Night of the Living Dead (1968): Distilled Social Philosophy

Shirleon and Kathryn join Melvin to discuss George Romero’s groundbreaking, culture-making horror feature Night of the Living Dead (1968)! From its rich characters to the longstanding influence of horror in US culture and abroad, the gang explores the ins-and-outs of this undeniable classic! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 36-minutes discussing the concept of “Cursed Actors”, actors like Jared Leto who had a meteoric rise but then started to be in bad movies, showcase bad performances, or simply give the general populace “the ick”, and our thoughts on a few of these figures. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• George Romero’s impact on the horror genre cannot be understated. 
• The film has a lot in common with natural-disaster movies where-in its characters are stuck trying to figure out how best to survive.
• Shirleon previously disliked the character of Barbra. Now? She stan Barbra!
• Melvin feels horror movies are quintessential to the America experience.
• How the film is like a social microcosm.
• Talking about Harry Cooper, a character who may be more complex than people initially believe.
• Chattin’ the nightmarish “zombie feast” and how the entire third-act is a crazy escalation.
• Talking the incredibly evocative ending.

Recommendations:

• You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron (2023) (Novel)
• Squirrels at the window (YouTube)
• Tales from the Hood (1995) (Movie)

Night of the Living Dead (1968) is Rated R. It features Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley, and Kyra Schon. Directed by George Romero. Night of the Living Dead (1968) is available here.

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Melvin Benson is the Founder, Editor-In-Chief, and Lead Host of Cinematic Doctrine. Whether it’s a movie, show, game, comic, or novel, it doesn’t matter. As long as it’s rich, he’s ready and willing to give it a try! His hope is to see King Jesus glorified as far as the east is from the west!

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