31 Facts About The Movie Night Of The Living Dead

The movie Night of the Living Dead was released in 1968.

It marked the debut of director George A. Romero, who would later become known as the “Master of the Zombie Genre.”

Night of the Living Dead is considered a cult classic.

The film gained a significant following and has since been recognized as a landmark in horror cinema.

The movie was made on a low budget of $114,000.

Despite its modest budget, Night of the Living Dead went on to become a critical and commercial success.

Night of the Living Dead was shot in black and white.

This decision was made due to budget constraints but ended up enhancing the movie’s eerie atmosphere.

The film follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a farmhouse during a zombie apocalypse.

This premise set the stage for the countless zombie movies that would come after.

Night of the Living Dead introduced the concept of zombies craving human flesh.

Prior to this movie, zombies were typically portrayed as mindless creatures without specific dietary preferences.

The lead character, Ben, played by Duane Jones, was one of the first African-American actors to play a heroic role in a horror film.

This casting choice was considered groundbreaking at the time.

The movie was originally titled “Night of the Flesh Eaters.”

However, a distribution mistake led to the change in the film’s title.

Night of the Living Dead faced controversy upon release.

Some critics thought the film was too violent and gory for its time.

The movie was filmed in rural Pennsylvania.

The farmhouse location added to the film’s authenticity and sense of isolation.

Night of the Living Dead inspired a wave of sequels and remakes.

The movie paved the way for a long-running franchise that continues to this day.

Night of the Living Dead entered the public domain due to a copyright error.

This allowed the film to be widely distributed and seen by a larger audience.

The movie has been praised for its social commentary.

Many interpret Night of the Living Dead as a critique of racial and societal tensions during the late 1960s.

Night of the Living Dead was entered into the National Film Registry in 1999.

This recognition solidified its place as a significant piece of American cinema.

The film’s iconic music score was composed by William Loose.

The eerie and haunting soundtrack adds to the overall atmosphere of the movie.

Night of the Living Dead was originally met with mixed reviews.

However, its reputation has grown over the years, and it is now regarded as a horror classic.

The movie was made independently.

Romero and his team formed their own production company to finance and distribute the film.

Night of the Living Dead has been referenced and parodied in numerous other movies, TV shows, and media.

Its impact on popular culture is undeniable.

The influence of Night of the Living Dead can be seen in modern zombie movies and television shows like The Walking Dead.

It set the tone for the portrayal of zombies in popular entertainment.

The movie was unique for its time in terms of its diverse cast.

In addition to featuring an African-American actor in a leading role, Night of the Living Dead included both male and female characters with diverse backgrounds.

Night of the Living Dead was made during the height of the civil rights movement.

Many viewers saw parallels between the themes in the film and the racial tensions of the era.

The movie’s budget was so limited that the crew had to use chocolate syrup as fake blood.

This proved to be a cost-effective and realistic solution for portraying gore on screen.

Night of the Living Dead has been screened in numerous film festivals around the world.

It continues to captivate and terrify audiences to this day.

The film’s ending is considered one of the most shocking in horror cinema.

It left audiences stunned and questioning the boundaries of horror storytelling.

The success of Night of the Living Dead led to Romero directing several other zombie-themed movies.

These include Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, and Land of the Dead, which further solidified his place in the genre.

Night of the Living Dead has been praised for its realistic and gritty portrayal of the zombie apocalypse.

The film’s documentary-style approach adds to its believability.

Night of the Living Dead was a box office hit.

It grossed over $30 million worldwide, a significant achievement for an independent production.

The movie’s black and white cinematography enhances the eerie and claustrophobic feel of the farmhouse setting.

The lack of color adds to the movie’s overall sense of dread.

Night of the Living Dead is often studied in film schools as an example of low-budget filmmaking that achieved great success.

It is considered a masterclass in independent cinema.

The film was originally intended to be a horror-comedy.

However, the comedic aspects were toned down during production to create a more serious tone.

Night of the Living Dead has been critically acclaimed for its social and political subtext.

It continues to be analyzed for its commentary on race, consumerism, and the human condition.

Conclusion

Night of the Living Dead is a groundbreaking film that has left a lasting impact on the horror genre. With its low budget, realistic gore, and social commentary, it revolutionized the portrayal of zombies on screen. From its eerie black-and-white cinematography to its unexpected twist ending, this film continues to captivate audiences even decades after its release. Whether you’re a fan of horror movies or just curious about cinematic history, Night of the Living Dead is a must-watch that will both chill and provoke thought.

FAQs

1. When was Night of the Living Dead released?

Night of the Living Dead was released on October 1, 1968.

2. Who directed Night of the Living Dead?

The movie was directed by George A. Romero, who is often referred to as the father of the modern zombie film.

3. Is Night of the Living Dead a black and white film?

Yes, Night of the Living Dead was shot entirely in black and white, adding to its eerie atmosphere and stark visual presentation.

4. What is the significance of Night of the Living Dead in the horror genre?

Night of the Living Dead is considered a landmark film in the horror genre for its realistic portrayal of zombies and its social commentary on race and society.

5. Did Night of the Living Dead receive critical acclaim?

While Night of the Living Dead received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained recognition as a classic and influential horror film.

6. Are there any sequels or remakes of Night of the Living Dead?

Yes, there have been several sequels and remakes of Night of the Living Dead, although the original 1968 film remains a cult favorite.

7. Who wrote the screenplay for Night of the Living Dead?

Romero and John A. Russo co-wrote the screenplay for the film.

8. How long is Night of the Living Dead?

The runtime of Night of the Living Dead is approximately 96 minutes.

9. What is the rating of Night of the Living Dead?

Night of the Living Dead is rated R for graphic violence and gore.

10. Where was Night of the Living Dead filmed?

The movie was primarily filmed in rural Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.