Cillian Murphy’s Iconic ’28 Days Later’ Scene Was Built From Only Four Simple Script Lines—Here’s How

The 2002 post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Days Later, directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, is a masterpiece that has become a touchstone in the genre. Among the film’s many iconic moments, one scene stands out as a haunting portrayal of isolation and desolation: the Empty London scene. In a recent feature for GQ’s Iconic series, Garland revealed that the most impactful moment in the film was constructed with just four script lines, demonstrating the power of visual storytelling and the minimalist nature of the script.

Context and Significance

28 Days Later follows Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to find a world turned upside down. A rage virus has decimated the population, leaving London — and, eventually, the world — empty. Jim’s first moments of discovering this desolate, post-apocalyptic city are captured in one of the film’s most haunting sequences: the Empty London scene. This sequence, where Jim walks through a deserted Piccadilly Circus and the silent streets of the city, has remained one of the most unforgettable moments in modern horror cinema.

In the GQ Iconic interview, Garland takes a deep dive into the making of this scene, highlighting the simplicity behind its construction. What’s most striking is the fact that the entire sequence was crafted from just four lines of script, a minimalist framework that allowed Garland and Boyle to create a scene with maximum emotional impact through its visual and auditory elements.

The Minimalist Script

The brevity of the script is particularly impressive when you consider how monumental the Empty London scene became. While the full transcript of the four lines isn’t available, Garland’s discussion reveals the essential components. The script provided a framework for Jim’s awakening and his realization of the world around him:

1. “Jim wakes up, confused, in a silent hospital.”

2. “He steps outside, finding the streets empty.”

3. “No signs of life, only silence.”

4. “Jim calls out, but no response.”

These sparse directions left room for Boyle’s direction and the cinematography of Anthony Dod Mantle to bring the scene to life. Garland’s process, as seen in GQ, emphasizes his belief in visual storytelling, where moments are driven by the environment and atmosphere rather than dialogue. In the Empty London scene, Garland and Boyle’s use of minimal scripting combined with expansive, empty shots allows the city itself to become a character — one that speaks volumes about the collapse of society without uttering a word.

The Role of Visual Storytelling

The magic of this scene lies in its visual execution. With a limited budget, the filmmakers turned to creative solutions to make the most of their surroundings. Filming in real locations across London, often in the early hours of the morning, allowed the team to capture the city at its eeriest — devoid of people, cars, or signs of life. The camera lingers on landmarks like Piccadilly Circus, an iconic location usually teeming with crowds, now a ghost town. The decision to use digital video, which was relatively novel at the time, added a raw, documentary-like feel that further emphasized the authenticity of Jim’s shocking discovery.

Rather than relying on heavy dialogue, the scene conveys the isolation and dread Jim feels as he grapples with the reality of his situation. The use of sound — or the lack thereof — is equally important. The absolute silence of the city, broken only by Jim’s footsteps and his faint calls for help, heightens the sense of loneliness and despair, drawing the audience into Jim’s experience.

Garland’s Philosophy on Screenwriting

In his GQ interview, Garland reflects on his approach to screenwriting, which often leans towards simplicity. He has previously discussed his writing philosophy in interviews, highlighting his belief that less is more. In an earlier discussion with Creative Screenwriting, Garland explained that his drafts focus on discovering the visual potential of a scene, allowing the camera and the actors to do much of the storytelling. This minimalist approach is a hallmark of 28 Days Later, where powerful imagery and sparse dialogue combine to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Empty London scene exemplifies Garland’s belief in visual power. By stripping away excess dialogue and allowing the environment to speak for itself, the film taps into a primal sense of fear and abandonment. The minimal script forced the filmmakers to rely on their craft — from the direction to the cinematography — to convey the story’s emotional weight.

Cillian Murphy’s Performance and Garland’s Long-Lasting Relationship

Another key element of the scene’s success is Cillian Murphy’s understated yet emotionally charged performance. Murphy’s portrayal of Jim, particularly in this opening sequence, captures the character’s confusion, fear, and growing sense of hopelessness as he realizes the world has changed irreversibly. His vulnerability is a crucial part of the film’s impact, and his collaboration with Garland has continued to evolve, with Murphy being a key part of Garland’s later projects, including the upcoming 28 Years Later.

Garland’s relationship with Murphy, which began with 28 Days Later, is an enduring creative partnership. Murphy’s ability to convey complex emotions through subtle gestures and expressions is a testament to his talent, and Garland has frequently highlighted Murphy’s role in elevating his scripts to new emotional heights. Their continued collaboration speaks to the trust and mutual respect they share, making Murphy an integral part of Garland’s cinematic vision.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Scene

The Empty London scene from 28 Days Later remains a shining example of how effective minimalism in filmmaking can be. By constructing the scene with just four script lines, Garland, Boyle, and the crew were able to create a moment of immense power — one that continues to resonate with audiences more than two decades after its release. The scene’s simplicity, combined with its haunting imagery and emotional depth, sets it apart as one of the most iconic moments in post-apocalyptic cinema. As Garland revisits this pivotal moment in his career, it’s clear that his approach to storytelling — one that values visual emotion over excessive exposition — continues to influence filmmakers and audiences alike.

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Director Alex Garland remembers the how the most impactful scene in ’28 Days Later’ was constructed from only four script lines. For GQ’s Iconic, Garland dives into the 2002 zombie film that started a franchise and his long-lasting relationship with Cillian Murphy.

♬ original sound – GQ