As all zombologists know, Shaun of the Dead is absolutely fabulous. What more can I say? Well, I could say a lot more but I'm only going to say a wee bit.
Shaun of the Dead mixes up genres like an orgy mixes up bodies. A how-to-survive tragicomic thread binds it all together but it is a mash-up of romantic comedy, horror, drama, comedy (it's different, people!), social commentary, family drama (again, it's different)...pretty much everything! And it doesn't just mix up the genres, it alternates between and combines them brilliantly.
But does Shaun of the Dead help advance research in the field of zombology? Well, it does address an academic question that has eluded distinguished zombologists for aeons. How do zombies know the difference between fellow undead and living food?
Zombies are animated corpses. Yes, it's confusing. But what do they know? How do they know it? What is the basis for their action? Even if it is all instinctual, what then is the trigger? Is there a special zombie sense?
How does Shaun of the Dead address this question? It reveals the stunning truth in one of the funniest scenes in the film: to get through a horde of zombies to the Winchester, Shaun et al decide to trick the undead by imitating them. Hilarious! Absurd! Tres bon!
Now we know. Zombies limited senses track movement. If it doesn't lurch and clod about in a somnambulistic way and yet is shaped in vaguely hominid form--IT IS FOOD!!!
So practice up, my dark siblings. Do the zombie walk. Do the zombie dance. Get ready for the zombie apocalypse.
You should start watching The Walking Dead. It has a completely different take on this. More horrifying and less hilarious. Equally stunning.
ReplyDeleteAs an aspiring zombologist, I know I really should watch that show. But after Dexter, I don't know if I can take more stressful entertainment. It's just not all that entertaining.
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