Before I begin, I must confess I’m a little biased when it comes to Edgar Wright, who co-wrote and directed “Shaun of the Dead.” Wright not only grew up in the town I’m from (Wells, Somerset), but also attended the same school as me. And, to top it off, the second film in his ‘three flavours cornetto trilogy,’ (named after continual references to Cornetto ice cream cones), “Hot Fuzz,” was filmed in and based upon said hometown (yes, I glimpsed Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. Do comment below to ask me more). So, I am naturally a fan, and Wright’s films will always resonate and hold a special place in my heart.
This year, Wright’s first in his renowned trilogy and second film overall, “Shaun of the Dead,” celebrates its 20th anniversary (I feel old, too), with a remastered version of the film shuffling its way into movie theatres between August 29th and September 5th. And despite being told—apparently accidentally to his face—that the film would likely fail and go straight to video, people are still talking about and reveling in Wright’s ‘zom-rom-com.’ And for good reason too. “Shaun of the Dead” has rightfully earned its title of an edgy, lovable, forever relevant cult classic that continues to delight both new and hard core fans.
Embedding zombie genre into our own culture and humour
“Shaun of the Dead” follows Shaun (Simon Pegg), as he grapples with a failing relationship, tricky housemates (Nick Frost and Peter Serafinowicz), and, in a nutshell, is learning how to ‘adult’ amidst a zombie apocalypse. And these are themes that run consistently throughout the entirety of Wright’s films. A ‘trilogy of tone’ as they have been described, what Wright’s cult classic does so well is embed the zombie genre into our very own backyards, our own culture and humour.
For me and many of my friends, the characters we see on-screen really are exaggerated versions of people we grew up with, their everyday lives, surroundings, and situations not so distant from our own. Haven’t we all dated someone who just needs a kick up the proverbial backside, and who spends a bit too much time at the pub? And I’m sure we can all think back fondly to our own locale growing up. What I love most about this film is that is shows ‘real’ people, with ‘real’ problems, trying to survive the mundanities of life in their early 20s and that, I believe, we can all relate to and is what keeps the film alive and relevant.
A blending of the genres that feels genuine
Wright and Pegg were set on the fact that they would follow and pay homage to Raimi’s zombie genre ‘rules’—”Shaun of the Dead” was never intended as a zombie spoof. If anything, it’s intended as a spoof rom-com. Yet, what makes “Shaun of the Dead” so fresh and stimulating is how it blends the genres to create a film that serves as a parody rom-com, zombie horror, and a thrilling cop style action movie all packed into one, keeping you on your toes all the way through.
There are snapshots of what we believe to be genuine sincerity. An example is when Shaun has a touching moment with his stepfather before we are jolted and thrust back into the gory action. But what works with “Shaun” is that despite the ridiculousness and the comedy, it all feels believable and genuine—and that means our reactions feel genuine, too. We can’t help but care about and be invested in the characters, because for the entire duration of the film their world, their lives, become ours as we embark on a journey with them. These characters, despite their utter hilarity, aren’t 2-dimensional. In my opinion, all Shaun needed was a zombie apocalypse to come shake him awake out of his late twenties slump and come into his own. And that, he does.
A scene from “Shaun of the Dead.” (Photo: Universal Pictures, 2004).
It’s in the minor details
You can really feel that each element of the film has been so carefully crafted—with every shot—that every line is intentional and essential. Some of my favourite moments are in the minor details—for instance, the opening credits. “Ghost Town” by The Specials is a belter of a song (if you don’t know it, I beg you listen to it and download the whole soundtrack now). However, it will be remembered by many as being released at a time when there were riots taking place in British cities due to unemployment and urban decay. It’s not a coincidence this song was selected to set the opening scenes which are so carefully crafted and choreographed they almost feel like a zombie dance routine, verging on “Thriller” style vibes. Each character reenacts the lines of the song, wandering around in an aimless, mindless slump, in their own zombie like trance.
And this trope continues throughout, the idea that we are all in ourselves ‘mindless zombies.’ We see it from the first scene when Shaun emerges from his bed in a zombie like stupor to seeing a zombie outside the pub. Instead of running away in terror, they incorporate it into their drunken singing and then mistake a girl outside for someone who is drunk. Shaun and Ed’s obliviousness is not only adorable and hilarious; it’s a reminder that, really, we all act like zombies on a Saturday night after a few beers down the pub (or is that just me?).
Watch it on the big screen
Bill Nighy in a scene from “Shaun of the Dead.” (Photo: Universal Pictures, 2004).
And it really must be said, as a final note, that this must be one of the greatest cast films of all time. Nick Frost and Simon Pegg are a duo that I could watch repeatedly, as they seem to bounce off one another so seamlessly. Bill Nighy is a frequent cast member in the trilogy and, well, who doesn’t love Bill? Dylan Moran (one of my all-time favourite comedians) and Lucy Davis are the hilarious housemates of Shaun’s girlfriend, Liz (played by the dazzling Kate Ashfield). The wonderful Penelope Wilton completes the pictures as Shaun’s mum. Absolutely every single actor in this film contributes to make it what it is: truly epic.
So, as the 20th anniversary approaches, for those who have never seen “Shaun of the Dead:” go and watch it the way it should be seen, on the big, bloody red screen at your local movie theatre. I could spend hours analysing every clever little pun and witticism but that would spoil what is a truly cracking watch. For those who are already fans, join me and many others as we fall in love with “Shaun of the Dead” all over again. And how many will be undertaking a cornetto trilogy movie marathon? Because I sure as hell know I will be.
Look at your local cinema listings to see where Focus Features’ 20th Anniversary re-release of “Shaun of the Dead” will be playing.
