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I am a big fan of the zombie genre. In their cinematic infancy, Zombie movies have come to the forefront of social commentary...as far as horror movies go. Worst case scenario of what can happen when society is caught off guard. Aside from the social significance of zombie movies, there has been one issue that has always been at the forefront of my mind: Fast vs. slow.

This is obvious: a fast zombie is more effective. Not only do they have whichever communicable virus that made them what they are, but they can catch up to you and give it to you. Now I cannot say I agree with the fast zombie. Aside from the fictional aspect of zombies themselves(Max Brooks might disagree), it does not seem likely that a body that has 'died' and been reanimated could muster enough energy in its muscles to do more than the zombie shuffle. In the latest Dawn of the Dead, the protagonists find it difficult, to say the least, to dispose of the attacking zombies. Even though it is entertaining, I do believe it takes away some of the ominous quality of the undead. In George Romero's Night of the Living Dead, for example, all the fear comes from the anticipation. In all the waiting that goes on, the drama between the protagonists ensue. I have to admit, though, I was wondering the whole time, 'is there really that many zombies that they can't just run away? They aren't fast.' I was thirteen and relatively wet behind the ears regarding horror movies.

Fast Zombies are far more effective than slow zombies.

This was evident in the Land of the Dead by George Romero. The only way the zombies can defeat(or drive out) the protagonists is by showing intelligent thought. Now this, I believe to be a cop out of sorts. This is an even more pressing, even though less evident, question: how feasible is it that zombies would have reason? It seems that the question of speed was an issue and could only be dealt with by giving the undead a talent that does not seem feasible in the slightest. The brain, to me, would be too busy keeping the muscles moving to reason whether or not they should kill or have dinner.

Learn more about this author, Tom Mclaughlin.
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