DVD Review - Birth of the Living Dead (2013)

Genre:
Documentary
Distributor:
Solo Media
DVD Release Date:
12th May 2014 (uk)
Rating: 15
Running Time:
76 Minutes
Director:
Rob Kuhns
Cast:
George A.Romero, Gale Ann Hurd, Larry Fessenden, William Hinzman
For any horror fans well versed in their history, Rob Kuhns Night of the Living Dead expose Birth of the Living Dead, will probably come off as a little basic. For anyone mildly interested in the film or its cultural context, the film could be potentially intriguing, though never altogether fascinating. Energetic perhaps, but never fascinating.

The story of Romero’s infamous guerrilla-shoot is recalled by a host of interviewees; producers, academics, horror filmmakers (the wonderful Larry Fessenden), and Romero himself who appears extensively to chuckle and lovingly gibber about his crew. Granted Kuhns utilises archive footage excellently and quotes rigorously from interesting sources, the late Roger Ebert’s surprisingly dismissive review for instance, but something’s missing here. Apart from Romero, there’s few original crew members and fewer celebrity appearances, but perhaps this is all in the name of guerrilla film-making since what self-respecting underdog needs the involvement of the mainstream horror genre? That aside, it would have been lovely to see a few more familiar faces.

Kuhns goes to great lengths to prove the cultural validity of Night of the Living Dead by exploring the political climate of the late 60’s. Here lies one of the strongest elements of the documentary: extensive use of vintage news footage and interviews is blended with footage from Night to highlight how part of the 60’s zeitgeist Night really is. In examining how the collapse of faith in the American government came about and how Romero critically engaged with it, Kuhns’ primary objective appears to be validating Night as a cultural artifact ranked with the likes of Easy Rider. Which he achieves gloriously, but seems to carry on reiterating rather than engaging with.

Lovingly crafted, informative, but eventually slow, Birth of the Living Dead misses out on some great opportunities to expand on the legacy of George A. Romero’s zombie masterpiece. It does however prove what a miracle the film is in production terms, and serves as a gushing testament to the spirit of Independent film-making.
★★★☆☆

Scott Clark

Shooting Wraps On Mark Harris The Broken

After a 6-week shoot in London and the USA Mark Harris scripted The Broken has now official finished  filming and principal photogaphy. The Broken is a thriller of international variety with locations varying from the sun drenched Sunset Boulevard, slums of Los Angeles to the streets of Lambeth in London. The international  label isn't just with the films locations The Broken stars a host of international acting talent including Mark Harris (Outside Bet, Offender), Felix Ryan (NCIS), Kyle Summercorn (Misfits), Rhea Bailey (The Mentalist)and Deji Laray (CSI: NY).

Synopsis :After the loss of his beloved son and a traumatic term in prison, all Matt Hollis wants is to be reunited with his estranged wife, Alison and daughter Lara. Certain that a break is all that they need to get back on track, Matt scrapes together enough money to take the family to America.

In LA, the Hollis’ find themselves in a palatial holiday home that seems too good to be true. Everything is perfect until, one night Alison is savagely beaten and Lara taken from her bed.

Terrified that he is about to lose his family all over again, Matt is desperate to find his daughter and makes contact with his old friend Syan who suggests that Lara may be the victim of an illegal child adoption ring. With the police on their tail, the two men embark in pursuit of Lara’s kidnappers and uncover a prolific ring of traffickers who sell innocent children to the highest bidder, servicing even the highest echelons of society’s elite.

Already sold to a childless couple, Lara will soon be lost and Matt and Syan must reach her before she becomes another victim of the trafficking trade.

The Broken is set for a August release in UK&Ireland ,The film is written by Marc Small and Davie Fairbanks and is based on an original story by Mark Harris. The feature will be directed by Simon Phillips (GBH). The Broken also stars Anna Nightingale, Honor Kneafsey and Rita Ramnani