Dawn Of The Dead - Argento Cut (aka Zombi) (1978) ****

I first saw Dawn Of The Dead (1978) on VHS in the 1990s. I watched the film—along with George A. Romero's other two films in the original "Dead" trilogy, Night Of The Living Dead (1968) (my review here) and Day Of The Dead (1985)—quite a lot in my teenage years. I mentioned in my previous review (when I watched the Extended ('Cannes) Cut in 2020) that the next time I revisited DOTD that planned to watch the Argento Cut (aka Zombi).

The Argento edit shortens the length (to 120 minutes), tightens the action, removes some of the humor, and adds more music by Goblin, which serves almost exclusively as the soundtrack for the film. My main draw to Zombi is that additional Goblin music, though the cues used don't always feel appropriate to the scene (particular the closing shot). Some of the dialogue is different as well but the removal of a few iconic scenes is sorely missed. Romero was on record as having stated that the Theatrical Cut (at 127 minutes) was his preferred "director's cut" and I agree that it's the best version. The Extended Cut is the weakest version of the film—at 139 minutes it's just a bit too much Dawn.

Romero's film is a multi-headed beast. On one hand, it's a socially conscious drama, commenting on American consumerism and capitalism, heroism, male ego, gender roles, and more—often through satire. On the other, it's comic book action/adventure schlock, reveling in excess and splatter (courtesy of makeup wiz Tom Savini, who also has a pivotal role). I have to admit, while I enjoy certain aspects of this approach, I do feel it undermines the social commentary a bit, especially due to the straight up slapstick moments—it's always been more fun than scary to me. But there are undeniably many thrilling set pieces.

So while I do love Dawn very much, my personal favorite of the original "Dead" trilogy is Day Of The Dead (1985)—the most disturbing, gory, and bleak of the three films. Day, with its portrayal of militarism, might makes right (power over science), and male aggression still seems the most relevant today. I should add though that all three films in the original trilogy have been my favorite at one time or another. Even though it's rough around the edges, the f/x are primitive, and the comedy is often a bit too goofy for my tastes, I can't deny the significance and monumental influence of Romero's apocalyptic zombie classic.

You can find my George A. Romero Feature Films Ranked list here.