What Zombie Movie is Set in a Mall?
The zombie genre has been a staple in horror movies for decades, and one of the most iconic and influential films in this genre is Dawn of the Dead (1978). This film, directed by George A. Romero, is set in a shopping mall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and follows a group of survivors as they try to evade the hordes of zombies that have overrun the city.
The Film’s Setting
The film takes place in the Monroeville Mall, a large shopping center in suburban Pittsburgh. The mall serves as a safe haven for the survivors, who are trying to escape the zombies that have taken over the city. The mall’s vast corridors and stores provide a sense of security, but also create a sense of claustrophobia and isolation.
Why the Mall?
Romero has said in interviews that he chose the mall as the setting for the film because it was a symbol of American consumerism and excess. The mall represents a place where people go to indulge in materialism and consumerism, and the zombies represent the chaos and destruction that can result from this excess. By setting the film in a mall, Romero is able to comment on the societal issues of the time, such as the empty materialism of the American Dream.
The Movie’s Plot
The film follows a group of survivors, including Stephen (David Emge), Francine (Gaylen Ross), Roger (Scott H. Reiniger), and Peter (Ken Foree), who take refuge in the mall. They soon discover that the mall is overrun with zombies, and they must work together to survive and find a way out.
The Zombies
The zombies in Dawn of the Dead are different from those in other zombie movies. They are slow-moving and lumbering, but also relentless and almost unstoppable. They are not driven by a desire to eat human flesh, but rather by a mindless instinct to consume and destroy.
Impact of the Film
Dawn of the Dead has had a significant impact on the zombie genre and horror movies in general. The film’s use of satire and social commentary has influenced many other horror movies, and its slow-moving, relentless zombies have become a staple of the genre. The film has also spawned numerous sequels, remakes, and spin-offs, including Day of the Dead (1985) and Land of the Dead (2005).
Trivia
- The Monroeville Mall, where the film was shot, is still open today and has a small museum dedicated to the film.
- The film’s budget was only $1.5 million, but it went on to gross over $25 million at the box office.
- The film’s zombies were played by local actors and extras, who were given instructions on how to move and behave like zombies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dawn of the Dead is a classic zombie movie that has had a significant impact on the genre and horror movies in general. The film’s use of satire and social commentary, as well as its slow-moving, relentless zombies, have made it a staple of the genre. The film’s setting in a shopping mall adds to its social commentary, highlighting the emptiness and excess of modern consumer culture.