World War Z

The Undead Genre: World War Z

Here’s a revelation for you: zombies aren’t evil. They’re just a bastardisation of Darwin’s theory. Think about it: why do they hunt humans? To feed. To survive. They don’t attack us, because they have some deeply imbedded psychological beef with us. They are us, but stripped down to our basest level. This is what Shaun of the Dead illustrates so well, paralleling our attitudes to the platitude of zombies; while something like George A. Romero’s Land of the Dead underlines the mindset of the masses.

So how does World War Z fit into this canon? In a way, it doesn’t; because this is the story of Gerry Lane. It is not about humanity or society, it is merely the story of one man’s personal mission. Lane, played by Brad Pitt, may “damn the man,” but not out of any kindness or obligation towards the human race.

Visually, the zombies fit the bill, with some added oomph in terms of their physical transformation. The horror quotient is more than satisfactory, relying on tension and thrills as opposed to a constant spillage of blood, guts and gore. What’s more, the action sequences don’t just astonish and astound, they terrify as well, highlighted by the scene where a zombie horde swarms over a massive wall surrounding Jerusalem. But, I re-iterate, this is one man’s story and the more interesting socio-political overtones of the film only arrive at the end. So even though the film starts out really well, thrusting you headlong into the action, its true beginning is in its end.

On a completely different note, it was awesome to see a South African actor crop up in a prominent role with a South African accent and name firmly in place. Well done Fana Mokoena! As for Brad Pitt, he does a really cool job of “saving” the world and with a slicker script (although he does get the opportunity to say “you have to be ninja quiet”) he could turn into a Bruce Willis of sorts.

The pedestrian story in World War Z is derivative of standard popcorn fare, but the presence of zombies elevates its impact. It stays true to general zombie lore, while adding a thing or two of its own. Zombies are an almost sure-fire tool of success, even if this does not always equate to box office success. Rather, the potential is found in the genre’s ability to be entertaining, like World War Z, should it fail to be relevant or intelligent. And when it is able to be all three, then you hit the genre jackpot.

Photo credit: Kotaku

Originally published on Dinner and a Movie.

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