What Makes A BAD Zombie Film?

[MoonSylver]

I'm with DJ on this one... death metal in horror flicks does NOT make a movie more hardcore, scary, horrific, intense... whatever. It's just awful. Concur. It's like you're trying to hard to be "cool" : "Look kids! I dig what you young folks are listening to! I'm hip!" You might as well have your movie put on Hammer Pants & jump around going "Can't touch this!" if you're going to the well of tired & cliched.

[Ozhair]

Thanks for the input, guys. Much appreciated :-) At a meeting last night my script was given the official go-ahead to be the first feature produced by the newly formed coalition of local filmmakers, so we're on the way :-) So far, it looks as though my script avoids all the traps you've emntioned. I'm treating the subject matter seriously, not as a comedy. No running zombies, although I describe some of them as moving at a "fast shamble". No death metal. No instant kick-ass sharpshooters. Since this film is set in Australia, guns are nowhere near as prevalent as they are in the States. In fact there's only one gun in the script, and a lot of the internal conflict comes from argument over who gets the gun. Since this group is made up of local filmmakers, production gear isn't a huge problem. Camera-wise we have several 5D MkII's and 7Ds, or Sony EX series cameras available. If we can up the cash budget a bit, there's even the possibility of shooting on a SI2K or RED. I'm a TV cameraman by trade, so I know most of the freelancers in town. A friend who has worked as a soundie on several features in Queensland is keen to get involved, so we'll have experience in that department as well. The guy who initiated the coalition idea is a pro stunt guy with his own team, so we have that covered, as well as access to professional armourers. For makeup, there are a couple of make-up academies in town, one with a number of feature credits, who we'll be approaching to see if we can get some of their better students on board. So, I'm excited :-) The next month will be spent ironing out the wrinkles in the script, then into pre-prod. Wish me luck :-)

[ZombieGrrL]

Goodluck Ozhair! It's so exciting to have an up&coming Aussie zombie film! PS: Guys I'm so glad to hear your throughts about metal in zombie movies, that really annoys me. It DOESN'T add to it, & can take away from it.

[DjfunkmasterG]

Hey hey now DJ... What the Hell is wrong with using Death Metal my friend??? It is just one chord noise. -- -------- Post added at 03:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:06 AM ---------- Hi Guys, Great thread. I'm also shooting a zombie (short) in late July. that i co-wrote with Rob Fox the auther of "z day is here" amazon link. If you don't mind please listen to this song, Dead Alive, that a friend wrote that i have permission to use. If you want to follow the production and news for the movie like my facebook page, Mile 29 Films. Thanks. I like the riff of the song, but the vocals are horrible. Ask the artist if you can get the instrumental version of the song, that would work for an end credits track.

[glazedoverdead]

Well, I have no problem with Death Metal in horror films in general. I don't feel that it makes the movie any better though either. It's a good movie or its not simple as that. I don't mind Metal in the movied probably because I happen to like Death Metal anyway, but I understand where you're coming from, especially if you don't care for that music in the first place.

[BillTheButcher]

- Unrealistic things... Zombies that have inhuman traits (strength, quickness, etc.). You actually mean zombies are realistic in any way? Disappointing - - Explaining Zombies - Yes, we all want to know *why* there are zombies. Don't bog me down with explanations... especially if those explanations are half-assed and make less sense than not knowing. Take a cue from Romero - the 3 greatest zombie movies of all time have NO ANSWERS about why there are zombies. Is there any explanation that actually comes close to explaining zombies? The entire idiocy of the entire genre is contained in that little fact. Zombies make no sense. Their taking over anything at all makes no sense.

[darth los]

No "investigating" strange noises ALONE. And for Pete's sake keep the comedy to a minimum. There's a fine line between well placed chuckles and slapstick that will make eyes roll. (see GAr's latest offerings).

[MoonSylver]

You actually mean zombies are realistic in any way? It's still possible to portray a somewhat unrealistic thing in a realistic way. Zombies portrayed as basicall dead humans, with human abilities or less= somewhat belivable. Zombies portrayed as SUPER human= less belivable. The entire idiocy of the entire genre is contained in that little fact. I find it increaseingly odd that a guy with a dislike for "fanboys" and who consideres the zombie genre idotic is hagining around a GAR FANsite devoted to ZOMBIES. Now, if you'll excuse me, I loathe almost all rap music, so I'm off to post on Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, & Eminem's websites...

[darth los]

What makes a bad zombie film?: John Russo within 1,000 yards of the set.

[ZombieGrrL]

what makes a bad zombie film?: John russo within 1,000 yards of the set. :d lol :d

[BillTheButcher]

I find it increaseingly odd that a guy with a dislike for "fanboys" and who consideres the zombie genre idotic is hagining around a GAR FANsite devoted to ZOMBIES. I'm hanging around this site because, among other things, it has a "general horror" dimension. Also, because I write across genres. Any problems from your PoV with that? I hate imperialism, too. Does that mean I can't read imperialistic literature and respond appropriately?

[mpokera]

I'm hanging around this site because, among other things, it has a "general horror" dimension. Also, because I write across genres. Any problems from your PoV with that? I hate imperialism, too. Does that mean I can't read imperialistic literature and respond appropriately? Of course it doesnt. But his statement is still valid. If you dont like zombies and indeed find them 'idiotic' it seems that this would be a place you would have very little interest in. Yes there is a small 'General' Horror section here, but why would you think you needed to read this topic? Or that anyone would be interested in your input? The very fact that you find the whole genre "idiotic' pretty much means that you have no useful ideas as to what can make one zombie movie better or worse, you have already stated you find them ALL 'idiotic'. Of course its a free discussion and you are welcome to chime in, just dont expect anyone to take you seriously or respect you input.

[MoonSylver]

I'm hanging around this site because, among other things, it has a "general horror" dimension. Also, because I write across genres. Any problems from your PoV with that? No problem. Just an observation.

[DjfunkmasterG]

what makes a bad zombie film?: John russo within 1,000 yards of the set. :d agreed 1,000,000,000 %

[krakenslayer]

I would be tempted to encourage you to avoid the zombie genre altogether (particularly the vanilla outbreak style) if you are at all concerned with making a unique, original, quality film that will further your careers. There has been a massive glut of zombie films, both good and bad, in recent years and now the genre is starting to look really tired and in much need of rest and/or reinvention. The problem with asking fans for help is that most of us (myself included) have very entrenched, arbitrary opinions about the genre, and a deep emotional investment in the genre as it currently stands, which make us probably the worst people to ask if you really want to get creative. If you get too interested in the demands of us fanboys, you'll just find yourself making the zombie equivalent of custom fetish videos.