Which of the following has contributed to changing the depiction of zombies in cinema?

Improved special effects have significantly transformed the depiction of zombies in cinema by enhancing the visual realism and impact of their portrayal. As technology has advanced, filmmakers have gained access to more sophisticated tools that allow for lifelike representations of decay, transformation, and surreal phenomena associated with the undead. This evolution in special effects has made it possible to create more frightening and nuanced representations of zombies, moving beyond the simplistic or cartoonish depictions that were prevalent in earlier films.

Furthermore, modern special effects have enabled filmmakers to explore new dimensions of horror and psychological complexity within zombie narratives. This innovation also expands the ways in which zombies interact with their environments and with living characters, thereby elevating the overall storytelling.

In contrast, classic storytelling techniques, fixed character archetypes, and minimal makeup application are not the primary drivers of change in zombie depictions. While these elements have their own importance in literature and film, they do not impact the visual representation to the same extent as advancements in special effects technology.