Watch Document of the Dead

Document of the Dead is a 1980 documentary film directed by Roy Frumkes that takes an in-depth look at the making of legendary horror filmmaker George A. Romero's seminal horror films, specifically Dawn of the Dead and Martin. The film begins with shots of Romero at work on the set of Dawn of the Dead, which was filmed in the now-defunct Monroeville Mall outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We see him directing actors and crew members as they shoot scenes for the movie, which follows a group of survivors holed up in a mall during a zombie apocalypse. The film then delves into the development of the film's story, its themes of consumerism and societal decay, and the challenges of filming such a large-scale production on a limited budget.

One of the highlights of the film is the interviews with Romero himself, who is an engaging and candid speaker. He talks about his influences, his creative process, and his thoughts on the horror genre. He also discusses the challenges of being an independent filmmaker in Hollywood and the importance of retaining creative control over his projects.

The film also features interviews with members of the cast and crew of Dawn of the Dead, including makeup artist Tom Savini, actress Gaylen Ross, and producer Richard P. Rubinstein. They offer insights into their respective roles on the film and share anecdotes about the challenges of working on a horror movie.

Aside from Dawn of the Dead, the film also delves into Romero's earlier film Martin, which follows a young man who believes he is a vampire. The film examines how Romero's use of horror as a means of exploring social issues evolved over the course of his career, and how his films influenced the horror genre as a whole.

Throughout the film, the viewer is treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of Romero at work, including his directing style and his interactions with his cast and crew. The film also features footage of Romero conducting Q&A sessions with fans, which offer more insights into his philosophy on horror filmmaking.

In addition to the interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Document of the Dead also features clips from both Dawn of the Dead and Martin, as well as from other classic horror films like Night of the Living Dead and The Exorcist. The film effectively demonstrates how these films influenced Romero's work and how he in turn influenced the horror genre as a whole.

Overall, Document of the Dead is a fascinating look at the life and work of George A. Romero, one of the most influential horror filmmakers of all time. The film is well-crafted, informative, and engaging, and is a must-watch for all fans of the horror genre.