The underlying meaning of the film Zombieland reflects the significance of a bond. The two characters that largely illustrate the formulation and sustenance of a union are Columbus and Tallahassee. As their names suggest, Columbus came from Columbus while Tallahassee from Tallahassee. However, they both survived the mysterious “mad zombie disease" wipes their people. The inner monologue by Columbus helps viewers to understand and grasp the need of connection with people. Despite the differences that Columbus has with Tallahassee, they gradually begin to delight in the company of each other. As the film draws to an end, the characters become best friends (Tom, 2009). Their bond resembles that of a strange family. Most zombie films involve betrayal and characters eating each other. Therefore, the Zombieland presents a distinct concept of friendship and union. Horror fans can embrace this twist and apply the lesson of developing firm bonds with other individuals.
The conversion from people to zombies is quite extraordinary. The mutated breed of mad cow disease affected people. The disease eventually became the mad person disease. As Murray & Peper (2009) say, through a consequential process of mutation, ‘the condition became mad zombie disease’ (P 77). The effects of this ailment overran the whole United States. As a result, it transformed people into spiteful zombies. However, the disease had various survivors such as Columbus and his accomplice Tallassee whom he later meets on his way to Columbus, Ohio.
Fear sets in the lives of people who have not been converted to zombies. This causes them to engage in various activities in order to safeguard their existence. An example is Murray who is not affected by the disease, but disguises himself as a zombie. This is an effort to survive in a zombie populated land. Murray’s intention is to walk freely in town and participate in activities such as playing golf. However, he does not achieve his target as he is shot by Columbus who mistakes him for a real zombie. This indicates that people do not treat each other in a human way after the Zombies are discovered. There is a need to eliminate Zombies as they have caused damage such as the killing of people and animals like pet dogs.
The experiences and interactions of these people demonstrate how the outbreak of "mad zombie disease” changes people’s behaviors. However, this affects their lives in different ways. As for Bill Murray, he ends up losing his life after unsuccessfully disguising his identity as a Zombie. However, to Wachita and her younger sister Little Rock, they manage to cunningly use their skills to manipulate Columbus and his friend Tallassee with whom they eventually get juxtaposed and enjoy a happier company in their subsequent adventurous journeys.
Despite their attempts to change, Columbus, Tallahassee, Wachita and the Little Rock later become open. Unlike Murray, they were out to salvage the society and protect it from the dreaded “mad zombie disease.” For instance, as the story unfolds, Wachita openly ‘declares her real name as Krista’ (Harry, 2009). They both offered to sacrifice their lives to help America. They both leave their towns to traverse different pars of the country. For example, Columbus had to leave his hometown Columbus to travel to Texas, Hollywood and Pacific Playland. Thus, they end up as the heroes whose determination, concern and boldness should be emulated.
Works Cited
Harry Knowles (Friday, January 16, 2009 - 4:15 am). "Some info has come in regarding the Woody Harrelson horror-comedy Zombieland!!!"Ain't It Cool News.
Retrieved from: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/39787
On 30th/11/2013
Murray, Bill & George Peper (2009). Cinderella Story: My Life in Golf. Doubleday.
Tom Russo (2009-10-04). "Of zombies and Twinkies. Comic pair find humor amid gore and snack cakes" The Boston Globe. p. 2.
