A Good Day To Die (And To Eat Brains)

Rather like Doctor Who and James Bond, they say whichever one you saw first will become your definitive favorite in the long running series. I think the same can be said of George A Romero’s original Dead trilogy. The first is still an outstanding social drama and cutting edge horror film as Romero pretty much invents the iconic modern zombie monster. The second film, Dawn Of The Dead, expand the social commentary in a blackly satirical direction and enhances his vision considerably with some vivid gore and strong characters. It’s probably why it’s generally considered the series best entry.

I, however, have a fondness for the third film, Day Of The Dead. Part of this is to do with iss more apocalyptic vision of a planet where few humans remain…I think that appeals to the hardcore sci-fi geek in me. Part of it is to do with the spectacular gore effects courtesy of Tom Savine, being far more imaginative and realistic than anything I’d ever seen (an opinion I’ll stand by 26 years later) and also Peter J Robinson’s distinctive score which echoes the work of John Carpenter, a much admired composer of mine.

The social commentary is still very much present and correct as Romero once again creates a microcosm of society as the military, scientist, civilian, the religious and the apathetic all clash as they squabble about the best route forward (as well as their own survival). The performances are fantastic, especially Lori Cardille’s tough and independent biologist, Joseph Pilato’s knuckle dragging military hothead and Howard Sherman’s sympathetic zombie performance as Bub. The carnage is a sight for the eyes, the tone is wonderfully nihilistic and doomy and the zombies never bettered, this is where I choose to take my zombie vacation.

A brilliant piece of apocalyptic science fiction.