DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD--THE SPECIAL EDITION
Synapse Films
1998 (Film originally released 1979)

review by Beth Kattelman

I LOVE YOU, GEORGE ROMERO. And I love this documentary. It chronicles Romero's early filmmaking career, focusing upon the making of Dawn of the Dead and then returning ten years later to visit Romero during the filming of Two Evil Eyes. Director Roy Frumkes originally intended this documentary to be a teaching tool for his film students, but once he realized how much great footage he had acquired, Frumkes decided to cut it into a full-length feature. Lucky for Romero fans that he did. I can't think of a single moment I wish he had left out.

Romero, who has always been a champion of young, independent filmmakers, was very forthcoming and generous with Frumkes. He spent time being interviewed, allowed Frumkes to film him shooting scenes and editing, and provided numerous film clips from his classic horror films, Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead, Martin and Two Evil Eyes. The documentary discusses in detail Romero's filming techniques, the lighting challenges posed by filming Dawn in the mall, Romero's genius editing style and his relation to the independent film industry and the Hollywood studio system. It also includes interviews with performers and technicians who have worked with Romero throughout the years. Of particular interest are the remarks by actor/special effects genius Tom Savini who shares information on his work as an innovator of effects in horror films.

Synapse Films has done an excellent job in crafting this Special Edition DVD. It contains six minutes of footage deleted from the original documentary, never-before-seen interview segments from the set of Two Evil Eyes and an audio commentary track by Frumkes and friends. I'm very glad the commentary track was included. Many documentary DVDs omit this feature but here it works well. Because Document is about independent filmmaking, it's only fitting that Frumkes should also share his own experiences of making an independent film. It's a "commentary on a commentary" and it provides an extra layer of information on this fascinating artist and on filmmaking in general.

Romero is one of the most influential directors of all time. It's lucky that we have this document preserving his behind-the-scenes work and his thoughts on filmmaking. Unfortunately, from the time the documentary begins to ten years later when Frumkes visits the set of Two Evil Eyes, we discover that Romero has become depressed and bitter about what the Hollywood studio system has done to independent filmmakers. He notes that most film executives in Hollywood are not interested in films, they are only interested in making a quick buck. How true, George, how true. This documentary should be of interest to horror fans, filmmakers, and anyone who wants to know what goes on behind the scenes in the making of films. This is one of the best documentaries ever made about the indy film industry. It is THE BEST documentary about Romero. Thanks, Roy Frumkes. Thanks, George A. Romero!

FEAR FACTOR: Romero's wonderful scenes are still scary even in the context of a documentary.

BLOOD & GORE GAUGE: A whole lot of both. Yeah!

COOLEST THING ABOUT THE DVD: You get to see Tom Savini applying zombie make-up to Frumkes and his girlfriend from start to finish.

TRIVIA TIDBIT: Had to suspend DAWN OF THE DEAD filming for one month because they didn't want to waste time removing Christmas decorations from Mall every night.---

BEST "OW, THAT'S GOTTA HURT" MOMENT: Screwdriver stabbed into brain through ear.---

BEST QUOTE: I'd really like to be a zombie, George. I really would. I'd work hard. I'd shuffle. I'd bleed. Whatever you want me to do.

Official Website:
http://www.synapse-films.com

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