Night of the Living Dead, as has been said a million times by a million people, is a classic horror film, perhaps the definitive film of it's particular genre, and a milestone in independent filmaking.
Night of the Living Dead is the first in what has come be known as the 'Dead Trilogy'..consisting of Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and Day of the Dead. Each film was made in a different era, each with a different message, and each reflecting a different theme and different mood. What makes Night of the Living Dead the best of the series, in my opinion, is that theme, and that mood that it envokes. Perhaps more than most or any horror film before it, NOTLD really evokes a claustrophobic, paranoia inducing, carnal fear. It goes beyond the clichéd scary moments of horror films, in taps in deeper, to the psyche and into the human response.
Night of the Living Dead is quintessential zombie movie. The film revolves around the events that surround a group of strangers fighting for survival in a small rural home in western Pennsylvania. The are fighitng for their survival, against hordes of the living dead, who have arisen from their graves to feed upon the living, brought to life by unknown means.
I'll keep the films plot and summary short as to not get too into any spoilers for those who actually may have not seen this film.
Night of the Living Dead does a great job of inducing fear and horror through imagery and atmosphere...as opposed to gore blatant violence. Perhaps one of the films biggest strong points is the casting. Each character is portrayed perfectly in their respective sense, and perhaps none are portrayed better than the undead. They truly seem like nothing more than lifeless vessels wandering aimlessly, in pursuit of human flesh.
Many people have often since discounted and to some extent removed themselves from their appreciation from this film, as many feel it doesn't hold up as well as many of the in color, splatter fest horror films of today and recent years. I however, feel the films two tone look gives it a great visceral feel, the black and white makes the shadows and darkness of night seem all the more terrifying, with many of the undead seemingly stumbling from the night itself. Also, the film has a great score, which harkens back to b movies and sci fi films of the 50's.
All in all, I feel Night of the Living Dead, is the best film to ever center upon the undead. While it may not pack the social impact of it's sequels, or many of the films that it has since it inspires, it does evoke a fear, atmosphere, and lasting memory that is not easily passed.
Night of the Living Dead is the first in what has come be known as the 'Dead Trilogy'..consisting of Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and Day of the Dead. Each film was made in a different era, each with a different message, and each reflecting a different theme and different mood. What makes Night of the Living Dead the best of the series, in my opinion, is that theme, and that mood that it envokes. Perhaps more than most or any horror film before it, NOTLD really evokes a claustrophobic, paranoia inducing, carnal fear. It goes beyond the clichéd scary moments of horror films, in taps in deeper, to the psyche and into the human response.
Night of the Living Dead is quintessential zombie movie. The film revolves around the events that surround a group of strangers fighting for survival in a small rural home in western Pennsylvania. The are fighitng for their survival, against hordes of the living dead, who have arisen from their graves to feed upon the living, brought to life by unknown means.
I'll keep the films plot and summary short as to not get too into any spoilers for those who actually may have not seen this film.
Night of the Living Dead does a great job of inducing fear and horror through imagery and atmosphere...as opposed to gore blatant violence. Perhaps one of the films biggest strong points is the casting. Each character is portrayed perfectly in their respective sense, and perhaps none are portrayed better than the undead. They truly seem like nothing more than lifeless vessels wandering aimlessly, in pursuit of human flesh.
Many people have often since discounted and to some extent removed themselves from their appreciation from this film, as many feel it doesn't hold up as well as many of the in color, splatter fest horror films of today and recent years. I however, feel the films two tone look gives it a great visceral feel, the black and white makes the shadows and darkness of night seem all the more terrifying, with many of the undead seemingly stumbling from the night itself. Also, the film has a great score, which harkens back to b movies and sci fi films of the 50's.
All in all, I feel Night of the Living Dead, is the best film to ever center upon the undead. While it may not pack the social impact of it's sequels, or many of the films that it has since it inspires, it does evoke a fear, atmosphere, and lasting memory that is not easily passed.