Zombie Research
Definition of a zombie-an animated corpse resurrected by mystical means, such as witchcraft. This originated in Africa as the term was mostly used to describe a person under a state of hypnosis or in a state of consciousness and self-aware yet ambulant, known as the voodoo zombie. Occurring to folk law, this type of zombie is able to show emotion, recognize their surround and are able to be controlled. They, unlike the typical Hollywood zombie, do not contain the virus so are unable to infect others. since the late 19th century zombies a have been also mention in many, north American and European folklore
Why are zombies so popular?
Back in the late sixties, seventies and eighties, zombie flicks were very popular, night of the living dead was released in the late sixties (1968) and grossed around $30,000,000 (Worldwide)followed by the success of its later sequels ,Return of the living dead and children of the living dead. The first film was an independently produced black and white movie which a small budget of $144,000.at the time these films were strongly criticized due to the level of gore within the movies. The culture of Vietnam-era America had a tremendous impact on the film. Since then many remakes and sequels have be produced including the infamous parody of the film, Shaun of the dead.
Movies
Countless titles have continued to be added to the zombie genre, each with a bigger budget, such as the successful, resident evil franchised which began as a game in 1996 and has since expanded into becoming string of successful movies. Its two latest additions were made in 3D, increases its fan base and popularity.
Another popular film which portrays a realistic image of what life would be like in an post zombie apocalypse is 28 weeks later. (2003) Set in England, during the early 21st century, the story concerns the breakdown of society following the accidental release of a deadly virus known as "Rage", which turns people mindlessly violent, and the struggle of four survivors to come to terms with the ruins of everything they once knew.
Directed by Danny Boyle, I am legend (2007) also proved to be a high grossing film and although the creature which are cause the outbreak are technically vampires many fans of the zombie genre would class them as modern day zombies. The film itself is based on a book written by Richard Matheson and it set in the 1950s.this is one example where inner realism is found as we, as the audience truly care for the lone survivor and his German Shepard companion. This is one typical convention of the zombie genre.
The audience develop different emotions for each of the characters, some may be likable and are mostly to survive where others may purposely be unlikable to the audience and they will conventionally by the victim. One thing that stands out about Zombie styled films is the survival element as well as the letting the audience imaging what our world would look like if such creatures were to inhabit it.Many would argue that horror films with a zombie sub-genre contain far less elements of fright then a that of the slasher or paranormal genre would.
While Night of the Living Dead was largely criticized for its sadism and violence, movie producers saw that it could be made on a tiny budget and proved on to gross millions of dollars domestically alone. The sadism element shows that people are now zombies; therefore you have to kill them before they kill you. To many the idea of killing zombies proves not as evil and twisted as if they were watching a film which had a large amount of torture as saw which sees is has a far more ‘darker style’ about it with a zombie movie it doesn't really matter what you do to them, because they’re not people anymore. They’re former people that the characters beat down and tear apart in the most gruesome ways you can think of. The more clever and savage way of surviving leaves the audience on suspense. There is also a comical element to the sub-genre which movie producers have been quick to realize. Movies such as cabin in the woods(2011) and dawn of the dead (2004)both feature comedic element which make the whole genre less freighting. This is mostly due to the lack of realism with them and the sense of humor many of the character have with witty comments and sharp one-liners (BD)
REfs: Zombiepedia website, IMDB
Why are zombies so popular?
Back in the late sixties, seventies and eighties, zombie flicks were very popular, night of the living dead was released in the late sixties (1968) and grossed around $30,000,000 (Worldwide)followed by the success of its later sequels ,Return of the living dead and children of the living dead. The first film was an independently produced black and white movie which a small budget of $144,000.at the time these films were strongly criticized due to the level of gore within the movies. The culture of Vietnam-era America had a tremendous impact on the film. Since then many remakes and sequels have be produced including the infamous parody of the film, Shaun of the dead.
Movies
Countless titles have continued to be added to the zombie genre, each with a bigger budget, such as the successful, resident evil franchised which began as a game in 1996 and has since expanded into becoming string of successful movies. Its two latest additions were made in 3D, increases its fan base and popularity.
Another popular film which portrays a realistic image of what life would be like in an post zombie apocalypse is 28 weeks later. (2003) Set in England, during the early 21st century, the story concerns the breakdown of society following the accidental release of a deadly virus known as "Rage", which turns people mindlessly violent, and the struggle of four survivors to come to terms with the ruins of everything they once knew.
Directed by Danny Boyle, I am legend (2007) also proved to be a high grossing film and although the creature which are cause the outbreak are technically vampires many fans of the zombie genre would class them as modern day zombies. The film itself is based on a book written by Richard Matheson and it set in the 1950s.this is one example where inner realism is found as we, as the audience truly care for the lone survivor and his German Shepard companion. This is one typical convention of the zombie genre.
The audience develop different emotions for each of the characters, some may be likable and are mostly to survive where others may purposely be unlikable to the audience and they will conventionally by the victim. One thing that stands out about Zombie styled films is the survival element as well as the letting the audience imaging what our world would look like if such creatures were to inhabit it.Many would argue that horror films with a zombie sub-genre contain far less elements of fright then a that of the slasher or paranormal genre would.
While Night of the Living Dead was largely criticized for its sadism and violence, movie producers saw that it could be made on a tiny budget and proved on to gross millions of dollars domestically alone. The sadism element shows that people are now zombies; therefore you have to kill them before they kill you. To many the idea of killing zombies proves not as evil and twisted as if they were watching a film which had a large amount of torture as saw which sees is has a far more ‘darker style’ about it with a zombie movie it doesn't really matter what you do to them, because they’re not people anymore. They’re former people that the characters beat down and tear apart in the most gruesome ways you can think of. The more clever and savage way of surviving leaves the audience on suspense. There is also a comical element to the sub-genre which movie producers have been quick to realize. Movies such as cabin in the woods(2011) and dawn of the dead (2004)both feature comedic element which make the whole genre less freighting. This is mostly due to the lack of realism with them and the sense of humor many of the character have with witty comments and sharp one-liners (BD)
REfs: Zombiepedia website, IMDB
Games Related to Zombies
It is an undeniable fact that zombies would not be as popular and well known without the help of video games. Popular title such as Resident Evil and Dead Island has boasted the zombie franchise. The first ever Zombie game to every be released was Zombie Zombie (1984) and was in fact a sequel to the game Ant attack. Although this game appears too been forgotten by many, it has influenced a whole generation of gamers. On looking at the official UK game charts Call of duty-black ops is ranked number one. This is mainly due to its hugely popular Zombie mode which enables the player to defeat zombies with their friends online. Another popular game with ranks in the top 20 apple apps is the highly addictive, Plants vs. zombies’ .This sees the player defend their garden from a herd of zombies and earn points in order to buy weapons and items to improve the deference of the garden
Today zombies are included in games every were but what is it that makes them so popular .some would say that it is due the addictive thrill of killing the undead and competing with friend to boast your high score. Others would say that it is chance to simulate a Zombie apocalypse within the comfort and safety of your own house
Zombies have now influenced the media heavily. With such titles as World War Z soon to be released, staring A-list stars such as Brad Pitt and the hit show based on a comic, Walking Dead which drew drawing 10.87 million viewers during the premiere of its third season: it seems zombies have gone mainstream! (BD)
Today zombies are included in games every were but what is it that makes them so popular .some would say that it is due the addictive thrill of killing the undead and competing with friend to boast your high score. Others would say that it is chance to simulate a Zombie apocalypse within the comfort and safety of your own house
Zombies have now influenced the media heavily. With such titles as World War Z soon to be released, staring A-list stars such as Brad Pitt and the hit show based on a comic, Walking Dead which drew drawing 10.87 million viewers during the premiere of its third season: it seems zombies have gone mainstream! (BD)
references - the zombie survival guide by Max Brooks, www. zombiepedia.com