Zombies

Zombies and Pop Culture
Zombie movies have been a staple of popular culture for decades, captivating audiences with their mix of horror, suspense, and dark humor. The zombie genre first gained widespread popularity with the 1968 film "Night of the Living Dead," and since then, countless zombie movies have been produced. While the specifics of each movie may vary, the core premise is typically the same: a group of survivors must navigate a world overrun by zombies and find a way to survive.

One reason why zombie movies have remained so popular is that they offer a unique form of escapism. In these films, the audience is transported to a world where the rules have changed and the stakes are high. The survivors must use their wit, strength, and determination to overcome incredible odds, and this struggle can be both thrilling and empowering to watch. Additionally, the zombie genre provides a way for filmmakers to comment on society and address social and political issues, such as the breakdown of society, the fear of disease, and the importance of community.

The zombie genre has also had a significant impact on popular culture beyond the movie screen. Zombie-themed TV shows, video games, comic books, and novels have become increasingly popular, and many fans have embraced the zombie aesthetic in their everyday lives. Zombie-themed costumes, makeup, and merchandise are now widely available, and events like zombie walks have become a fixture in many cities around the world. The popularity of zombie culture has even inspired academic research, with scholars studying the social and cultural significance of the genre. 

Despite its popularity, the zombie genre has faced criticism and controversy. Some have argued that the genre is too violent and gory, while others have criticized the lack of originality in many zombie films. However, despite these criticisms, the zombie genre continues to endure and evolve, with new films and media exploring new and creative ways to tell zombie stories. For example, some recent zombie movies have combined the traditional horror elements with romantic comedy, science fiction, or political satire, showcasing the genre's versatility and cultural relevance.

Zombie movies tie to pop culture have had a lasting impact. The genre's unique blend of horror, suspense, and dark humor have captivated audiences for decades, and the popularity of zombie-themed media shows no signs of slowing down. Whether viewed as a form of escapism, a commentary on society, or simply a source of entertainment, zombie movies remain a fixture of popular culture and a testament to the enduring appeal of the undead.

Zombies and Mass Media
Zombie films have been a staple of the horror genre for many years, and they have become increasingly popular in recent decades, with a growing number of films and TV shows featuring zombies as the central subject. The connection between mass media and zombie films is complex and multi-layered, reflecting the impact of mass media on the way that people understand and experience the genre.

One of the key ways in which mass media has shaped zombie films is through the way that it has helped to popularize the genre, making it more accessible and widely known. Mass media outlets, such as television and movie theaters, have helped to spread the word about zombie films, and they have allowed audiences to experience the genre in new and innovative ways. In particular, the rise of streaming services and online platforms has made it possible for people to access a wide range of zombie films from around the world, and to explore the genre in more depth.

Another way in which mass media has shaped zombie films is through the way that it has influenced the way that the genre is portrayed. Mass media outlets have a powerful impact on public opinion and the cultural zeitgeist, and they have helped to shape the way that zombies are depicted in films. For example, mass media has helped to popularize certain sub-genres of zombie films, such as comedic or romantic zombie films, and it has helped to establish certain visual and narrative conventions that are associated with the genre.

A third way in which mass media has shaped zombie films is through the way that it has influenced the way that audiences understand and experience the genre. Mass media has helped to shape public perception of zombies and the zombie genre, and it has helped to create a shared cultural experience around the genre. For example, mass media has helped to foster a sense of community among fans of zombie films, who often discuss and analyze the genre online and in person.

The connection between mass media and zombie films is complex and multi-layered, reflecting the impact of mass media on the way that people understand and experience the genre. Mass media has helped to popularize the genre, to shape the way that it is portrayed, and to influence the way that audiences understand and experience it, creating a shared cultural experience around the genre.

Zombie Films' History

The history of zombie films can be traced back to the 1930s, with the release of White Zombie, a horror film that was one of the first to feature zombies as the main villains. This film set the stage for the development of the zombie genre, and subsequent films in the 1930s and 1940s continued to refine the image of the zombie as a slow-moving, undead creature.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead marked a turning point in the history of zombie films. This film introduced a new type of zombie that was faster, more aggressive, and more threatening, and it established many of the tropes and conventions of the zombie genre that are still used today. The success of Night of the Living Dead led to a surge of zombie films in the 1970s and 1980s, many of which were low-budget and exploitation-style movies.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the zombie genre experienced a resurgence, with the release of popular films such as Dawn of the Dead (2004), Shaun of the Dead (2004), and 28 Days Later (2002). These films brought new life to the genre by incorporating elements of comedy, action, and drama, and they attracted a wider audience and renewed interest in zombie movies.

Over the past decade, the popularity of zombie films has continued to grow, with the release of major Hollywood productions such as World War Z (2013) and The Walking Dead (2010-2022). In addition to traditional zombie films, the genre has also spawned TV shows, video games, and comic books, and it has become a staple of popular culture.

The history of zombie films is a rich and varied one, spanning nearly a century and encompassing a wide range of styles, themes, and interpretations. From the classic zombie films of the 1930s and 1940s to the modern, multi-faceted productions of the 21st century, zombie movies have captured the imagination of audiences and continue to be a significant part of the horror genre.

White Zombie

White Zombie is a 1932 American horror film directed by Victor Halperin. It is considered to be one of the earliest zombie films and is one of the first films to feature zombies as the central monsters. The film takes place in Haiti and follows a young man named Neil Parker who travels to the island to marry his fiancé, Madeline Short. However, Madeline is kidnapped by a voodoo master named Murder Legendre, who uses his powers to turn her into a zombie.

The film's central themes revolve around the supernatural and the occult, and it explores the idea of voodoo and zombies as a means of control and domination. The film is also notable for its use of exotic locales and its depiction of Haitian culture, which helped to establish the zombie genre's association with the Caribbean and the African diaspora.

In terms of its technical and aesthetic achievements, White Zombie is notable for its use of moody lighting and atmospheric music, which helps to create a sense of unease and terror. The film's low-budget production values also add to its overall aesthetic, and its use of practical effects, such as makeup and costumes, helps to create a convincing and frightening world.

Overall, White Zombie is an important film in the history of the zombie genre, and it remains a classic of horror cinema. Through its use of voodoo and the undead, the film helped to establish many of the conventions and tropes that would later become synonymous with the zombie genre.  Today, White Zombie is regarded as a cult classic and is recognized as one of the earliest and most influential zombie films ever.

Tropes

Zombie films have established a set of recurring themes and elements known as tropes. Some of the most common tropes in the zombie genre include:

1. The outbreak: The starting point for most zombie films is the outbreak of a virus, disease, or infection that turns people into zombies. This event is often portrayed as sudden and catastrophic, leading to widespread panic and chaos.

2. The survivors: The main characters of zombie films are usually a small group of survivors who band together to navigate the zombie-infested world. These characters often represent different personalities, backgrounds, and skill sets, adding diversity and conflict to the group dynamic.

3. The scavengers: In order to survive, the survivors must scavenge for food, weapons, and supplies, often putting themselves in dangerous situations as they search for resources.

4. The horde: The zombies themselves are typically portrayed as a mindless, relentless horde that is nearly impossible to escape. The zombies are often depicted as slow-moving but persistent, creating a sense of tension and urgency for the survivors.

5. The safe haven: The survivors often search for a safe haven, such as a fortified building or community, where they can protect themselves from the zombie threat. However, the safety of these places is often short-lived, as the zombies eventually breach their defenses.

6. The zombie leader: In some zombie films, a "zombie leader" is introduced, typically a zombie with enhanced intelligence or abilities that pose a greater threat to the survivors.

7. The cure: In some zombie films, a cure for the zombie virus is introduced, leading to a race against time for the survivors to find and use it before it's too late.

These tropes have become familiar elements of the zombie genre, and filmmakers often use them to create suspense, horror, and humor in their movies.

Politics
Zombie films have often been used as a way for filmmakers to comment on political and social issues. Some of the political statements that have been made through zombie films include:

1. The breakdown of society: Many zombie films depict the collapse of society in the face of the zombie outbreak, highlighting the fragility of social order and the importance of community and cooperation.

2. The fear of disease: The zombie virus often serves as a metaphor for real-world diseases and pandemics, exploring themes such as the fear of contagion, the mistrust of authority, and the consequences of neglecting public health.

3. The ethics of survival: Zombie films often raise ethical questions about the choices that survivors must make in order to survive, such as killing other people, sacrificing one's own safety, or breaking moral boundaries.

4. The military-industrial complex: Some zombie films depict the military's response to the zombie outbreak, raising questions about the role of the military in civilian affairs, the abuse of power, and the consequences of militarization.

5. The political divide: In some zombie films, the survivors are divided by political or ideological differences, showcasing the importance of unity and the dangers of division in times of crisis.

6. The impact of globalization: Zombie films often depict the spread of the zombie virus across borders, highlighting the interconnectedness of the world and the need for international cooperation to address global challenges.

These political statements can be subtle or overt, and they can add depth and relevance to the zombie genre, making it more than just a horror or action movie. By exploring these themes, zombie films can stimulate discussions and debates about important issues facing society.

Here are some examples of famous historical zombie films that made political statements:

1. Night of the Living Dead (1968): This classic zombie film is often credited with establishing the modern zombie genre, and it makes a political statement about the dangers of mob mentality, the breakdown of society, and the mistreatment of minorities.

2. Dawn of the Dead (1978): This film explores the fear of disease and the breakdown of society, as well as the ethical dilemmas that survivors face as they try to find a safe haven. The film also critiques the commercialization of American culture, as the survivors hide out in a shopping mall.

3. 28 Days Later (2002): This film comments on the fear of disease and the impact of globalization, as the zombie virus spreads rapidly across the UK and Europe. The film also raises questions about the ethics of survival and the dangers of militarization, as the military tries to contain the outbreak.

4. The Walking Dead (2010-present): This popular TV series is based on a comic book series of the same name, and it explores the impact of the zombie outbreak on society, the relationships between survivors, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the face of the zombie threat. The series also raises political questions about the role of government, the militarization of society, and the abuse of power.

5. World War Z (2013): This film takes a global perspective on the zombie outbreak, depicting the spread of the virus across borders and the need for international cooperation to address the threat. The film also raises political questions about the militarization of society, the ethics of survival, and the impact of globalization on public health.

These are just a few examples of famous historical zombie films that have made political statements. By incorporating these themes and ideas, zombie films can become more than just horror movies, they can become thought-provoking commentaries on the issues facing society.

Night of the Living Dead

Night of the Living Dead is a classic horror film that was released in 1968 and directed by George A. Romero. The film is widely considered to be one of the most influential and important horror movies of all time, and it remains a seminal work in the zombie genre. 

The film takes place in a rural Pennsylvania community that is overrun by zombies, and it follows a group of survivors who seek refuge in an isolated farmhouse. As the night wears on, tensions rise and the survivors begin to turn on each other, leading to a harrowing and bloody finale.

One of the key strengths of Night of the Living Dead is its ability to explore social and political themes through its horror story. The film critiques contemporary American society by using the zombie outbreak to illustrate issues such as racism, class conflict, and the breakdown of social norms. For example, the film's portrayal of the African-American protagonist, Ben, as the hero of the story subverts the typical Hollywood depiction of minorities and addresses the issue of racism in the 1960s.

In terms of its technical and aesthetic achievements, Night of the Living Dead is notable for its use of suspense and tension to build a sense of dread and horror. The film's low-budget production values add to its overall aesthetic, and its use of practical effects, such as makeup and gore, helps to create a convincing and frightening world.

Night of the Living Dead is a groundbreaking and timeless horror film that continues to influence the zombie genre and popular culture today. Through its combination of suspense, social commentary, and technical innovation, the film stands as a testament to the power of horror as a means of exploring important political and cultural issues.

Dog House

Dog House is a British comedy-horror zombie film that was released in 2009. The film is set in a small English village that is overrun by zombies, and it follows a group of survivors who seek refuge in a pub. Although "Dog House" is primarily a comedy, it still incorporates some social and political commentary into its narrative.

For example, the film uses the zombie outbreak to satirize rural life and the attitudes of small-town residents. The survivors in the pub are a diverse group of individuals from different backgrounds, and their interactions and conflicts highlight the challenges of working together in the face of adversity. 

Additionally, the film touches on the themes of gender roles and sexual politics, as the male characters must adapt to a world where women are the dominant survivors.  It could also be seen to comment on binary approaches to social issues such as gender, racial, socio-economic etc., since as the film approaches its climax, the audience learns that the division and fighting between men and women has been triggered by the powerful elite experimenting with biological weapons hidden in soap powder.

Overall, Dog House uses humor and satire to address important social and political issues, making it a unique and entertaining entry in the zombie genre.