DOTD 1979 Image Analysis 1

Stephen, who is the stereotypical male hero with his good looks, proves to the audience he lacks strength and masculine traits by missing a zombie when shooting several times. Roger enters the shot and kills the zombie with one attempt. This makes Stephen look pathetic and not manly. The gun is also a phallic symbol, so this shot hints that Stephen has no power when it comes to sexually pleasing women. The facial expression of Stephen suggests he is ashamed and confused as to why Roger steps in to help, as he doesn’t want to admit that he lacks masculinity. The facial expression of Roger is smug and degrading of Stephen as he knows the lack of power he has.