Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
28 days later review
28 Days Later is a British post-apocalyptic science fiction horror film, directed by Danny Boyle, who is notable for directing Trainspotting. The film starts with an opening scene of an animal rights group breaking into a highly securitised science lab and releasing captivated chimps, unaware of the consequences, the released chimps hold a virus known as ‘Rage’, capable of destroying the entire human race. 28 days pass by and the movie presents a character waking up in a desolated hospital, confused, hungry and eager to find out what has happened, he finds himself walking through the empty streets of London, only to see the disturbing truth around the corner.
28 Days Later is an original zombie movie which separates itself from the common zombie genre. It provides a plausible explanation of the virus’ breakout in just a few minutes from the start of the movie, and places the viewer into the position of character Jim (played by Cillian Murphy) who has also yet to discover the new London. 28 Days Later is capable of shocking the viewer in numerous ways, the zombies’ incredible speed, the hate that is portrayed by the zombies’ actions, the suspense that is consistently maintained throughout the film, and the ambushing of the zombies which makes you apprehensive and anxious to see the survival instincts of the characters which is a never-let-down to all viewers. There is no unnecessary violence in the movie as everything is portrayed in a position where probability is the answer – If the events were to happen, the violence portrayed are most likely to happen, given the circumstances. Everything is shown accurately and as a result, it puts the viewer right into the realism that the movie depicts, or rather, it throws you in a state of panic within a position of adrenaline-rushing commotion.
What is the story really about? Is it about zombies and the struggle for survival? Or is it a reflection on how we humans behave in certain situations, using violence as our solution. However you want to see it, the movie starts with a chimp in an imprisoned room being streamed with videos of the human behaviour that separates us from other animals, acting on unreasonable impulses that are caused by the emotion we take for granted, hate. War, riots and other events that are fuelled by hate and rage are shown from the video. The video is significant to the story and is only to be brought back to once the main characters finally reach their so-called safe zone at the British Army’s Base. A memorable quote can be recited which reinforces the theme of the film “This is what I've seen in the four weeks since infection. People killing people. Which is much what I saw in the four weeks before infection, and the four weeks before that, and before that, and as far back as I care to remember. People killing people. Which to my mind, puts us in a state of normality right now”. Moments later, the comparison of the zombies and the actions of the British Army become clear and throws Jim, Selena and Hannah back into the survival game. This becomes an excellent recipe to maintain the suspense and as a whole, it is a beautiful chaotic scene, an embodiment of panic itself.
Now finally, aside the acting and the tremendous cinematography, comes the soundtrack. The soundtrack is superbly made, aiding the visuals with a powerful theme, an astounding aspect which only improves other elements in the film, such as highlighting the characters’ fast-paced struggle of escape. It brings about and enhances emotion of the most thrilling events in the film, conveying the right frame of mind for such scenarios which ultimately creates an exhilarating atmosphere, and brings forth the satisfaction of an anticipated finale.
28 Days Later is an original zombie movie which separates itself from the common zombie genre. It provides a plausible explanation of the virus’ breakout in just a few minutes from the start of the movie, and places the viewer into the position of character Jim (played by Cillian Murphy) who has also yet to discover the new London. 28 Days Later is capable of shocking the viewer in numerous ways, the zombies’ incredible speed, the hate that is portrayed by the zombies’ actions, the suspense that is consistently maintained throughout the film, and the ambushing of the zombies which makes you apprehensive and anxious to see the survival instincts of the characters which is a never-let-down to all viewers. There is no unnecessary violence in the movie as everything is portrayed in a position where probability is the answer – If the events were to happen, the violence portrayed are most likely to happen, given the circumstances. Everything is shown accurately and as a result, it puts the viewer right into the realism that the movie depicts, or rather, it throws you in a state of panic within a position of adrenaline-rushing commotion.
What is the story really about? Is it about zombies and the struggle for survival? Or is it a reflection on how we humans behave in certain situations, using violence as our solution. However you want to see it, the movie starts with a chimp in an imprisoned room being streamed with videos of the human behaviour that separates us from other animals, acting on unreasonable impulses that are caused by the emotion we take for granted, hate. War, riots and other events that are fuelled by hate and rage are shown from the video. The video is significant to the story and is only to be brought back to once the main characters finally reach their so-called safe zone at the British Army’s Base. A memorable quote can be recited which reinforces the theme of the film “This is what I've seen in the four weeks since infection. People killing people. Which is much what I saw in the four weeks before infection, and the four weeks before that, and before that, and as far back as I care to remember. People killing people. Which to my mind, puts us in a state of normality right now”. Moments later, the comparison of the zombies and the actions of the British Army become clear and throws Jim, Selena and Hannah back into the survival game. This becomes an excellent recipe to maintain the suspense and as a whole, it is a beautiful chaotic scene, an embodiment of panic itself.
Now finally, aside the acting and the tremendous cinematography, comes the soundtrack. The soundtrack is superbly made, aiding the visuals with a powerful theme, an astounding aspect which only improves other elements in the film, such as highlighting the characters’ fast-paced struggle of escape. It brings about and enhances emotion of the most thrilling events in the film, conveying the right frame of mind for such scenarios which ultimately creates an exhilarating atmosphere, and brings forth the satisfaction of an anticipated finale.
personal statement
Growing up in today’s world, with countless career paths and opportunities to consider, I was always struck by the vast array of professions. However, I knew I wanted to do something within the creative area. As I grew older, gaining life experience and developing my understanding of the world, I became passionate about my Art course at GNVQ level in school. After attaining a distinction grade and wanting to further my skills, I decided to take on Art and Design at BTEC National Certificate, followed by Foundation Studies in Art and Design, completing both qualifications at merit grade.
I find the limitless possibilities and diversity of illustration to be intriguing. Having researched contemporary illustrators such as Viktor Antonov, an architectural digital concept designer, and Ashley Wood, a commercial illustrator and concept designer, I am eager to develop my skills and knowledge. I wish to further my understanding, techniques and conceptual ideas to a higher level, and I feel I can achieve this through the Illustration degree.
I am fascinated with European architecture and I enjoy documenting sites of interest from areas abroad. My work is influenced greatly by the events of modern day and the ordinary surroundings that are commonly overlooked. I believe that anything can be examined for creative experimentation including the ordinary and urban life, and it is because of this that I respectfully admire Viktor Antonov’s ability to recreate original concepts and atmospheric designs from the ordinary urban life.
With my natural curiosity and motivation to learn, I have become adept with Photoshop CS3, which I use mainly as a compositing tool. Finding new approaches to enhance drawing in different media has always been appealing to me. With my persistent desire to explore and discover new ways of employing techniques and other creative methods, I have become familiar with other modern day software and processes such as digital painting using a Wacom Tablet, Valve’s Hammer Editor and Corel Painter Essentials.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, socialising and watching documentaries. I am an avid reader, currently reading ‘The Dice Man’ by Luke Rinehart. I also enjoy travelling and in the past year and a half I have visited Spain, France and Italy. During this year I have worked on a variety of independent projects including: video editing for a five minute short, designing a poster for the event ‘Waster’ hosted by Liquid and Envy club and creating a graphic illustration for an upcoming local magazine, ‘Noir et Blanc’. In the future I hope to take on a variety of voluntary projects abroad, and am considering engaging on a Masters Degree. I aspire to contribute to the illustrative community and pursue a career as a commercial or concept artist.
Through working voluntarily at the British Heart Foundation and now currently working in Tesco Express, I have gained more confidence dealing in public situations and working within a team as well as extending my interpersonal skills. I believe that these skills, as well as my ambitious nature will help me excel at university. Having visited and read about your university, together with my impression and general feeling of it, and the course’ reputation, I am confident that it is the right university for me. I look forward to working with others who have interests akin to my own, and I am keen to become a part of your community.
I find the limitless possibilities and diversity of illustration to be intriguing. Having researched contemporary illustrators such as Viktor Antonov, an architectural digital concept designer, and Ashley Wood, a commercial illustrator and concept designer, I am eager to develop my skills and knowledge. I wish to further my understanding, techniques and conceptual ideas to a higher level, and I feel I can achieve this through the Illustration degree.
I am fascinated with European architecture and I enjoy documenting sites of interest from areas abroad. My work is influenced greatly by the events of modern day and the ordinary surroundings that are commonly overlooked. I believe that anything can be examined for creative experimentation including the ordinary and urban life, and it is because of this that I respectfully admire Viktor Antonov’s ability to recreate original concepts and atmospheric designs from the ordinary urban life.
With my natural curiosity and motivation to learn, I have become adept with Photoshop CS3, which I use mainly as a compositing tool. Finding new approaches to enhance drawing in different media has always been appealing to me. With my persistent desire to explore and discover new ways of employing techniques and other creative methods, I have become familiar with other modern day software and processes such as digital painting using a Wacom Tablet, Valve’s Hammer Editor and Corel Painter Essentials.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, socialising and watching documentaries. I am an avid reader, currently reading ‘The Dice Man’ by Luke Rinehart. I also enjoy travelling and in the past year and a half I have visited Spain, France and Italy. During this year I have worked on a variety of independent projects including: video editing for a five minute short, designing a poster for the event ‘Waster’ hosted by Liquid and Envy club and creating a graphic illustration for an upcoming local magazine, ‘Noir et Blanc’. In the future I hope to take on a variety of voluntary projects abroad, and am considering engaging on a Masters Degree. I aspire to contribute to the illustrative community and pursue a career as a commercial or concept artist.
Through working voluntarily at the British Heart Foundation and now currently working in Tesco Express, I have gained more confidence dealing in public situations and working within a team as well as extending my interpersonal skills. I believe that these skills, as well as my ambitious nature will help me excel at university. Having visited and read about your university, together with my impression and general feeling of it, and the course’ reputation, I am confident that it is the right university for me. I look forward to working with others who have interests akin to my own, and I am keen to become a part of your community.
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