Peter Jackson's Dead Alive (aka Braindead, depending on your country) is a noteworthy film for the fact that it may be the most creatively gorey film to date. It's over-the-top fun tastelessness that doesn't take itself too seriously for a second. This is one of the bloodiest movies ever, but its gore is not dark and disturbing--it somehow manages to be comedic in its delivery. There's a great mix of absurd set-ups leading to painful comedy, all punctuated by great shocks and spatter.
The Story...
At the root of this gorey tale is, of all things, a sweet little love story between Lionel and Paquita, a mama's boy and a very superstitious but beautiful local shopkeeper. Unfortunately, Lionel's mother is smothering, to say the least. In her evil plottings to keep them apart while on a date at the zoo, she manages to get bitten by a Sumatran rat monkey thing (which is explained in the beginning and is a great creature for this budget). The infection not only kills her, she eventually returns as a zombie. Dealing with an even greater challenge than before, Lionel has a number of humorous near misses trying to keep this secret from everyone, especially Paquita. His mother, however, manages to bite (and zombify) a number of others. Before too long, the zombies are too numerous to keep quiet.
Pulling No Punches
Halfway through the film is the turning point that takes it from fairly lowkey to absurdly out of control (in a good way). Just as Lionel is figuring out how to keep the zombies calm (tranquilizers) in the basement (who at this point include his mother, a priest, a grave thief and the mother's nurse), his nosy and greedy Uncle Les starts poking around trying to weasel his way into Lionel's inheritence. Determined to blackmail Lionel, Les throws a huge party at the house and sure enough, all hell breaks loose as the zombies escape and begin turning the crowd into even more zombies. From here, it's a free-for-all blood bath.
Far Better Than Most
This low budget New Zealand flick is incredibly well done for its budget. Peter Jackson's passion for great horror and gore shines--the approach to everything from the effects to the camera work is creative and memorable. Despite all the gore and guts, Dead Alive has great charm. It's a surprise, since IMDB claims the Swedish video rental (and other countries, one supposes) came with a supplemental vomit bag. But the passion behind the filmmaking and the chemistry of the two leads elevates it above most horror films.
It's hard to pick a favorite (memorable might be a better word) scene--death by lawnmower (and via a few household appliances), the zombie baby in the park (another terrific effect), eating a cat whole, accidental ear soup, the list goes on. Dead Alive doesn't merely cross the line of taste, it leaves it far, far behind. It's hardly a film for just anyone--though being a fan of the genre certainly helps--and having a strong stomach is also key, as it leaves you uncertain as to whether you'd rather laugh or vomit. But anyone willing to brave the splatter is in for a comedic horror treat.
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