Night of the Living Dead (1968) Review

"Night of the Living Dead" American Theatrical Poster

Director: George A. Romero
Writer: George A. Romero, John A. Russo
Producer: Karl Hardman, Russell Streiner
Cast: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman, Keith Wayne, Judith Ridley, Kyra Schon
Running Time: 96 min.

By JJ Hatfield

After a cataclysmic UFO event those who should be lying peacefully unaware in their coffins are brought to “life” and have only one goal. They are hungry. And they are everywhere.

I fully admit the first time I saw this movie it scared the hell out of me! I was way too young and don’t even remember where I saw the movie. I do remember it was a very long time until I stopped looking for zombies anywhere and everywhere! Years later I rented the VHS and watched it by myself. It still scared the hell out of me!

There have been volumes written about this film but I don’t think it can be praised or discussed too much. “The Night Of The Living Dead” is not just a horror classic it was the original George Romero’s amazingly effective movie, as they say, that started it all. “NOTLD” was the original and best zombie movie ever made! If the saying “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” is true then no movie has ever been so flattered! Hundreds if not thousands of films, TV, books and even other independents have tried to copy the terrifying high tension and sheer horror of “NOTLD” and failed pathetically.

What some people don’t know was this movie nearly never made it to film. The big studios were not interested in such trash and it was difficult to find actors who didn’t demand big checks for their big names. Reportedly the total budget was barely over $110,00, a very small amount even for 1968. Reduced to using stock film, stock music, and very little equipment (such as lights and cameras) Romero and crew turned what could have been trash into a finely crafted zombie movie that has stood the test of time to remain in it’s place as the first and best.

The viewer does not have to wait for the plot, nor the action. The movie starts off fairly normal and even sets up a possible future far less less than horrifying. Don’t be to sure about anything though. In this nightmare you don’t know who or what you can trust. A large part of the film focuses on seven people, strangers mostly being trapped in an isolated farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania that has become surrounded by hordes of flesh eating un-dead.

Romero made a powerful choice having the lead be an African American. At that time in Hollywood you just didn’t do that. His choice was spot on! All of the characters are fleshed out (no pun intended) and given solid roles which they perform admirably! As the situation grows dire someone has to be in control. As imagined there are decisions to be made and not everyone agrees. Do they stay? Make a run for??? Who gets to hang on to the sole gun? Where should they prepare for a last stand? It does not take long for ideas and personalities to clash. Even in a fight for one’s life there are some monstrous ideas and actions from individuals. There are horrible monsters outside and an intense struggle happening with the characters inside. The focus on the changes and behavior of the people trapped inside is what really makes the film. The tension never lets up it only intensifies.

“Night Of The Living Dead” is the original and best of the zombie/monster films! Of course it isn’t perfect but few films are, especially an independent with no money. The “special effects” were of course not done by a computer but rather brought to frightening fruition by the creative mind of Romero and those working on the film. Everyone and especially the actors did a splendid job and I salute them! The zombies set up a situation that is as dangerous inside as out. The changes in people as things look more desperate, the tension level rising, always rising .

If you like classic movies or horror movies you need to see this film. Don’t bother if you are going to complain about grainy picture or lack of decent CG. This movie was shot in black and white stock and that is how it is supposed to look. The viewer needs to remember this was released in 1968. If you want to purchase this movie it is imperative to make certain the movie you buy is the full black and white movie. Not the “special” versions, nor God forbid the colorized monstrosity!

The use of relatively sparse light is used more than a few times to show the changes happening with the characters.

The original is the only film to watch and to have in your collection!

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 9.5/10