Zombie Heroes

Assignment 1-4-4: Written Analysis 3

Heroes have existed since the first made-up tale was ever spoken around a campfire. The hero rises up and rids the land of whatever evil befalls it, and he/she is most likely an underdog. The hero’s purpose is to not only prevail against all odds, but to encourage hope among the people, and show courage and strength.

Just like any adventure tale or story, all zombie films and stories have the typical hero figure. Zombies are somehow inherently evil by design. So, there must be a counterpart to rid the earth of the zombies, or at least save other people from their brainless hunger.

In the film Resident Evil (2002), Alice is an engineered, extraordinary human who has the ability and courage to fight zombies created by the evil Umbrella Corporation, and even overcome normal human injuries so that she may prevail as the hero. In the film, Shaun of the Dead (2004), Shaun is an ordinary, down-on-his-luck fellow, who just broke up with his girlfriend. A zombie virus strikes and he has a comical, yet gory, way of dealing with the zombies. By the end of the film, Shaun has become quite the hero in his ex-girlfriend’s eyes because of his courage in the face of danger, and his ability to resourcefulness in getting them to safety. All of the heroes in zombie films have the same outcome: (1) find courage; (2) become resourceful; (3) inspire others; and (4) save loved ones or families.


Only recently has the zombie actually become the hero. The film Warm Bodies (2013) tells the tale of R, an atypical zombie who is quite witty, curious, and still has the ability to think (although limited at first). Once he sees Julie, his heart begins to beat again, and he tries to protect her from the other zombies. He ends up saving the regular zombies and humans alike. Although popular culture has labeled the zombie a frightening and evil creature, this movie has turned the tables and made the zombie a hero, capable of thinking and love.

Typical of any hero theme, zombie films have cashed in on the idea of one person prevailing against evil or hardship. The hero is timeless. Popular culture of today continues the tradition of a hero showing us courage, hope and strength, no matter the topic—even zombies.

References

Anderson, Paul W.S. (Producer/Director), Bolt, J. (Producer), Eichinger, B. (Producer), & Hadida, S. (Producer). (2002). Resident Evil [Motion picture]. Germany: Constantin Films.

Hoberman, D. (Producer), Lieberman, T. (Producer), Papandrea, L. (Producer), & Levine, J. (Director). (2013). Warm Bodies [Motion picture]. USA: Summit Entertainment.

Park, N. (Producer), & Wright, E. (Director). (2004). Shaun of the Dead [Motion picture]. UK: Universal Pictures.