scarcely have any horror movies left a lasting impact as profound and enduring as the 1968 masterpiece, Night of the Living Dead, directed by George A. Romero and co-written with John A. Russo. Despite not being the first zombie film produced, it was this movie that ignited a whole subcategory within horror genre, inspiring tales such as those from subsequent works like Romero and Russo’s own sequels, Shaun of the Dead, World War Z, and the ever-popular The Walking Dead.
So why on Earth would you remake it?
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1990 marked the first collaboration between Romero and Russo in two decades, with renowned special effects artist Tom Savini directing the color remake of “Night of the Living Dead.” Initially, the reception was split, but over time, the 1990 version has garnered a loyal fanbase that continues to grow. Today, you can watch it on SYFY and understand why this film, much like the creatures in its title, remains undying.
Why 1990’s Night of the Living Dead is worth it
The reason for the remake of Night of the Living Dead is that, at first, Romero and Russo aimed to earn some income from their widely influential zombie creation, given its impact on horror films. Although they had both produced successful sequels – with Romero’s Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead, and Russo’s Return of the Living Dead series – the original film had mistakenly entered the public domain at release due to a naming mix-up. This resulted in disputes over rights and legal battles to claim some profits. By the time these issues were resolved, there was no longer any money left, leaving Romero and Russo with the choice of making their own “official” remake since numerous unauthorized remakes and sequels had already flooded the zombie movie scene.
With Russo and Russell Streiner (known for his role as Johnny in the first Night and also serving as a producer) joining forces with Romero, they revisited and revised Romero’s initial screenplay, making adjustments to some aspects for contemporary relevance, enhancing the tension between characters, and modifying the ending to offer a fresh yet equally intense climax compared to the original. Excited about contributing, Savini took on the makeup effects since he hadn’t been part of the original production; however, Romero encouraged him to step up his involvement by taking on directing duties as well.
Barbara visits her mother’s graveyard, is assaulted by zombies, and seeks refuge in a nearby farmhouse, where she comes across Ben, Harry, and other refugees taking shelter within for the night as they strive to keep the horde of zombies at bay.
This remake of the 1968 film stands out for numerous reasons, but one of the most striking differences lies in its visual style, particularly the makeup effects, a specialty of Tom Savini. The gore depicted in the 1990 Night is significantly more realistic, intense, and disturbing compared to the original. This is primarily due to advancements in makeup effects over the past 22 years, and because a larger budget allowed for a greater amount of graphic violence. However, this isn’t the only reason to watch this adaptation; there are many other compelling aspects that make it worthwhile.
In the familiar framework of “Night of the Living Dead,” Savini’s film, enhanced by a powerful lead role from Todd before his “Candyman” days, serves as a contemplation on how little has evolved since the strife of the 1960s. People continue to be fragile, fearful, and ruthless beings, ready to commit heinous acts to prolong their lives. Romero’s new script skillfully amplifies these tensions in innovative ways. This time, there’s a distinct emphasis on how the male characters underestimate Barbara as a vulnerable woman, only to discover her capabilities surpass their expectations. Tallman delivers a compelling performance, and when combined with Todd, they make for an engaging watch.
Is the 1990 version of “Night of the Living Dead” superior to the 1968 original? It’s unlikely, as the original holds a significant place due to its eerie atmosphere and intense focus on immediate chaos. However, it’s still worth watching this remake for more than just its ability to scare; it offers an intriguing dialogue with its predecessor that makes it a captivating addition to the horror genre conversation.
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2025-05-09 23:28