Imagine a world overrun by zombies, yet the scariest part is the strangely catchy music playing in the background. The 1978 horror film Dawn of the Dead, directed by George A. Romero, is well-loved not only for its chilling portrayal of a zombie apocalypse but also for its captivating soundtrack, which plays an essential role in setting the mood. The soundtrack was the work of the Italian rock band Goblin, along with additional music by the prolific library music group, De Wolfe Music. It's a fascinating blend that adds layers to the storytelling, encapsulating the horror and chaos of a world in disarray.
Dawn of the Dead invites us into a mall besieged by the undead, where survivors barricade themselves in hopes of survival. The music is a character in itself, transforming scenes from eerie to oddly humorous, emphasizing societal critique without uttering a single word. Goblin's involvement was both practical and artistic, as Romero aimed for a soundtrack that was as formidable as it was multifaceted, matching the thematic depth of his zombie masterpiece.
The Goblin tracks are sharp and relentless, mirroring the chaos 'Dawn of the Dead' seeks to convey. These compositions relied heavily on synthesizers, a defining sound of the late 70s, embodying a dark elegance. Then there's the unsettling yet catchy 'The Gonk', a piece originally composed by Herbert Chappell. It's used during sequences showing the mundane and absurd reality of life inside a zombie-infested mall. That dissonance creates a layer of irony, urging us to question consumer culture and the nature of societal norms.
Music in 'Dawn of the Dead' isn't merely an accompaniment but a bold narrative device. It's a language of its own, speaking when dialogue pauses. Using a diverse musical array, it's reflective of broader ideological battles—chaos vs. order, logic vs. fear. From the haunting 'L’alba Dei Morti Viventi' to the frenetic 'Zombi,' Goblin's score energizes the film's anarchic tone, drowning viewers in its dissonant harmony.
Beyond composing original pieces, Goblin and De Wolfe Music introduce pre-recorded library tracks, which speak to the varying emotional highs and lows, from panic to absurd normalcy. This adds a unique dynamic to the film’s structure. The score becomes a time capsule of eclectic modes, reminding us how deeply music influences our perception of narrative and emotion.
On one side of the aisle, folks argue classic horror cinema owes its atmosphere to the soundtrack's ingenious stylings, making it inseparable from the visual elements. Critics and fans agree that these soundscapes embedded in cinematic memories help immortalize 'Dawn of the Dead.' They argue that just as the zombies bring chaos, the music amplifies this anarchy, biting and dance-inducing simultaneously. Others prefer a more understated approach to movie soundtracks, sparking an ongoing debate about subtlety vs. overtness in cinematic scoring.
It's important to acknowledge some find Goblin’s score a little too intense, overpowering the film’s quieter, thoughtful moments. There’s always room for critiquing whether a score should lead the narrative or delicately underpin it. Still, many see the pairing of Goblin with Romero as innovative, highlighting the potential for creative soundtracks in the horror genre to provide more than just background noise.
The Gen Z audience, shaped by their own unique encounter with media and music, might find resonance with Dawn of the Dead's music through its vintage flair and thematically rich compositions. Whether it’s the frenetic pacing or the offbeat charisma of 'The Gonk,' the soundtrack represents a bold expression—rebellious, vibrant, and daring. It aligns with Gen Z's appreciation for nostalgia, coupled with a critical reflection on society.
With a unique mix of stirring rock elements and conceptual significance, the 'Dawn of the Dead' soundtrack elevates Romero’s zombie epic from mere shock horror to a study of the human condition. Goblin’s music, married with Romero’s visual storytelling, forms an indelible partnership, proving that music can be an equal partner in the crafting of film. The relentless energy challenges our senses, much like the film challenges societal norms.
The soundtrack undeniably reinforces the film's narrative, making it impossible to consider one without the other. As cultural artifacts, both the movie and its soundtrack show us that art doesn't exist in a vacuum but is a reflection of societal pulse and debates of its time. Gen Z, with its activism and awareness, might find that the unexpected genius of Goblin's relentless synths, paired with Romero's critical eye, remain as thrilling and relevant as they were over forty years ago.