If you are in the mood for zombies, watch the Night of the living dead movie. This zombie horror movie franchise originated with George A. Romero’s first film, which is based on the popular novel by the same name. George A. Romero co-wrote and directed this horror movie. In this review, I will discuss the movie’s plot, actors, and subtext. Hopefully, I will inspire you to watch this classic.
George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead
The plot revolves around a group of individuals who take refuge in an abandoned house. They are tasked with keeping zombies and reanimated bodies under control as they find ways to infiltrate the house. While they attempt to keep the zombies under control, they discover other methods to attack people. They must use all of their skills to fight off the zombies, while still ensuring their own survival.
The movie has undergone several name changes. Originally called “Night of the Flesh Eaters,” it was changed just before release. The name change occurred after Continental Distributing forgot to include a copyright notice. Despite the name change, the film remains a classic, and its popularity has grown since its release. Aside from its popularity, Night of the Living Dead was also controversial because of its sexual themes.
While Romero’s zombie films are notorious for their gore, he was dissatisfied with how the series ended. The director collaborated with Paolo Zelati to write a film treatment that would explain what happened to the zombies in the Land of the Dead. This movie also depicted the end of humankind. However, the production of the film was put on hold by Romero’s lung cancer, and it was eventually remade by director Tom Savini.
The original film had a modest budget, with just $114,000 and was shot entirely in black and white. The movie was produced on a modest budget and starred producer Russell Streiner as the first victim. It was not widely distributed and was initially rejected by distributors. However, after it gained the trust of the Walter Reade Organization, the film was eventually released in the US.
While the original Night of the Living Dead movie was set during the Civil Rights Movement, the movie’s racially charged ending has caused controversy. Ben, the black man in the film, rises from the basement of his farmhouse after the zombies have been killed. However, he is shot by a white sheriff’s deputy. The movie has many layers of commentary. It is well worth watching.
Its narrative structure
The structure of the Night of the Living Dead movie is similar to the classic Hollywood narrative: beginning in a state of equilibrium, disrupting it, then returning to it at the end. While Wood’s comments about the movie’s structure are pertinent to the movie’s plot and conclusion, they do not fully capture its narrative arc. The movie’s structure reflects Romero’s desire to create a story that is both entertaining and socially-charged.
One of the most significant aspects of Night of the Living Dead is the racial allegory. The African-American protagonist, Ben, defied stereotypes and becomes a hero to the black community. The film was released during high racial tensions and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. This portrayal of black survival has made it an important historical and cultural landmark.
Despite its differences in tone and storyline from other films of its era, Night of the Living Dead is still an effective horror film. It was a Saturday matinee special, and its audience was the same youthful crowd. Nevertheless, critics questioned the film’s narrative structure. While the movie has many similarities to other genres, it stands out from its time period for several reasons. For example, it is a distinctly different type of film than other horror films, and therefore, it follows classical theater structure.
The film’s structure is primarily a mystery. While most horror films follow characters who have survived, Night of the Living Dead does not. Rather, it follows the lives of Ben Cooper (Duane Jones) and Barbara Cole (Judith O’Dea) in a rural farmhouse in Pennsylvania. Throughout the movie, the two characters must fight against the undead hordes while trying to protect themselves and each other.
As the first zombie movie, Night of the Living Dead was directed by George Romero. In many ways, the movie has become synonymous with the director’s name, and it encourages auteurist interpretations. Its narrative structure is also extremely complex, and it challenges viewers’ assumptions about the genre as a whole. This film is not only a great example of genre structure, but also a remarkably ambitious work of art.
Its subtext
The 1968 zombie film Night of the Living Dead is a classic in its own right. Directed by George A. Romero, it dealt with a family in a farmhouse, a world that was filled with zombies, and its shoddy production values and untested actors belied its potential. The movie was also notable for featuring black actor Duane Jones as the lead character, Ben. Ben is a clever and strong zombie, although not necessarily one to survive.
Its actors
One of the most famous zombie movies of all time was “Night of the Living Dead”, and its cast consists of some of Hollywood’s most legendary actors. During the early years, the film was a cult sensation, with audiences flocking to the theaters in droves. The movie was so popular that it even spawned several sequels. However, the cult status of the film soon began to fade, as audiences became more jaded to the reoccurring zombie movies.
In the original film, the cast of the film consisted of local Pittsburgh stage actors, members of the Image Ten production crew, and Romero’s acquaintances. The movie pushed many of its cast members into the world of the motion picture industry. Thirty years after its debut, the movie earned two prestigious honors. The Library of Congress added it to the National Film Registry, and the American Film Institute named it one of their 100 Years, 100 Thrills films. A recent television show on Bravo rated it as one of the scariest movies of all time.
Despite being intended for adults, “Night of the Living Dead” became an instant hit in the world of horror movies. The movie’s heightened maturity made it a hit and a huge buzz. After the film’s release, word of mouth spread all over the world. Unlike many other movies that were deemed inappropriate by censors, “Night of the Living Dead” is no exception.
Although the movie’s actors are primarily made-up, some actors have been credited for their work. In “Night of the Living Dead,” Judith O’Dea, a 23-year-old actress, had been acting since she was fifteen. She had just moved to Hollywood and was auditioning for the role of Barbra, the daughter of a deceased woman. Actor Russell Streiner recalled her from drama school.
Another notable actor is Philip Smith, who played the Ghoul in “Night of the Living Dead.” In real life, he married Ella Mae and was a beloved husband and father. As a result, he had little control over the confluence of zombies and ghouls. He also had a deep love for the horror genre, and attended the Living Dead Festival in Evans City. Among his many friends, Richard, nicknamed “The Rev,” loved to listen to people’s problems and offer sound spiritual advice.