RensDad666’s review published on Letterboxd:
When time-tested classics manage to hold up to the lofty expectations saddled upon them, there is such a special feeling when the mark is hit. Dawn of the Dead takes the contained, paranoia fueled approach of its predecessor, and increases its scale tenfold. Simultaneously, the tonal departure in Dawn when played against Night of the Living Dead, was a curve ball initially, but ultimately plays perfectly into its atmosphere while offering a humorously bleak look at consumerism and societal collapse.
There’s a borderline extremist, hyper-capitalist theme buried beneath Dawn of the Dead’s post-apocalyptic world, as our characters consistently risk life and limb under the guise of “needing” more materialistic comforts, in constant search of the next “thing” to make their lives perfect. Zombies are used less as a method of tension or suspense building, as that distinction largely falls to our human characters and their decision making, and more of an annoying impedance in the way of lavish hedonism. Really, I’m just tickled and consumed by the amount of thematic elements a 70’s zombie flick has me pontificating on.
Dawn of the Dead is also another movie with an astounding aural touch, especially its Goblin & Dario Argento helmed score. Argento (who also was responsible for the foreign Final Cut, and distribution rights) also lends a hand as a script consultant, composer and producer, which lends more of a narrative weight than most horror movies, especially during the 70’s. If I had a gripe, I would say its runtime, and viewers spending a little too long playing house after the zombie threat has momentarily dissipated, but it does prop up its themes, so I’m a bit torn.
Lastly, it’s a huge feather in its cap that Dawn of the Dead is also one of the GOAT of effects supervisors, Tom Savini’s big film debut. He really just came out of the gates swinging, and one of the funnest things about a first viewing in 2025 is imagining the hysteria people felt when this hit the big screen.
Another incredible piece of horror history checked off the list.
🧟🧟♀️🏪🚚🚁🩸🦷🔫🤰
