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Horripilations Review of Return of the Living Dead (1985)

Movie Review: Return of the Living Dead (1985)

Synopsis:
"Return of the Living Dead," directed by Dan O’Bannon, is a cult classic in the horror-comedy genre that was released in 1985. The film begins with a pair of employees, Freddy (Thom Mathews) and Frank (James Karen), at a medical supply warehouse in Louisville, Kentucky. When Frank introduces Freddy to a common urban legend about the 1968 incident at the Romero Institute—where a zombie outbreak occurred—they unwittingly unleash an unsettling chain of events. The company is revealed to be harbouring a secret: a canister of the gas T-Virus, which is responsible for reanimating corpses.

Things take a darkly humorous turn when they accidentally release the gas, leading to a zombie outbreak that infects the local cemetery and beyond. As the undead rise, they demonstrate an alarming degree of intelligence and a ravenous hunger for human brains. The chaos forces Freddy and Frank to team up with a group of friends, including a punk-rock girl named Trash (Linnea Quigley) and her friends, as they fight for survival against the relentless hordes of brain-eating zombies. The film’s tone is laced with gallows humour, combining terrifying moments with slapstick elements, thereby creating a unique atmosphere that has left a lasting impact on horror cinema.

List of Actors and Their Characters:

  • Thom Mathews as Freddie
  • James Karen as Frank
  • Don Calfa as Ernie
  • Linnea Quigley as Trash
  • Beverly Randolph as Tina
  • Miguel A. Núñez, Jr. as Spider
  • Judy Lunsford as Scuz
  • Brian Peck as Chilly Billy
  • William Stout as the U.S. Army Officer
  • Peter Lorre (voice only) as the Radio DJ

Review:
"Return of the Living Dead" distinguishes itself within the horror community through its distinctive approach to the zombie genre. While director George A. Romero’s works were instrumental in carving out the rules of the zombie archetype, “Return of the Living Dead” sidesteps them, creating a unique narrative that embraces the chaos of reanimated corpses devoid of the prerequisite moral ambivalence typically found in horror films. The diegetic insertion of punk rock—a soundtrack accentuated with modern anthems of rebellion—only enhances the compressed sense of urgency and anarchy that runs throughout the film.

One striking aspect of the film is its commitment to blending the grotesque with the ludicrous. The characters are written with bold strokes; Freddy is the wide-eyed newcomer, while Frank provides comic relief with his self-deprecating wit and extensive lore concerning the misdeeds of the undead. Their camaraderie establishes a palpable chemistry that carries through the movie, despite the maelstrom of horror swirling around them. Frank’s tragicomic persona offers viewers a layered understanding of the emotional stakes involved until his own demise—heightening the film’s impact as you witness his transformation from a jolly storyteller to a flesh-hungry zombie.

Linnea Quigley’s performance as Trash is another highlight. Daring, you might say, she embodies the quintessential punk rock spirit, breaking taboos with theatrical flair. The character’s memorable dance atop a grave, audaciously embracing her sexuality, acts as a pointed commentary on the liberation and excess inherent in youth subcultures of the 1980s. An intersection of horror and liberation, her ultimately tragic fate serves as a cruel ironic twist that contributes to the film’s commentary on the fragility of life amidst the exuberance of youth.

Overall, the film employs an inimitable blend of slapstick comedy with visceral horror elements—zombies are portrayed as both comical and horrifying. The primal reaction of fear juxtaposed with guffaws is a recurring motif that elevates “Return of the Living Dead” into a category of its own. When the town descends into a cacophony of chaos as brain-hungry creatures swarm the streets, the performances shine even brighter. The supporting cast, particularly Don Calfa as Ernie, bring their eccentricities into full bloom, creating memorable characters who both repulse and endear themselves to the audience.

Another significant element is the satirical approach to societal collapse. The film reflects the anxieties of 1980s America—particularly post-Vietnam sentiment and the spectre of nuclear fallout—through the lens of campy horror. The film does not shy away from showing the futility of the characters’ attempts to survive; no heroic actions lead to overall victory. The finale takes a darkly comedic turn, suggesting that despite the attempts to control the situation, humanity is ultimately overrun by chaos—a prescient observation reflecting societal fears during its release.

Visually, the film is a triumph in practical effects, harnessed largely through the talents of legendary makeup artist Tom Savini and his team. The zombies are grotesquely realised, maintaining a balance between absurdity and horror. The scenes in which the brain-hungry fiends shamble forth create a visceral triumph over the norm, as viewers recoil yet can’t help but laugh along with the absurdity of the situation.

The incorporation of punk culture also plays a vital role in the film’s lasting appeal. With a soundtrack featuring artists such as the Cramps and Separate Ways, the combination of horror and music forms a rebellious tapestry that has resonated with youth culture. The punk rock aesthetic contributes to the film’s timeless quality, aligning itself with the ethos of youthful rebellion against authority, showcased not just in the characters but in the film’s wild and anarchic spirit.

In conclusion, "Return of the Living Dead" is not merely a horror film; it is a cultural phenomenon that beautifully intertwines the macabre with humour. Its vibrant cast, cheeky satire and outrageous commitment to its own identity make it undeniably embedded in the fabric of 1980s cinema. It embraces its chaotic nature rather than shying away, transforming the horror elements into an eccentric and unforgettable experience. The film’s cult status underscores the resonance it continues to carry, audaciously reflecting societal fears while remaining global in its allure.

Score: 9/10

“Return of the Living Dead” is a meticulously crafted exclamation of style and substance that has earned its place as one of the most beloved films in the zombie genre. Its audacity and irreverence will undoubtedly guarantee its legacy for years to come.

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