Every major zombie character is introduced in their normal human form. The people that Shaun fail to acknowledge become the focal point of his obstacles. When they transform into zombies, he finally reaffirms his attention on their existence. The garden scene with Mary and his lack to not notice his missing mother in the backyard scene, leading up to the entrance of the Winchester Pub, are perfect examples of his forgetful characteristics. The transformation humans into zombies also coincides with his problems.
While they're minor in the beginning, the foreshadowing of their importance illuminate the early stages of the human spectatorship. They serve as the audience to his morphing struggles. The scene location of the Winchester Pub foreshadows the creation of his problems and the eventual solution to eliminating them.
The mise en scene showcases the humor of the film. Early on, everything occurs in the background and mirrors Shaun's attention span. This film makes makes you, as a spectator, want to warn the characters of the unfolding events. Shaun only becomes serious after he senses fear in lives beyond his own. When relationships are stretched thin, conflicts reunites the bond that was broken. The zombies challenged Shaun's fate, restored balance and made him aware of his damaging behavior. As an adult, Shaun was expected to be responsible. His child tactics made him a weak character.
When conflict increased, he was able to confront his fears of growing up and finally flourished as a strong character. Shaun's perception was more clear about life. He was willing to take risks. Without risks, success is limited in society. When the fate of family and friends lies in the balance of an irrational individual, decisions have to be made quickly. Decision force people to grow up. The ignorance of Shaun changed once he realized his surroundings, his attitude and the importance of maturity.
Shaun of the Dead was a film about inner personal struggles. The protagonist only changed when he is confronted with the fear of losing the loved ones that put up with his antics. Zombies contrasted the problems that Shaun ignored in the early stages of the film. When he becomes aware of the Zombies, he faces his problems. So in a sense, the zombies were a form of rehabilitation. If there were no zombies, Shaun would continue on his rampage of immaturity. The zombies were disguised as psychologists that were responsible for his treatment. Shaun rekindled his lost bond with people he loved most.
As the ending seemed unclear, the reappearance of Ed established a happy moment not utilized in classic horror films. This film fits the profile of a horror/comedy, intertwined to retain focus of the audience. So when the zombies come out, be prepare to change or they will do it for you.
