[Papillon Noir]

Essay B

Horror Comedies

Shaun of the Dead


Horror Comedies. They make us wet ourselves with laughter and scream with fright at the same time, but only if pulled off right. Horror comedy films date back to the twenties, but as for the film I have chosen as defining, it is rather new.

Before one can judge a Horror Comedy, there are several criteria that they have to think of that a film of that genre must have.

- They must have elements of horror.
- They must be comedic regularly
- They must have convincing acting for both genres
- They should appeal to fans of both genres.

Simple criteria, but without them, the film would simply fall apart.

Shaun of the Dead, the story of two English house mates
and their friends and family fighting to stay alive in a world that is now full of zombies, came out in 2004 with mostly good reviews. Though the name might suggest it spoofs George Romero's Dawn of the Dead, it is largely an independent film telling it's own story.

With copious amounts of blood, zombies and blood, the film can easily appeal to fans of the horror genre. It's simple storyline doesn't overwhelm to viewer with information and so can be understood and possibly enjoyed by most.

But to be a horror comedy, it needs COMEDY. And this is where I think it becomes the defining film of the genre. Firstly, it's spoofing of zombie apocalypse films, it appeals to two kinds of people straight away. Fans of horror, who can understand many of the jokes from their familiarity with the genre, and people who hate horror, as it seems to agree with the fact the films can be a bit ridiculous at times.

The approach to comedy that it takes is also a great one,
as it chooses to go down a different route than most other horror comedies. Instead of using the slapstick, specific spoofing films that we've seen countless times, it shows how ordinary people would act in the situation. Doing stupid things, and even in the face of death acting almost like nothing's happening. It's relatable as many can say "I'd do that" or "I know someone like that" to at least one part of the film, if they were being honest. And this type of comedy is widely enjoyed by most comedy fans.

So that's three criteria out of the way. As for the last one, somebody only has to watch the film to be able to see how good the performances are. The comedy skills of Pegg and Frost make the film, and whilst watching it, it's easy to see they love both genres and love what they're doing. The other actors too, Bill Nighy in particular also play their parts brilliantly, and above all, convincingly.

There isn't much more that can be said. The film is an enjoyable ride that treats both genres with respect, but at the same time rip them both to pieces and rewrite the rulebooks for them. The actors clearly love what they're doing and they put their hearts into it, treating each piece how it's needed whether it's scary, funny or sad. It can't be seen as just a horror or just a comedy as the two merge together to make a wonderful 95 minute watch that has very little to be complained about.




V's Response

Simple, convincing, excellent and to-the-point.


04/05




Essay B was written by Ferretchucker!