by Wayne K. Wilkins

Created on: August 16, 2011   Last Updated: August 17, 2011

The zombie sub-genre of horror has been prominently seen in the world of film for decades. Some of the most popular films that helped to define the genre were the early movies of George A. Romero such as “Night of the Living Dead” and “Dawn of the Dead”. However, as the years progresses and the technology became more readily available and affordable, “B-Movie” zombie films, student horror films and independently created horror films became more prominently seen, as did the twisting of conventions in Hollywood zombie flicks. However, what is it that actually makes a good zombie film?

There are countless zombie films currently in circulation and many more currently being made. One of the things that many modern day zombie films constantly use as a subject point is the use of blood and gore. There are people that quite literally butcher the zombie genre and use the zombie as an antagonist simply to create a bloody and gory movie experience. This is not what makes a good zombie movie. Some of the most successful zombie movies of all time, the two mentioned above for example, sparingly used blood and gore except when completely necessary and as a means of aiding the storyline, setting the mood and of course, showcasing the true horror and sheer power of the zombies as a unit when they are

The zombies emanate horror. They are the epitome of horror. The fact that they slowly creep towards you no matter what you are doing or where you go is a very terrifying feeling. This is what makes a good zombie movie; the element of horror, the feeling of terror and the inability to escape. This can only be created properly by telling a story and by putting emphasis on the zombie as an antagonist that stalks you and that you cannot escape from. The blood and gore element comes after that as a mere advancement to showcase the power of the zombie, it should never be a focus point which is sadly what many zombie movies make it.

There are very few modern day examples of horror films that actually showcase the power of storytelling and creation of horror. “Shaun of the Dead”, a zombie comedy movie, actually does it perfectly. It creates horror and drama and blends it in perfectly with the element of comedy to create a unique and never before seen feeling. Romero’s “Diary of the Dead” is another modern day masterpiece that emphasizes the much needed storytelling aspect and more recently, 2010’s television series, “The Walking Dead” which will air it second season in October of 2011 is another incredibly skillful portrayal of the zombie as a horrifying story teller rather than as an excuse for blood and gore. Ken Foree's recent return to the zombie genre with "Zone of the Dead" is another good modern day example of horror and storytelling over blood and gore.

So, exactly what is it that makes a good zombie film? It is the story telling. It is only the story that can make the zombie a fearful antagonist. If the zombie is used as a mere excuse for blood and gore then you will not have a good zombie film. However, if you use the zombie as a reason to tell a story and you build the antagonist, the zombie up as a fearful, stalking, creeping figure that is simply impossible to escape, then you by default have the makings of a good horror movie. The story is the key point and as a result, the story tells the horror and the zombie perfects it. Basically, the key to a good horror film is to simply avoid adhering to modern day blood and gore conventions and instead, simply think back to Romero conventions of storytelling and creating horror.

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