For two nights only, Fathom Events is bringing George A. Romero’s masterclass in horror to the big screen on October 24 and October 25 (find tickets here). The deceptively simple premise, in which a group of strangers barricade themselves in an old farmhouse against a horde of flesh-eating undead, proves to be far more complex thanks to a groundbreaking cast, critical social commentary, and an ambitious co-writer/director unafraid to break every single rule in the book.
Originally released on October 1, 1968, the theatrical distributor forgot to include a copyright notice, and any films released at the time without that notice was assumed to be public domain. This is the reason why Night of the Living Dead has received so many home video releases on VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray throughout the decades. But Night of the Living Dead is a film that was meant to be experienced on the big screen, and this Fathom Event offers up a stunning remastered version of the film, restored from the original camera negative in a collaboration between the original filmmakers, the Museum of Modern Art, and the George Lucas Family Foundation. As if that’s not reason enough to snatch up tickets, here are six more reasons to watch Night of the Living Dead on the big screen.
Night of the Living Dead Is Celebrating a Golden Anniversary
This significant restoration comes in conjunction with Night of the Living Dead reaching a major milestone for any film; as of October 1, the film officially turned 50. Very few horror milestones will come along as major as a 50th anniversary of a special film like this in our lifetime, making this event feel truly special. That this is a film originally intended and made for the theatrical experience means there’s no better way to celebrate it than by seeing it in a dark theater with a group of fellow fans.
Duane Jones’ As One of Horror’s Greatest Heroes
There’s no denying the historical and cultural significance of Duane Jones’ casting as Ben, but more importantly, his performance as the hero is an all-timer. Jones wasn’t even the one originally meant to play Ben, that role was relegated to another and the character originally a loud trucker. But his audition was so great that Romero put Jones in the role, then rewrote the character to fit Jones’ personality and performance. When the world is crumbling both outside and in the old farmhouse, it’s Ben that’s calm, resourceful, and keeping it together. More importantly, he’s the character audiences relate to and invest in the most. Ben is unlike many heroes in horror, thanks to one captivating performance by Jones.
The Modern Zombie Sub-Genre Owes Everything to This Movie
Despite never even uttering the word “zombie” once throughout the film, Night of the Living Dead forever changed the way zombies were depicted on screen. Two major zombie tropes owe an immense debt to this film; that the living dead hunger for human flesh, and that they can only be stopped by a bullet or heavy blow to the head. The spread of infection from a bite? Also thanks to this film. The overwhelming numbers of the undead is a common element found in zombie films that Romero’s film also started. On a less obvious scale, Romero’s film put his horror smack in familiar terrain, the rural countryside, when most horror films up to this point favored more exotic locale away from civilization. In the decades since release, countless horror films and series have followed the blueprint set by this film.
It Broke So Many Taboos
Jones’ casting, in the hero’s role no less, amid an all-white cast in was unheard of in 1968. Romero wasn’t looking to make any particular social statement, Jones was just the best actor for the role. But that wasn’t the only way Romero broke taboo in his feature debut. The lack of a happy ending for anyone, including the demise of the hero, was shocking. Maybe just as shocking or taboo as the on-screen matricide of Helen Hooper at the hands of her recently risen dead daughter Karen. Then there’s also the controversial use of…
The Gore. So Much Gore.
Horror films at this time were reserved for Saturday matinee screenings, which meant they were usually filled with teens and pre-teens. Released a month prior to the introduction of the MPAA film system, Night of the Living Dead came with no warnings and anyone could purchase tickets. Which meant the youthful audience had no idea what they were in for. The grisly scenes of flesh-eating ghouls, with the actors chowing down on chocolate syrup covered ham to emulate the gory devouring of human organs, shocked audiences and instilled nightmares. Herschell Gordon Lewis is credited as the founding father of the splatter film, but Night of the Living Dead is often considered the first splatter film to do gore well.
In Honor of George A. Romero
George A. Romero forever altered modern horror as we know it with his feature debut. Let that sink in. His first film. He didn’t just change horror, but independent filmmaking as well. A film director, editor, writer, and cinematographer, Romero is one of horror’s greatest contributors. It’s been just over a year since his passing, but the loss still feels raw. There’s a comfort in getting to celebrate his enduring legacy in the wake of that loss by seeing his very first film on the big screen, 50 years after it first shook audiences to their core.
Grab your tickets to Fathom Events screening of Night of the Living Dead on either October 24 or October 25 here, and celebrate 50 years of Romero’s classic.