Film Review: George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead

Introduction

"When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth." This chilling tagline encapsulates the essence of George A. Romero’s "Dawn of the Dead," a seminal work in the zombie genre and one of the most influential horror films ever made. Produced on a modest budget of under one million dollars in 1978, the film set new standards for both intelligent horror and graphic gore.

Plot Overview

"Dawn of the Dead" serves as a sequel to Romero’s groundbreaking "Night of the Living Dead," taking place just weeks after the events of the original. Humanity is losing its battle against the undead, and the situation appears increasingly dire. The story follows a small group of survivors—a TV director, a helicopter weather pilot, and two SWAT officers—who commandeer a helicopter to escape the chaos engulfing their city. They eventually find refuge in an abandoned suburban shopping mall, where they decide to wait out the apocalypse.

A Shift in Tone

While "Night of the Living Dead" was a dark, claustrophobic horror film, "Dawn of the Dead" adopts a different tone. Romero himself described the film as more of a "romp," and it incorporates elements of adventure. The majority of the action unfolds in the brightly lit, expansive setting of the mall, contrasting sharply with the grim atmosphere of its predecessor.

Satirical Undertones

One of the most compelling aspects of "Dawn of the Dead" is its satirical commentary on consumerism. The zombies are drawn to the mall because it "was an important place in their lives," shuffling aimlessly to the backdrop of annoying muzak and recorded announcements. This setting serves as a biting critique of modern society’s obsession with materialism. The film suggests that human greed and the desire for more "stuff" are ultimately more destructive than the zombies themselves.

Horror Elements

Despite its satirical undertones, "Dawn of the Dead" remains a genuinely frightening film. Romero’s depiction of a society on the brink of collapse is chilling, and the relentless nature of the zombie hordes creates a pervasive sense of dread. The cause of the zombies' reanimation is never explained, adding to the film’s atmosphere of confusion and desperation. The only certainty is that the zombies can only be stopped by destroying their brains.

Special Effects and Makeup

The film’s gore effects, created by Tom Savini, are spectacular and hold up well even by today’s standards. While the blood may resemble melted crayons, this adds to the film’s campy charm without detracting from its impact. However, the makeup for the zombies, also handled by Savini, leaves something to be desired. Most of the zombies are simply extras with blue makeup, a likely result of the film’s low budget and tight schedule. Despite this, Romero manages to make the zombies visually distinctive, turning them into memorable characters like the overacting nurse zombie, the business suit zombie, and the Hare Krishna zombie.

Performances

The performances in "Dawn of the Dead" are generally acceptable, especially considering that the cast was composed of unknown and largely unproven actors. Romero is known for his preference for working with non-stars, and this choice adds a layer of authenticity to the film.

Conclusion

Despite its minor flaws, "Dawn of the Dead" is a masterpiece of intelligent horror. It stands as a legitimate classic, on par with its predecessor, "Night of the Living Dead." For anyone interested in cinematic horror or film in general, "Dawn of the Dead" is essential viewing.

Interesting Stats

• Budget and Box Office: Made for less than $1 million, "Dawn of the Dead" grossed over $55 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable horror films of its time (Box Office Mojo).
• Critical Acclaim: The film holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread critical acclaim (Rotten Tomatoes).
• Cultural Impact: "Dawn of the Dead" has been referenced in numerous other films, TV shows, and even video games, cementing its status as a cultural icon.

Sources

1. Box Office Mojo
2. Rotten Tomatoes
3. IMDb

By blending horror with social commentary, George A. Romero’s "Dawn of the Dead" remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.