Cyclonus
09-27-2002, 02:51 PM
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Director: George A. Romero
Cast: Ken Foree, David Emge, Scott H. Reiniger, Gaylen Ross
Screenwriter: George A. Romero
Producers: Dario Argento, Richard P. Rubinstein
A United Film Distribution release
http://www.joblo.com/arrow/arrowimages/arrowdawnofthedead.jpg
George Romero deserves credit for his refusal to pander to the Hollywood machine, although it cost him mainstream success. But thus is the price of being an independent filmmaker. Case in point: Dawn of the Dead could never have been financed by a major studio; they would all have shied away from the extreme violence and grim situation. I doubt that a global invasion of zombies would have been very appealing to a reactionary studio exec.
That's a shame, because the film proudly displays Romero at the peak of his creative powers. He boldly shuns all mortal standards of good taste, as humans and zombies are shot, disemboweled, and otherwise dealt grievous harm. No restraint is exercised if it can be helped. The film is gloriously, delightfully excessive. Picture Romero as a devious child, enjoying his playchest of cinematic goodies, and you will have some idea of the spirit that drove the production.
It's more than "just a horror movie." You actually care for the characters. Unlike many generic slashers, all the principals are sympathetic, and we wholeheartedly wish for their safety. This fact dawns on us, in an absolutely gripping scene (which I wouldn't dream of revealing) at the very end of the film. I also appreciate the social satire, which demonstrates that a horror film can possess at least some degree of social relevance. Kudos, also, to Tom Savini's memorably gory makeup effects, and to Ken Foree's solid performance as the SWAT team leader; he reminds me of Laurence Fishburne. The rest of the cast perform adequately.
I need not remind you that this is an intense, edgy movie that could never secure financing in today's conservative climate. It was never submitted to the MPAA, which would have been a waste of time and effort, as it would have been slapped with an X rating before the first reel was half over. However, it's a treat for the adventurous filmgoer. Just make sure to treat it as if it was already rated NC-17.
8/10.
Director: George A. Romero
Cast: Ken Foree, David Emge, Scott H. Reiniger, Gaylen Ross
Screenwriter: George A. Romero
Producers: Dario Argento, Richard P. Rubinstein
A United Film Distribution release
http://www.joblo.com/arrow/arrowimages/arrowdawnofthedead.jpg
George Romero deserves credit for his refusal to pander to the Hollywood machine, although it cost him mainstream success. But thus is the price of being an independent filmmaker. Case in point: Dawn of the Dead could never have been financed by a major studio; they would all have shied away from the extreme violence and grim situation. I doubt that a global invasion of zombies would have been very appealing to a reactionary studio exec.
That's a shame, because the film proudly displays Romero at the peak of his creative powers. He boldly shuns all mortal standards of good taste, as humans and zombies are shot, disemboweled, and otherwise dealt grievous harm. No restraint is exercised if it can be helped. The film is gloriously, delightfully excessive. Picture Romero as a devious child, enjoying his playchest of cinematic goodies, and you will have some idea of the spirit that drove the production.
It's more than "just a horror movie." You actually care for the characters. Unlike many generic slashers, all the principals are sympathetic, and we wholeheartedly wish for their safety. This fact dawns on us, in an absolutely gripping scene (which I wouldn't dream of revealing) at the very end of the film. I also appreciate the social satire, which demonstrates that a horror film can possess at least some degree of social relevance. Kudos, also, to Tom Savini's memorably gory makeup effects, and to Ken Foree's solid performance as the SWAT team leader; he reminds me of Laurence Fishburne. The rest of the cast perform adequately.
I need not remind you that this is an intense, edgy movie that could never secure financing in today's conservative climate. It was never submitted to the MPAA, which would have been a waste of time and effort, as it would have been slapped with an X rating before the first reel was half over. However, it's a treat for the adventurous filmgoer. Just make sure to treat it as if it was already rated NC-17.
8/10.