The Making of "Day of the Dead": Analysis of the Horror Classic
"Day of the Dead" is a 1985 American horror film, directed by George A. Romero, who is famous for his contribution to the zombie genre. I want to make an analysis of the "Day of the Dead" movie in this essay. This film is the third installment in Romero's "Dead" series, following "Night of the Living Dead" and "Dawn of the Dead."
The film was produced by Richard P. Rubinstein, who had worked with Romero on his previous films. The production of "Day of the Dead" took place in several locations, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Mexico. The film was shot on a relatively low budget of around $3.5 million, which is considered modest by today's standards. Despite this, Romero and his team were able to create a believable and immersive world of zombies using practical effects and makeup. The film's production design, including the underground bunker where most of the story takes place, was also impressive, creating a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. Romero worked closely with special effects guru Tom Savini to create the film's gruesome and realistic zombie effects. Savini's work on "Day of the Dead" is considered to be some of his best, and the practical effects have stood the test of time, still being impressive even today. The film's soundtrack was composed by John Harrison, who had worked with Romero on "Creepshow" and "Tales from the Darkside." Harrison's eerie and atmospheric score adds to the tension and horror of the film.
The film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where zombies have taken over the world, and only a few human survivors remain. The story revolves around a group of scientists and soldiers who are living in an underground bunker, trying to find a way to stop the zombie outbreak and find a cure for the disease. However, tensions rise between the two groups as they struggle to find a solution.
The film is a thought-provoking commentary on human nature, as it highlights how even in the face of an apocalypse, people can't seem to overcome their prejudices and egoism. The performances by the cast, especially Lori Cardille, who plays the lead character, are outstanding. The special effects, makeup, and practical effects are impressive for its time, creating a believable and terrifying world of zombies.
While the film may not have been as successful as its predecessors, it remains a cult classic among horror fans. The pacing of the movie may be slow for some, but the tension builds up as the film progresses, leading to a gruesome and satisfying finale.
Overall, "Day of the Dead" is a must-watch for fans of the zombie genre and George A. Romero's work. It's a testament to his talent for crafting thought-provoking horror that stands the test of time, even almost 40 years after its initial release.
