Hooptober XII: 1/31

Yes! Day 1 of Hooptober XII (my list here) has officially begun, and to say that I’m eager to be logging my first official entry with an all-time classic in George Romero’s seminal, 1968 genre starter, The Night of the Living Dead; is an understatement. While technically a rewatch for me, it’s been over 20 years since I’d had the pleasure to see it again, and it felt like a first viewing all over again. There’s a filmmaking sophistication so beyond its time, it’s easy to see those influential breadcrumbs leading to what would eventually change not just zombie-horror, but cinema as a whole. Up to this point in his career, Romero had cut his teeth in the world of TV commercials and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood segments, but you can feel the visionary hunger of a young artist honing their industry shifting style, while also adding a layer of social commentary that feels nearly as relevant almost 60 years from release. 

Without such convincing performances though, I don’t think The Night of the Living Dead becomes the literary juggernaut it’s known to be. There’s a subtle, yet striking authenticity to every character’s terrified portrayal, in effect pulling me in from the opening graveyard scene and never letting go until its heart wrenching end. Add to that, its pertinent societal critiques on government, race relations, consumerism and far ahead if its time casting, and we get a recipe for an all time cinema great. 

Phew What a way to kick off Hooptober and brush up on Romero. 
🧟🧟‍♂️🪦🏚️🧠🫀🩸