Shaun of the Dead - Movie Review

I am revising and studying some horror narratives, just to boost my curiousity on the reasons why they are still celebrated and also to get more perspectives on these films, if possible. I began with this extraordinary zombie comedy from the talented Edgar Wright. I watched this film for the first time when I was in school, and I enjoyed it to the last bit. Today, when I watch this, apart from loving the endearing comic narrative, I also enjoy the way the film portrays some crises of today's world. The film begins in a world where every person walks about sane and alive, but the outlook is very similar to that of the undead. Nobody is concerned about anyone outside their individual sphere, even when a driver falls dead on his steering wheel, leading to a traffic jam. Thus, when Shaun goes out to buy some snacks from a store two blocks away, the road is overflowing with the undead people wandering about, but he doesn't notice any anomaly. Sam and Ed stay unaware even after listening to the news, only to be struck by the reality of the apocalyptic reality by a certain undead woman who ends up wandering in their backyard, about a day after the initiation of the infestation. 

Moreover, the tagline of the film is interesting. 'A romantic comedy. With zombies.' The film has an underlying focus on the relationship between Shaun and Liz. By the time the end credits roll, we are witness to a number of characters in love with each other, and some actions which take the plot of the film forward are due to these existant feelings. For instance, Shaun couldn't kill the bit Philip, though he had a lot of contempt for the character, because his mother loved the bit man and Shaun couldn't disrespect love. Shaun's love for Liz drove them to Liz's apartment, even after the alleged breakup, which led us to understand that David was also in love with Liz. Most of David's decision, even the fatal ones, were mostly because of his love for Liz. Most importantly, the friendship between Shaun and Ed went beyond the perceived paradigm of friends or 'brothers'. They are not directly portrayed to be a couple, but their emotions toward each other crossed the defined line of friendship as a term, and that was the most beautiful part of the film for me. The fatalistic decision, which was finally taken by Shaun, though bizarre, makes me smile everytime I watch it. 

The film also deals with a very sad undertone, which is mainly concerning Shaun. He loses (literally kills) his mother, his best friend (the living version) and his stepfather (though he didn't love him) within a span of a day. His stepfather, Philip, dies after telling him why he failed as a father. He might have had the necessary window to understand a person he used to utterly hate from childhood, but time was not in his favour. I feel utterly sad about Shaun, when the film ends. Yes, it's a film which is meant to make you laugh, and I do so. But this character survives at the cost of the lives of many near ones, and that's not laughable to the least.

Edgar Wright is one of my favourite filmmakers, mostly because of the fact that he enjoys the films he makes. Each of his films have a comic undertone, but with a deeper meaning to it. I take back a lot from his films, be it this or Baby Driver or Scott Pilgrim vs. The World or Hot Fuzz. At World's End is not one of my favourites, though it has it's own share of brilliant moments. Shaun of the Dead will always be my favourite Edgar Wright film, for he not only creates a sensible comedy, he gives due credit to filmmakers like George A. Romero while dealing with the subject of the undead. The film stays in my conscience to be more of a comic tribute to the classic zombie horror films. The fact that Simon Pegg is writer of the film, along with Wright, makes me all the more satisfied about the narrative. Pegg has a deep sense of comedy, which is clearly expressed in his performances. 

I'll continue this study of horror narratives with about twenty other shortlisted films. I am readily open to suggestions and discussions.

Thank You for Reading.