Night of the Living Dead

Night of the Living Dead (1968) is a seminal horror film directed by George A. Romero which was to transfigure the horror-movie genre. The plot is simple and familiar to viewers even casually acquainted with the genre: the dead come to life, spreading their condition through the United States and attacking the living in order to feed upon their flesh. It was filmed in Evans City, Pennsylvania.

Related Topics:
1968 - Horror film - George A. Romero - Genre - Evans City, Pennsylvania

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Although a low budget film (it cost around $114,000 to produce) and helmed by a first-time director, the film is considered a horror classic by many film critics, and placed #93 on the American Film Institute's 100 Years, 100 Thrills list. It was shot in black and white, and employed cost-saving special effects as using Bosco chocolate syrup as cinema blood. Extras working on the film got one dollar and a T-Shirt Stating "I Was A Zombie In Night of the Living Dead!"

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The film comments slyly on racism in the United States and reverses some stereotypes. Perhaps the most sympathetic character is a young black man who takes refuge within a farm house. It must be noted, however, that Romero has denied choosing Duane Jones as a black actor specifically for the part, claiming that he merely gave the best audition. However, the film's treatment of women is much less generous; one, Barbara, suffers such psychological damage after the loss of her brother, and is reduced to semi-psychotic gibbering for the remainder of the film. Judy propagates the notion of women as hysterical, leading to her own death and that of her lover. Helen Cooper's character, while initially strong-willed, also becomes hysterical late in the film, and dies as a result. Her husband, Harry Cooper, also appears to exhibit both sexist and racist attitudes; however, as his character is intended to be regarded negatively, this is perhaps more negligible.

Related Topics:
Racism - Duane Jones - Hysterical

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