Zombie Movies - the Basics
A friend is writing some fiction with zombies and asked for input. This is my recommended viewing list for general background zombie knowledge. I thought it was interesting enough for the blog, so here you go!
Know the name: George A. Romero. There is a reason almost half of the movies on this list where made by him.
Night of the Living Dead:
The "Lord of the Rings" of the modern zombie movie. This movie has informed and inspired every zombie movie made since then. Purists hold that "if it's fast, it's not a zombie!" Almost more contraversal because of the lead character is black - taking charge, taking names, bossing white people and striking a white woman.
Dawn of the Dead:
The zombie apocalypse is at hand, and we're stuck in a mall. The first sequel. Is there hope? Uh...
Day of the Dead:
One of the sequels.One of the main characters scientifically examines zombie physiology and psychology - what makes zombies tick? An underground military complex after the world has been overrun by zombies. People are going a LITTLE stir crazy. Post zombie apocalypse.
Dawn of the Dead (2004) Technically a remake of Romero's movie of the same name, but a different take on the themes. People are holed up in a mall. What are the choices we need to make? An example of the recent "fast" zombie camp. Also, more examination of "what if..?"
28 Days Later - Purists say it is not a zombie movie, but it has influenced the genre. Another recent "fast zombie" movie. The funny link I sent you a while ago? This movie is the template, although you don't see the first part where the scientists got all cocky. The Brits can bring it when it comes to horror.
After you see these (at least a couple), then I will lend you "Shaun of the Dead." We are back to the old school slow zombie and patient, steady, overwhelming, numbers - and how people deal with that. Nice sociological "what makes zombies different from us?" And the juxaposition of nice suburban Britain and manners and whatnot versus icky, drippy, persistent zombies. Funny with real heart. This is before the apocalypse.
And "Zombieland" is after the apocalypse. The rules that the main character has developed over the time spent in Zombieland are very practical. How do those rules work when you are in a group of people? What are other people's rules or methods to deal with the situation? Funny, with a bit of heart, more ridiculous than Shaun but worthy of being in the same Facebook note.
Other lists of this kind contain one or more of the "Evil Dead" trilogy but I can't get past that it's mostly people possessed by demons - therefore self aware (the demon is, at least) and self directed, not by a hunger. "Resident Evil" trilogy is also mentioned, but, meh, the story is more on the scientists and the effects and the journey of the main character. Also based on a game so tends to be a progression of "get into this, get out of this, get into this situation, shoot your way out, go to this section, get a thing, more over here" at least in my mind! Other movies that appear on people's lists I have not seen, like Braindead and the classic White Zombie (1932, seriously Vaudin/voodoo old school, which I haven't touched on, but if the voodoo angle interests you, try "The Serpent and the Rainbow"). So, I can't offer an opinion, but you can find those lists on the 'net, that's what I did to review!
Bonus Amber's Humble Opinions Section: Random Themes
Science messing with nature/Frankenstein kind of themes that pop up when zombies are caused by contagion or environmental pollution. Hubris of scientists. The erasing of personality - like how the Borg were so scary (until they got individual personalities - silver body suits aside). Americans are terrified to losing their individuality. (Tangent: It would be interesting to see how zombie movies are seen through the culture of communal societies like Japan - the needs and desires of the group are more important than the individual.) Aimless life - are we functional zombies (like in the mall or in Shaun's Britain)? Being holed up, trapped, no way out. what kind of decisions do you need to make to survive? Kill a zombie baby? Your mother?
Know the name: George A. Romero. There is a reason almost half of the movies on this list where made by him.
Night of the Living Dead:
The "Lord of the Rings" of the modern zombie movie. This movie has informed and inspired every zombie movie made since then. Purists hold that "if it's fast, it's not a zombie!" Almost more contraversal because of the lead character is black - taking charge, taking names, bossing white people and striking a white woman.
Dawn of the Dead:
The zombie apocalypse is at hand, and we're stuck in a mall. The first sequel. Is there hope? Uh...
Day of the Dead:
One of the sequels.One of the main characters scientifically examines zombie physiology and psychology - what makes zombies tick? An underground military complex after the world has been overrun by zombies. People are going a LITTLE stir crazy. Post zombie apocalypse.
Dawn of the Dead (2004) Technically a remake of Romero's movie of the same name, but a different take on the themes. People are holed up in a mall. What are the choices we need to make? An example of the recent "fast" zombie camp. Also, more examination of "what if..?"
28 Days Later - Purists say it is not a zombie movie, but it has influenced the genre. Another recent "fast zombie" movie. The funny link I sent you a while ago? This movie is the template, although you don't see the first part where the scientists got all cocky. The Brits can bring it when it comes to horror.
After you see these (at least a couple), then I will lend you "Shaun of the Dead." We are back to the old school slow zombie and patient, steady, overwhelming, numbers - and how people deal with that. Nice sociological "what makes zombies different from us?" And the juxaposition of nice suburban Britain and manners and whatnot versus icky, drippy, persistent zombies. Funny with real heart. This is before the apocalypse.
And "Zombieland" is after the apocalypse. The rules that the main character has developed over the time spent in Zombieland are very practical. How do those rules work when you are in a group of people? What are other people's rules or methods to deal with the situation? Funny, with a bit of heart, more ridiculous than Shaun but worthy of being in the same Facebook note.
Other lists of this kind contain one or more of the "Evil Dead" trilogy but I can't get past that it's mostly people possessed by demons - therefore self aware (the demon is, at least) and self directed, not by a hunger. "Resident Evil" trilogy is also mentioned, but, meh, the story is more on the scientists and the effects and the journey of the main character. Also based on a game so tends to be a progression of "get into this, get out of this, get into this situation, shoot your way out, go to this section, get a thing, more over here" at least in my mind! Other movies that appear on people's lists I have not seen, like Braindead and the classic White Zombie (1932, seriously Vaudin/voodoo old school, which I haven't touched on, but if the voodoo angle interests you, try "The Serpent and the Rainbow"). So, I can't offer an opinion, but you can find those lists on the 'net, that's what I did to review!
Bonus Amber's Humble Opinions Section: Random Themes
Science messing with nature/Frankenstein kind of themes that pop up when zombies are caused by contagion or environmental pollution. Hubris of scientists. The erasing of personality - like how the Borg were so scary (until they got individual personalities - silver body suits aside). Americans are terrified to losing their individuality. (Tangent: It would be interesting to see how zombie movies are seen through the culture of communal societies like Japan - the needs and desires of the group are more important than the individual.) Aimless life - are we functional zombies (like in the mall or in Shaun's Britain)? Being holed up, trapped, no way out. what kind of decisions do you need to make to survive? Kill a zombie baby? Your mother?