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- The Crazies Is a Terrifying Sci-Fi Horror Spectacle
- The Crazies Was Filmed on a Low Budget
- Romero’s Underrated Cult Classic
As a long-time horror enthusiast and student of the genre, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for George A. Romero, the maestro behind some of the most chilling and thought-provoking films in the annals of horror cinema. His journey, filled with both triumphs and setbacks, is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Renowned as the “Father of Zombie Cinema,” celebrated filmmaker George A. Romero is fondly remembered for his groundbreaking work in the horror genre, particularly his many iconic films that left a lasting impact on popular culture. His notable works include Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Martin, and Creepshow. With the critical and commercial success of the 1968 zombie classic, Night of the Living Dead, Romero quickly carved out a unique niche for himself as one of Hollywood’s most gifted and innovative directors, sparking a cultural phenomenon and paving the way for future horror hits.
In the 1970s, Romero found it challenging to replicate the success and acclaim his initial directorial work received, following up Night of the Living Dead with two films, There’s Always Vanilla and Season of the Witch, that didn’t perform well. However, he tried to regain his footing and get back on track with the 1973 science fiction horror film The Crazies, focusing on a town in Pennsylvania where its inhabitants become violently insane after being infected by a virus. Despite not doing well at the box office, it is now considered an underrated cult classic and a must-watch for fans of the esteemed director.
The Crazies Is a Terrifying Sci-Fi Horror Spectacle
Originating from the creative genius behind horror legend George A. Romero comes the chilling 1973 film, “The Crazies,” set in the small, isolated town of Evans City, Pennsylvania. As residents start acting violently and irrationally, leading to death and destruction, the government intervenes by sealing off the town and its unstable inhabitants. Amidst this chaos, Vietnam War veteran and firefighter David (Will McMillan) and his pregnant girlfriend Judy (Lane Carroll), along with their friends, struggle to flee the contaminated community.
In the quiet town of Evans City, chaos erupts when a military plane carrying a deadly bioweapon called “Trixie” crashes nearby, contaminating the water supply. The virus either leads to fatal infection or drives victims into increasing agitation and violent insanity. Caught between the terrifying violence of his infected neighbors and ruthless soldiers attempting to contain them, David takes it upon himself to protect his girlfriend and unborn child by navigating through numerous life-threatening situations.
David needs to hurry and escape from Evans City before it’s destroyed by nuclear weapons, all while avoiding infection. His last chance for survival, along with saving his family, relies on Dr. Watts (Richard France), who is frantically working on a possible cure despite the nightmarish terrors he faces in his mission to save the town.
The Crazies Was Filmed on a Low Budget
On a small budget of around $270,000, The Crazies was adapted from Paul McCollough’s screenplay, titled The Mad People, which delved into the chilling aftermath of a bioweapon unleashed on a peaceful town. Romero revised the script to underscore the ominous military presence, a change that producer Lee Hessel found particularly captivating. The renowned director described McCollough’s original screenplay as “deeply existential and thought-provoking,” focusing heavily on the government’s covert role in the incident.
In his fourth major film project, George Romero aimed to rebound following the disappointing critical and audience reception of his previous works, “There’s Always Vanilla” and “Season of the Witch.” Instead of using professional stuntmen from Hollywood, Romero enlisted the skills of local firefighters and licensed pyrotechnicians for the thrilling action sequences in “The Crazies.
Indeed, numerous background actors were residents of the town where the movie was filmed, real-life Evans City. Some of the white soldiers in hazmat suits, you may be surprised to know, were high school students. To save costs due to a smaller budget, Romero made some economies, but he still managed to maintain his distinctive fearless style in the horror genre and produced a tense and undeniably frightening final product. Although it took time for its brilliance to be fully recognized, it was truly exceptional.
Romero’s Underrated Cult Classic
The movie titled “The Crazies” premiered on March 16, 1973. Unfortunately, it was a flop at the box office, earning only $143,784 during its run in theaters and receiving mixed reviews from critics. George A. Romero later claimed that the film’s disappointing financial performance was due to its limited distribution, as it was initially shown in only a few theaters before being released in a different market. The poor reception of “The Crazies” dealt another significant blow to Romero’s career, making it his third box office failure following “There’s Always Vanilla” and “Season of the Witch.
Despite receiving initial skepticism and poor reception from moviegoers, the influence and significance of “The Crazies” has expanded significantly over the past 50 years, as more people have come to recognize its exceptional quality in the horror genre. George Romero skillfully incorporated social commentary into the film, depicting the chilling possibilities of societal breakdown during a civil emergency, while simultaneously exploiting audience fears about bioweapons and government conspiracy theories. The unsettling combination of loved ones turning violently insane and the imminent threat of nightmares is undeniably powerful.
As a cinephile, I can’t help but sing praises for “The Crazies,” a film now hailed as a cult classic and an often overlooked gem in George A. Romero’s impressive Hollywood portfolio. In 2010, a remake of this chilling sci-fi horror masterpiece was brought to life by Breck Eisner, with Timothy Olyphant leading the charge as David. Interestingly, the remake garnered more favorable responses from both audiences and critics than the original. This reaffirms the enduring relevance of its narrative and the potency of its message. If you’re seeking a thrilling addition to your Halloween movie marathon, look no further than “The Crazies.” Dive into the chaos and insanity for yourself by streaming the ’70s original on Tubi.
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2024-10-30 04:31