This 9-frame analysis summarizes how the film challenges horror film conventions through its use of comedy. In frame 1, a small dog drinking tea represents the start of infection, using an unconventional representation. Frame 3 shows ketchup on a nametag rather than blood. Frame 5 features a character dismissing a radio warning about infection through the use of comedy rather than building tension. Frame 7 uses contrasting fonts in the title credits while still conveying a dark atmosphere. Frame 9 features a comedic moment of a character falling that reduces tension rather than building it, as is standard for horror films.

1. Dead Lazy 9-Frame Analysis
By Josh James

2. In this scene we can see a small dog drinking tea out of a cup. This shot Is
meant to represent how the infection started (transmitted by the dog).
This shot challenges the forms and conventions of real media products by
having a small and ‘wimpy’ dog, which conveys comedy. In a standard
media product, the dog would probably be bigger and scarier as the movie
is a horror.

3. Here we can see a close-up of the nametag of our main character. The
nametag tells us the name of the main character and also tells us a little
about the character, namely that he is employed.
Standard conventions are challenged because in a horror film you would presume
that the red substance on the nametag would be blood but after the camera
zooms in a little you can see that it is in fact tomato ketchup.

4. In this shot we can see the main character in his car after hearing the radio broadcast.
This challenges the forms found in other movies because the main character is not worried
by the broadcast, instead he says ‘Bullshit’ and drives off. Standard forms are developed as
the horror narrative is shown through the radio rather than speech or actions.

5. In this shot and the other shots of this scene, we see the main character
driving home from work with lively music playing in the background.
The challenge of this scene is the lively music. In horror films you would expect to hear
music that helps convey the horror atmosphere but the music from our project is the
opposite of this.

6. Here we can see the main title credits of our film.
The use of font challenges standard conventions because the two different fonts
used contrast each other. The standard forms and conventions are also used
because darkness is used, an icon of horror.

7. In this shot, the main character falls over while running into the house. He then
promptly picks himself up and carries on.
This shot challenges standard forms and conventions because it adds comedy into a
scene which is meant to be all about horror. The trip by the main character removes
some of the intensity of the scene which is the opposite to what other horror films do
(build tension).

8. Here we can see our other main character sitting on the sofa, surrounded by empty
beer cans and rubbish. This mise-en-scene reflects on the characters personality.
This shot challenges the forms and conventions of other horror films because it
almost tricks the audience. The audience would be expecting a horror scene but
instead they are met with a more comical scene.

9. In this shot, the zombie can be seen walking in the background, slightly out of focus.
In the foreground we can see one of the main characters sorting through mail.
This conforms to standard conventions of horror as the zombie hasn’t been noticed by
the characters, building the tension of this scene.

10. In this shot we see the zombie sitting next to one character and the other character
entering the room. The character on the sofa screams like a girl.
Forms and conventions are challenged through the use of the scream because this scene
is primarily horror and the scream adds comical effect. This helps to break up the horror
atmosphere which is what horror films hardly ever do.