Film History - Daily

Romero's Revolution: How Living Dead Changed Horror Forever


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On November 1, 1968, the groundbreaking film "Night of the Living Dead" was released in the United States. Directed by George A. Romero, this low-budget horror movie revolutionized the zombie genre and had a profound impact on the film industry.

The story follows a group of survivors who barricade themselves in a farmhouse while fighting off hordes of reanimated corpses. The film's protagonist, Ben (played by Duane Jones), is a black man, which was a rare casting choice for a lead role in the 1960s. This decision added a layer of social commentary to the film, as Ben's character faces not only the zombie threat but also the prejudices of his fellow survivors.

"Night of the Living Dead" was produced on a shoestring budget of approximately $114,000 and featured a cast of relatively unknown actors. Despite its low-budget origins, the film's gritty, realistic style and graphic violence set it apart from other horror movies of the era. Romero's innovative use of gore and the film's bleak, nihilistic tone shocked audiences and critics alike.

The film's impact on popular culture is immeasurable. It spawned numerous sequels, remakes, and imitators, cementing the zombie as a staple of the horror genre. Moreover, "Night of the Living Dead" has been praised for its social commentary, with many interpreting the zombie apocalypse as a metaphor for the turbulent political and social landscape of the late 1960s.

In 1999, the Library of Congress selected "Night of the Living Dead" for preservation in the National Film Registry, recognizing it as a film of significant cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance. The film's influence can still be seen in modern zombie movies, television shows, and even in the way the word "zombie" has become a part of the popular lexicon.

Interestingly, due to an error in the copyright notice on the film's original release, "Night of the Living Dead" fell into the public domain. This has allowed the film to be widely distributed and has contributed to its enduring popularity and accessibility.

In conclusion, the release of "Night of the Living Dead" on November 1, 1968, marked a turning point in the horror genre and left an indelible mark on cinema history. Its influence continues to be felt more than five decades later, cementing its status as a true classic of American filmmaking.


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