As a seasoned film enthusiast who has spent countless hours delving into the dark recesses of horror cinema, I can confidently say that Lucio Fulci’s “Zombie” is a true gem that deserves to be treasured. Having watched my fair share of zombie films, I can attest that this Italian masterpiece stands tall among its contemporaries, even those that came after it.
Utilizing established intellectual property, whether it’s formally recognized or not, can occasionally lead to acclaim and achievement. For instance, one such example, widely known for its infamous reputation as one of the biggest “best worst” movies since Manos: The Hands of Fate, is Troll 2, a sequel by Claudio Fragasso that shares the name but little else with the original. This film has cultivated an extraordinary cult following throughout history. If Troll 2‘s legacy stems from its absurdity, then Lucio Fulci‘s Zombie, also known as Zombi 2 or Zombie Flesh Eaters, deserves recognition for capitalizing on the success of a horror franchise while simultaneously being one of the distinctive entries in the library of films portraying the undead.
Building on the enormous popularity of George Romero’s movie “Dawn of the Dead,” known as “Zombi” in Italy, the title “Zombi 2” led Italian viewers to believe it was a sequel. Lucio Fulci’s film brings the zombie back to its origins in Voodoo folklore and offers a wide array of action, violence, and effects that remain impactful even by today’s standards. This success spawned numerous films, such as “Zombie 3,” which Fulci eventually distanced himself from after the production was taken over by Claudio Fragasso and Bruno Mattei. “Zombie 4: After Death” was directed by Fragasso himself, while “Zombie 5: Killing Birds” is arguably the most blatant of the series.
We Are Going to Eat You!
Some people have criticized Lucio Fulci’s directing skills, claiming he prioritizes style over content and disregards plot development and storytelling to showcase excessive violence instead. However, it should be noted that the beginning of Fulci’s Zombie (approximately the first few minutes) sets up much of what is to come. In this opening scene, Dr. Menard, played by Richard Johnson, shoots a recently resurrected corpse and says, “the boat can leave now. Tell the crew.” This statement is swiftly followed by Fabio Frizzi’s intense musical score, which creates an immersive atmosphere for the ensuing film events.
The boat’s arrival in New York Harbor sets off a chain of events depicted throughout the movie. This event also introduces our main characters, journalist Peter West (Ian McCulloch) and Anne Bowles (Tisa Farrow), whose father’s vessel plays a key role as a plot device known as a “MacGuffin” in Zombie. Fulci’s work should be acknowledged for its ability to blend folklore with contemporary culture, rekindling the zombie craze within its voodoo traditions.
Although Fulci is known for his intense and violent films, the movie “Zombie” surprisingly demonstrates a good deal of self-control in its tempo. The main plot revolves around characters named Peter and Anne making their way to an island and investigating the enigmatic activities of Menard and his team as they try to understand why the deceased are coming back to life on the isolated Matul Island. The film’s Caribbean backdrop gives voodoo folklore a central role, and it also features an extraordinary showdown between a zombie and a shark – a confrontation that stands out as one of the most original in horror movie history.
Making a Case for Practical Effects
The striking visuals from Fulci’s Caribbean zombie film, featuring the resurrected Spanish conquistadors causing chaos among the living, rightly receive recognition. It’s worth noting that the special effects, quite impressive for their time, continue to be noteworthy even today. The decayed look of the conquistadors, who seem to have lain in their graves for centuries, is further emphasized by the wriggling worms in the main one’s eye socket. Compared to other popular zombie films at that time, Fulci’s work stands out as the most brutal and gory in its depiction of victim deaths.
The very fact that conquerors stepped foot on Matul Island subtly reflects upon the history of Voodoo and the local villagers’ zombies, serving as a symbolic resistance against colonialism, embodied by Menard and his team. Remarkably, Voodoo has persisted in places like Haiti, even amidst the Catholic faith being imposed by European colonizers. In essence, zombies link these realms together, with the island’s visitors meeting their demise at the hands of customs that Europeans have long suppressed.
In a twist you might not have expected after the fame of Dawn of the Dead, Fulci’s open-ended conclusion might be interpreted as a bridge to Romero’s classic. As Peter and Anne catch news about the New York City zombie outbreak, the film’s climax, with hordes crossing the bridge, could tie in neatly with Dawn of the Dead‘s start, plunging viewers directly into the turmoil from the get-go. It’s important to mention that Fulci shot his legendary finale without official permits, explaining the constant honking heard in the background from New York City commuters carrying on with their daily lives.
A True Masterpiece of the Zombie Genre
As a movie enthusiast who delves deep into the realm of horror, I’ve seen my fair share of undead flicks that span several decades. Finding gems amidst the plethora of offerings can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, Lucio Fulci’s unique blend of ancient and modern worlds in his undying classic has stood tall among the sea of blood-splattered films since its debut, and I have no doubt it will continue to captivate audiences for generations yet unborn.
As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve come to appreciate the enduring impact of “Zombie,” a film initially conceived as a spin-off from “Dawn of the Dead.” However, over time, it has transcended its intended purpose and left an indelible mark on horror cinema, surpassing many of its contemporaries. Regardless of personal opinions, one thing is certain – you’re in for an entertaining ride. You can catch it streaming for free on Tubi.
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2024-10-23 04:02