Week 3- Full Analysis

Full Analysis

For my full analysis I have decided to focus on the character of Rick Grimes, from the American TV Drama The Walking Dead, which I happen to enjoy a lot. It is also worth noting that I will be focusing on the television character of Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln, and not the comic book character of Rick Grimes.

Sound

The sound used throughout The Walking Dead is complex, using a soundtrack full of lots of dramatic music which connotates the danger and intensity of the scenes which take  place in the show. On the other hand, for Rick's character there has been some parts of the soundtrack which reflect his leadership skills and control of the group he leads but mainly the soundtrack is used to show the overall situation. There is no voice-over for Rick and instead his sound is used through his dialogue. His dialogue is usually based around survival of himself and the group and again, the dialogue connotates him as the leader. This conforms to the male stereotype that all men are powerful and dominant.

Editing

The editing used for Rick and for the whole show, for the most part, is continuity editing and this is used to show the events of the apocalypse as they go along from start, when we find Rick in a hospital bed, to current day events of the series. However, there has been some usage of montage editing in some episodes to show the events of Rick and co fighting off a large group of zombies or surviving day to day for a time for example. The editing technique of fade out has been used in the show and for Rick several times before. Usually it has been used after showing a dramatic or massive turning point in the storyline. The use of it leaves the audience on the edge of their seats and makes the events that have just transpired before the fade out have a larger lasting impact on the audience.

Mise En Scene 

The costume for Rick has changed between different series' of the show. In the first series he wore a sheriff attire, which he wore because he was a sheriff before the apocalypse and obviously finding new attire was not high up on his list of priorities. Also, this attire connotates that Rick is a significant character and that he is a leader. However, he also has worn a very fitted look and this connotates that he is a wise character. The body language of Rick changes between situation throughout the show however his body language increasingly becomes one of a tall, upright man as he emerges into the leader of the group. Much like, his body language, his facial expressions change between situation. For example, when confronted by a horde of zombies Rick has very concerned facial expressions. But, as Rick tries to lead the group, more and more his facial expressions become more friendly and thoughtful. This connotates that he is trying to reassure his group and be the leader. The setting of the show and where Rick is changes a lot because of the situations he is put in. However, this ever changing setting show's us the apocalyptic situation and connotates the danger ever-present to Rick. Also, in series 2, Rick finds safe haven on a farm for a long while. This setting is more friendly and connotates that they are safer than they would be in the outside world.

Cinematography 

Much like the other micro aspects I have looked at, there is differing uses of cinematography used to show the different situations which Rick gets himself into. This includes high angle shots to show he is vulnerable when faced in troubling situations like facing a horde of zombies and when his character has emotional problems. However, there is a general theme for Rick. Mainly, Rick is represented as being powerful and a leader. This is shown through the use of low angle shots which connotates Rick as being a leader of men and being dominant. This conforms to the male stereotype that all men are leaders and are dominant. For Rick, there is also a large use of close ups to portray his emotions in varying circumstances. However, there is also a nice use of long shots to show the background (usually displaying a large amount of zombies or abandoned area). Notably, there is an iconic long shot from the first series which shows Rick on horseback riding into an abandoned city. 

Overall, Rick is displayed as a character who is a leader and acts on his morals but he is emotional and questions his character through the use of varying techniques through the 4 micro aspects.