Best Horror Movies: Stephen King on the ‘Helpless Terror’ of ‘Night of the Living Dead’

I pondered over this question quite extensively, possibly to a degree beyond what the topic – my most frightening horror film – might require. Given my extensive exposure to horror films, however, my contemplation could arguably be justified.

In my opinion, what is considered “scary” can depend greatly on a person’s age. At the tender age of 16, the most terrifying film for me was “The Haunting,” directed by Robert Wise. However, as I grew older and matured, “The Blair Witch Project” became my scariest movie, with its relentless atmosphere of dread and those chilling final 35 seconds. But if I had to choose one that stands out the most, it would be “Night of the Living Dead,” a groundbreaking horror film by George A. Romero, despite being made on a low budget.

I’ll never forget the arrogant older brother mocking Boris Karloff with his chilling impression — “They’re coming to get you, Barbara… look, there’s one now!” He gestures towards a drunken old man wandering among the tombstones. However, it turns out that the old man is not just an ordinary drunk; he’s a reanimated corpse. When Barbara tries to lock herself in her car for safety, she realizes that her brother has taken the keys. Meanwhile, the undead old man persistently pursues her, filling the viewer with primal fear. In desperation, Barbara puts the car into neutral (which seems improbable without the key, but this is filmmaking after all) and rolls it downhill, escaping… for the time being.

Ultimately, nothing endures from this film. Over time, its original impact has diminished, bordering on being a humorous reference for Midnite Madness events, much like “Rocky Horror” – yet I recall the raw, overwhelming fear I experienced upon my initial viewing. Upon reflection, there’s a striking resemblance to “Blair Witch,” sharing traits such as sparse or absent music, amateur actors who seem ill-equipped for even summer stock in Paducahville, and basic special effects. The effectiveness of these films isn’t despite these elements but because of them.

Stephen King is the author of “The Shining,” “It” and “The Dark Tower.”

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2024-10-09 17:47