Night Of The Living Dead Film Analysis

In the film Night of the Living Dead there were many unimaginable, grotesque things that are taking place throughout the film. We know that people are afraid of two things, death and the unknown. Johnny began by badgering his sister, Barbara just like he did when they were children by saying “they’re coming to get you Barbara” while visiting their father’s gravesite. This shows that Barbara, even as an adult, she is afraid of the unknown. Unbeknownst to Johnny, Barbara was actually attacked by the unknown. Johnny jumps on “the thing” to protect his sister. This is the first sighting of a “thing”. The sighting of the thing connotes fear and death. Barbara runs off and finds safety in a house not far from the graveyard. Barbara meets Ben when he enters the house for safety as well. The house is another connotation of safety and warmth. Ben jumps right in to protection mode because Barbara appear to be in a state of shock due to the gory sighting of “the thing” and its attack on her brother.
Ben began to search for items that may help them. Once he found a rifle and some bullets he continues to complete securing the house. While doing so he hears Barbara scream. Protection mode kicks back in and this is when they meet Mr. Cooper and Tom. They were also hiding in the cellar of this house for safety while in fear in fear of their lives. Ben and Mr. Cooper clashed from the beginning; they both have power struggles with who is going to be in charge. Tom tries hard to be the voice of reason. Even though they both have valid points, they are to macho to hear one another and come to a happy medium. Ben tells Mr. Cooper, “you can be the boss down there, but I’m the boss up