12-8-16

Journal Article

                        The bases of the article Terror in Horror Genres: The Global Media and the Millennial Zombie is that over the years the way zombie films have been viewed has changed. After 9/11 popular culture changed and now views zombies as a worst-case scenario or the fears of epidemics and terrorism (Terror in Horror Genres: The Global Media and the Millennial Zombie 2008). The author states that the movies represent a “crisis mentality” on a culture waiting for the next terrorist attack, violent outbreak, or the next pandemic (Terror in Horror Genres: The Global Media and the Millennial Zombie 2008). Before all of this sometimes zombie films were viewed politically or even comically (Terror in Horror Genres: The Global Media and the Millennial Zombie 2008).

            Most of the zombie films show people who are not ready for what has just happened, the violence or the disease and focus on whatever the current global concern is at the time of the film (Terror in Horror Genres: The Global Media and the Millennial Zombie 2008). The article talks about the movie 28 days later and how it was basically ground breaking because the zombies were infected instead of rising from the dead. It points to the fact that these zombies could run as a new definition in zombies but I remember watching Return of the Living Dead (1985) when I was a child and they had fast zombies and even one named I believe Bubba that could speak. I think 28 days later was not exactly a new concept but evolving from an existing one. However, the author gives a great analysis on the movie 28 days later which makes me appreciate the movie in a whole new light because I have never really thought of it as a great zombie movie. Honestly, I find it boring and drags on too much.

            In this article they compare the original Dawn of the Dead with the remake. It goes over the differences in how quickly the outbreak happens in the remake and also the changes in the zombie’s behavior (Terror in Horror Genres: The Global Media and the Millennial Zombie 2008). I agree with this analysis that it depicts that outbreaks are going to be too quick to stop and fits more in with today’s society and how we perceive things. They also discuss the squel to 28 days later which is 28 weeks later. I have never seen this movie but agree with how the author views how the movie relates to the fears of society. She states that even though the military is involved they can’t suppress the violence in the film just like the fighting in other countries and the wars that are ongoing (Terror in Horror Genres: The Global Media and the Millennial Zombie 2008).

            Another movie that is referenced is Diary of the Dead which I have seen. I agree with the authors points on the media and news outlets relaying information that may be inaccurate or make things seem worse than they are (Terror in Horror Genres: The Global Media and the Millennial Zombie 2008). A bit of a scare tactic if you will. In today’s society no matter what horrible thing is taking place rather it be a terrorist attack or school shooting usually the first information we receive from the media is inaccurate. Each news station is trying to the first to get the information out and usually it’s not correct. Take the recent incident at OSU. First we heard shots were fired and there were multiple shooters but in reality it was one guy who used his car and a knife. I don’t fault the media for this because they are trying to get the information they know out to the public so people can get to safety. So at the end of the day their inaccurate information will be clarified but if they wait until they know 100% of the facts people could end up in danger.

            This article makes me view zombie films in a different light. Before reading it I would enjoy zombie films for the horror I thought they were meant to be. Now though I can look at them and understand some of her points and views. Zombie films have changed and do seem to change with the culture. It does seem that they show how as a nation we are scared and worried about bad things happening and no one will be able to save us. As she says in the article is the human race even worth saving (Terror in Horror Genres: The Global Media and the Millennial Zombie 2008). That makes you think. I believe this article is important because to me it lets me appreciate the zombie film genre as something more in depth. I can see how it has evolved where I never paid attention before. Do I believe some zombie films don’t fit in this mold, of course I do but you have to wonder why in recent years more people have become fascinated with zombie things. If people didn’t have the fear of the next big thing happening and how horrible people can become if left with no government or rule then The Walking Dead wouldn’t be one of the biggest shows on TV.