Romantic Zombies: What Their Representation in Film Means for Racism
Date
2017
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Department of English and Writing, The University of Tampa
Abstract
In cinematic history the representation of zombies began in
1968 with George Romero’s film Night of the Living Dead (Barber
1). In Romero’s film, zombies are depicted as brain-dead, flesh
eating monsters. Since Romero’s time, zombies have begun to
infiltrate the romantic comedy film genre. Films such as Pretty
Dead (2013), Zombie Prom (2006), Warm Bodies (2013) and I Am
Legend (2007) have used zombies as romanticized bodies in their
plot lines. The shift from brain-dead corpses to possible romantic
leads initiates a change from racism and othering to acceptance
and tolerance. Films that incorporate zombies through a
romantic lens challenge the original use of zombies in America.
This challenge motivates audiences to see humanity in a body
that has been traditionally separated or discriminated against.
Description
Recommended Citation: Murphy, Emily. “Romantic Zombies: What Their Representation in Film Means for Racism.” Royal Road, 2017. https://doi.org/10.48497/EXNM-SW17.
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Keywords
Zombie films, Racism, Pretty Dead (2013), Zombie Prom (2006), Warm Bodies (2013), I Am Legend (2007), Vodoun, Miscegenation, Romance films, Discrimination
Citation
Murphy, Emily. “Romantic Zombies: What Their Representation in Film Means for Racism.” Royal Road, 2017. https://doi.org/10.48497/EXNM-SW17.