Directions | Contextual Research: Danny Boyle + Days Later

After showing the rest of the group the scene I will be directing, several people suggested I look at Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later (2002), as the opening scene is very similar to the scene from The Walking Dead.  Whilst the scenes are not exactly the same, they both scenes involve the central character waking up from a coma into a post-apocalyptic world, but Darabont and Boyle have taken different approaches to explore the characters' reactions to what has happened.

Boyle utilises montage in the first scene of 28 Days Later which almost immediately gives the audience an idea of how the rest of the film will pan out, displaying violence and general turmoil across the world.  We are also introduced to the virus that breaks out and causes the world to fall into disarray.  Similarly to Frank Darabont, Boyle chooses to use slow dolly and close up shots to build the tension and atmosphere of the film.  This is effective in portraying the stillness of a post-apocalyptic world and creates a sense of mystery - when the camera dollies toward the action, it is as if the audience is being physically drawn closer to what is happening.

I found the colour grading of 28 Days Later a little jarring and almost difficult to watch.  The contrast has been vamped up and the saturation feels very uncomfortable; this is enhanced by the use of dutch tilt and low-key lighting which makes the overall look of the film seem very unnatural.  Even though I personally did not like this, I understand that Boyle has chosen to use this grading to emphasise the discomfort and unease of the central character, Jim.

I found it very interesting to have a quick look at a very similar scene, as the directors depict very different styles to highlight the same tone, however I feel Danny Boyle's style feels too forced; the visual style is not very subtle which is something I would aim to achieve in my own work.