Romantic Zombies: What Their Representation in Film Means for Racism

Date

2017

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

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.

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.