Night of the Living Dead- blog
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Nov 24, 2024
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"Night of the Living Dead" (1968) Film Blog
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I have watched annals of horror cinema, but none has been like George Romero's "Night
of the Living Dead" (1968). This is amongst the few films which have left as indelible a mark in
that film category. Well, beyond its sheer terror and gut-churning suspense, this cult classic
serves as a captivating canvas onto which we can paint layers of socio-political interpretations.
By examining the film through the frameworks of Critical Race Theory and Post-Colonial
Theory, we unearth hidden narratives that heighten its impact and relevance. I remember first
time I watched this movie, "Night of the Living Dead" I saw it to be a straightforward zombie
apocalypse narrative. To my surprise, this was not the case since I was provoked by my dad to
start seeing some of the themes which he thought were important for me to learn. In case you
haven’t watched this film, you do know how much you are losing. This ranges from how the film
engages themes of systemic racism, otherness, to the complexities of racial dynamics which one
is supposed to be more aware of.
The protagonist, Ben, portrayed by Duane Jones, stands as a symbol of resistance against
the undead horde, echoing the struggles of marginalized individuals in a racially divided society.
His survival becomes a metaphor for navigating a world where prejudice poses as much threat as
the actual zombies. The film portrays an underlying tension between Ben and the white
characters, especially Harry Cooper, emphasizing how systemic racism persists even in times of
crisis. The tragic end of the film, with Ben's unjust demise, speaks to the harsh realities faced by
black individuals battling not only the supernatural but also deeply ingrained racial biases.
Post-Colonial Theory further enriches our understanding of "Night of the Living Dead"
by exposing the remnants of colonialism and the uneasy relationship between the living and the
undead, reminiscent of the oppressor and the oppressed.
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The zombies, an unrelenting force without individuality or humanity, mirror the
dehumanizing effects of colonialism. They lack agency, akin to the oppressed populations
subjugated under imperial rule. The eerie setting, an isolated farmhouse, can be seen as a
metaphor for the colonized nation, isolated and under siege. Just as the living characters struggle
to unite against the zombies, post-colonial societies grapple with uniting against the
psychological and cultural remnants of colonial rule.
"Night of the Living Dead" flips the conventions of the genre, providing an African-
American lead in a time when racial segregation was rampant. This Romero's genius piece lies
not just in the film's thematic exploration but he has also utilized horror to confront social issues.
Through this the viewer's expectations are challenged by the film.
It also encourages them to
engage with complex themes. What I loved most about the film is its iconic ending, where Ben is
mistaken for a zombie and shot. This causes a disruption to the notion of that cathartic resolution.
This was interesting since as an audience I was left shock and contemplation, pushing them to
confront their own biases and assumptions and this made me to continue overthinking after the
film ended.
"Night of the Living Dead" film is thought-provoking exploration of the human condition
and struggles which the society goes through nowadays. The Romero's masterpiece tackles
issues that persist today, transcending its time and genre. Despite the fact that Zombies might
have died, the film has left a huge impact as its teachings and lessons are undeniably alive with
social commentary that continues to resonate.
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