Most agree if you can make it through the gory National Guard scene that opens the film, you can stomach the rest of it. It’s worth it if you can.
The story of Dawn of the Dead is one of my favorite set-ups. Zombies overrun the world and our heroes manage to find temporary haven in an unlikely place — the roof of a shopping mall. Once there they realize the mall could be the perfect hideaway. It has all the food, entertainment and comforts of home anyone could ask for. All they need to do is clear out the shuffling-dead that still wander the joint. That’s not too hard because they’re slow and can easily be outrun. One bullet to the head works nicely too. So that’s what they do.
The whole time the group is having a ball — especially the guys. They hoop ‘n holler and slide all around. Even kids in a candy-store don’t get as excited as they do. They can’t wait to relax in the lap of luxury that awaits them and, for a time, they do get a taste of it. They even forget about the zombies for a while. But good things never last and, inevitably, the party has to end.
The ending was originally meant to be much bleaker -– they all die -– but writer/director George A. Romero mercifully added a slightly triumphant finish. Not much of one, but fitting.
Romero claims the point of the film is to criticize commercialism, in that chasing material pleasures is not the path to happiness. Yeah, whatever. I’ve enjoyed the film many times, and it’s mostly because the mall scenes are so much fun. Even with a bunch of zombies trying to eat you. The whole thing has a joyful tone that was sadly missing in the remake.
So if the walking dead ever descend on Toronto, you can be sure to find me at the Eaton Centre.