The ending of George A. Romero’s 1985 zombie classic, “Day of the Dead,” often leaves viewers contemplating its stark and unsettling conclusion. As the remaining survivors board a helicopter, escaping the underground bunker overrun by the undead, the fate of humanity hangs precariously in the balance. Let’s dissect the “City of the Living Dead” ending – often used interchangeably with “Day of the Dead” – and explore its deeper meaning within the zombie genre and beyond.
A Glimmer of Hope or Ultimate Despair?
Survivors Boarding Helicopter in Day of the Dead
The “City of the Living Dead” ending offers a bleak outlook on humanity’s survival. The film’s final moments show the helicopter disappearing into the distance, leaving behind a world consumed by the undead. This ending contrasts sharply with the ambiguous but slightly more optimistic conclusion of Romero’s previous zombie film, “Dawn of the Dead,” where a small band of survivors also escapes by helicopter, but their fate remains uncertain.
Romero deliberately crafted the “City of the Living Dead” ending to be more pessimistic, reflecting his growing disillusionment with societal issues of the time, such as the Cold War and increasing social unrest. The ending forces viewers to confront the possibility of a future where humanity is no longer the dominant species, a stark reminder of our own mortality and fragility.
The Significance of Bub and the Living Dead
Bub the Zombie with Headphones
While the ending emphasizes humanity’s bleak future, it also introduces a glimmer of hope – or perhaps a chilling new chapter in the zombie narrative – through Bub. Bub, a captive zombie trained by Dr. Logan, exhibits signs of retaining human memories and emotions. He learns basic commands, reacts to music, and even shows remorse for killing a soldier.
Bub’s existence challenges the audience’s perception of zombies as purely mindless monsters. His presence suggests the possibility of co-existence between humans and the undead, albeit one built on a fundamentally altered power dynamic. The ending leaves us pondering whether Bub represents a new evolutionary step for zombies or remains an anomaly in a world dominated by mindless, flesh-eating creatures.
The Legacy of “City of the Living Dead”
“Day of the Dead,” and its impactful ending, has left an enduring legacy on the zombie genre. It solidified Romero’s status as a master of horror and social commentary, prompting discussions about societal decay, scientific ethics, and the very nature of humanity.
“The film’s ending isn’t meant to provide answers but to provoke thought,” says Dr. Emily Harris, a film studies professor specializing in horror cinema. “Romero forces us to consider what it truly means to be human and what happens when that humanity is challenged, eroded, and ultimately, perhaps even surpassed.”
FAQs about the “City of the Living Dead” Ending
1. What happens to the survivors after the helicopter takes off?
The film doesn’t explicitly show their fate, leaving it open to interpretation. Given the bleak tone and Romero’s commentary on the film, it’s likely they faced immense challenges in a world overrun by zombies.
2. Why did Romero choose such a dark ending?
Romero intended to reflect the societal anxieties and disillusionment prevalent at the time, particularly regarding the threat of nuclear war and social breakdown.
3. What is the significance of Bub in the film’s ending?
Bub’s capacity for learning and displaying emotions challenges the traditional depiction of zombies as purely mindless beings. His presence suggests the potential for change or evolution within the undead population.
Exploring Further
Interested in delving deeper into the world of “City of the Living Dead” and other Romero classics? Check out these related topics:
- The social commentary in George A. Romero’s zombie films
- The evolution of the zombie genre in film and literature
- The ethical implications of Dr. Logan’s experiments in “Day of the Dead”
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