, the song being played is the same as the song that the housemates are dancing to. This gives the impression that the housemates are completely immersed in the music and dancing that it drowns out all the evil and violence that is taking place in the outside world. This shows to the audience that the Big Brother House can be viewed by anyone and the housemates are continuously watched, but they’re completely shut out from the outside world and oblivious to what is happening.  Reinforcing the concept of a sanctuary and utopia from the unsafe world.