In the realm of horror cinema, few directors have left an indelible mark like George A. Romero, and among his most memorable contributions are the diverse and compelling characters that populate his “Living Dead” franchise. Each character, despite their unique roles and backgrounds, embodies a different aspect of human nature during a zombie apocalypse – from reluctant heroes to unstoppable forces of change.
George A. Romero’s “Living Dead” series, a cornerstone in the annals of horror cinema, significantly impacted and reinvented the zombie genre. Romero, an innovative storyteller with a talent for building suspense, a fascination for gruesome scenes, and biting satire that was ahead of its time, paved the way for a new wave of daring horror movies. His work provided a platform for unheard voices and characters, contributing to a more diverse landscape in film.
Just as the “Father of Zombies” crafted remarkable, tough-as-nails female characters for his diverse range of horror movies, Romero’s legendary films also showcased some standout Black heroes – not just in the realm of horror, but across cinema as a whole. Here is a look back at these unforgettable figures (both living and deceased), who played a crucial role in transforming Romero’s thought-provoking series into one of the most influential horror franchises ever.
Ben (Night Of The Living Dead)
1968 saw a scarcity of leading roles for Black actors in films dominated by white casts, with exceptions being those portrayed by the iconic Sidney Poitier. This was particularly true in horror movies. But George A. Romero broke this trend when he chose Duane Jones to play Ben, one of the main characters, in his groundbreaking zombie film, Night of the Living Dead.
During the film, Ben is a highly adaptable character who maintains his composure throughout the ordeal, devising strategies to endure the terrifying night amidst hordes of undead thrashing against the farmhouse’s makeshift barriers. However, it isn’t only zombies that Ben confronts during this tense night; he also grapples with Harry Cooper (Karl Hardman), a particularly antagonistic character in the series, who presents additional challenges due to his hostility and bias.
As a gamer reflecting on the lore behind one of my favorite horror series, I’ve come to appreciate George A. Romero’s commitment to diverse representation in his zombie films. Although it was initially intended for Ben to be white in the original script, Romero chose the best actor available – the legendary Duane Jones – to bring this strong Black character to life. This choice set a precedent for future movies in the series, where powerful Black characters became a defining feature. Interestingly, Romero also revealed that the film’s groundbreaking ending wasn’t a direct response to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, but rather an expression of his own thoughts and ideas about society and humanity during that time.
Peter Washington (Dawn Of The Dead)
The 1978 film “Dawn of the Dead” is widely regarded as the standout in its franchise, with one significant factor being the character of Peter Washington. Played by Ken Foree, who later starred as Kenan Thompson’s father on “Kenan & Kel,” this Philadelphia SWAT officer brings a unique charm and intensity that elevates him not just as the top character in the zombie movie but also as one of the most cherished figures in the history of the horror genre.
One joy I have when rewatching this significant horror film is observing how Peter’s character evolves throughout the plotline. Initially, he appears as a towering, no-nonsense police officer, solely concerned with surviving the zombie outbreak and keeping the reckless members of his team in check – particularly David Emge’s Stephen “Flyboy” Andrews. However, as the story unfolds, Peter undergoes a transformation, becoming a compassionate, open-hearted ally who values the wellbeing of those stranded with him within the mall deeply.
In essence, Peter serves as the foundation for the band of survivors, orchestrating strategies that secure their safety within the sprawling mall. He initially focuses on eliminating the shuffling horde of zombies lurking among the shops, then later devises a covert entryway to their safe haven. However, when a motorcycle gang invades and devastates the sanctuary they’ve laboriously built, Peter steps up to the challenge, neutralizing the marauders and defending against the surging waves of undead that pour through the breached doors.
In addition to everything else, he’s known for delivering one of the most famous lines from a horror movie: “No more room in Hell.
John (Day Of The Dead)
“The film ‘Day of the Dead’ is a complex addition to George A. Romero’s ‘Living Dead’ series, given the numerous alterations made to its concept and the challenging production process it endured. Despite these difficulties, it remains one of the most critically acclaimed zombie movies, and offers some of Romero’s sharpest social commentary through a narrative that revolves around a struggle between scientists and soldiers residing in an underground storage facility and mine.
Is there anything else you find interesting about this 1985 horror movie? One noteworthy aspect is John (portrayed by Terry Alexander), who might just be the most unwilling hero throughout the entire tale. At the start of the film, he seems to be nothing more than a cynical and pragmatic helicopter pilot, dismissing any hope for a cure for the zombie outbreak on the surface, even going as far as to label it as a form of divine retribution and punishment for humanity’s wrongdoings.
Before the angry soldiers, who were already irritable, eventually revolted against the scientists, he had already devised an escape plan. However, John manages to keep Dr. Sarah Bowman (Lori Cardille) and Bill McDermott (Jarlath Conroy) from becoming a meal for zombies.
In collaboration with McDermott, John continued Romero’s pattern of featuring underdog heroes who ultimately rescue the day or lend a helping hand to those in distress. Is he somewhat self-centered? Indeed. Does he exhibit a touch of self-righteousness? Absolutely. However, his perspective on life in the movie is remarkably down-to-earth, and his actions transcend mere survival; they are truly heroic.
Big Daddy (Land Of The Dead)
In the 2005 horror film “Land of the Dead,” it’s often misunderstood that Big Daddy (Eugene Clarke) is simply a zombie with a taste for human flesh, but he actually serves as the hero of George Romero’s movie. One of the most memorable zombies ever portrayed, this once gas station attendant transforms into the commander of the undead horde marching towards Pittsburgh and the Fiddler’s Green luxury high-rise. Here, the elite live under a false sense of safety while the less fortunate live in constant dread.
In this movie, there are non-zombie heroes, but Big Daddy stands out as unyielding and consistently dedicated to his objective – creating a new world order where those who have been exploitative and corrupt, like the patriarchy and the wealthy 1%, will experience repercussions for their actions. Interestingly, the intelligent zombie leading the uprising appears to be developing higher cognitive abilities, possibly marking the emergence of a new breed of thoughtful undead beings.
In various ways, all these Black characters in George A. Romero’s “Living Dead” films were outstanding, including the one who happened to be a cannibalistic zombie. Although the esteemed director is no longer with us, there remains the eagerly anticipated “Twilight of the Dead” project for us to anticipate in the future.
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2024-09-17 12:37