Remembering Romero: George Romero’s ‘Creepshow’ (1982)
By Joey Click
1428 Elm’s week long celebration of George Romero rages on as we look at one of two films he made between ‘Dawn’ and ‘Day’, 1982’s ‘Creepshow.’
Sometimes, when you’re an artist, spreading the magic is the right thing to do. Sometime you have to split yourself up into five different tales — the creepiest things make a Creepshow.
THE CAREER CREATES CHAOS
After Dawn of the Dead debuts, George Romero solidifies himself as a filmmaker with vision. With his trademark series emerging itself as a calling card, Romero is itching for something different. All he needs is a famous author to chime in and he’s ready to make beautiful music.
When Romero and Stephen King begin collaborating, the filmmaker’s life takes another interesting turn. Partnering with arguably the most famous writer of our lifetime, the two find not only a creative partnership but a lifelong friendship too. And the rest, as they say, is history.
THE ZOMBIE MASTER GOES ANTHOLOGY
George Romero’s ‘Creepshow’ — Courtesy of Warner Brothers
More from George Romero
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- Survival of the Dead (2009): Romero’s underrated zombie comedy-drama
- The Amusement Park: George Romero’s “lost” film inches closer to release
- George Romero honored with Pennsylvania historical marker
- Lost horror history: George Romero’s Pet Sematary
The result is Creepshow. Still feeling the success of Dawn of the Dead, Romero partners with King for many reasons. Marking his screenwriting debut, King is smart, popular and can get stuff done. While Dawn is wildly successful, Romeo’s leverage is nothing compared to King’s.
Based on the classic E.C horror comics, the film tells five different, yet all creepy, tales. Starring Leslie Nielsen, Adrienne Barbeau and Ted Danson, Creepshow has a little something for everyone. With its highly effective wrap around, the film’s only bested by anthology legends like Trick ‘r ‘Treat — that’s saying something. In a sea of classics, Creepshow stands out as one of Romero’s best rides.
THE ‘CREEPSHOW’ STILL CREEPING
After 35 years, Creepshow is still as scary and entertaining as ever. While not driving thematic narrative like the best of the filmmaker, the anthology still has merits beyond compare. From it’s stellar performances (with King providing a cameo), to its diverse catalog of stories, the film’s one the ’80s best.
And when you think about the careers of horror legends, how many took a detour towards a feature, big screen, anthology” John Carpenter has Body Bags (1993), but it’s a TV movie and each section doesn’t feature Carpenter direction.Doing Creepshow, regardless of King backing, takes guts at the height of your career — it payed off.
Four days ago, George Romero passed away at age 77. While lung cancer took his life, nothing will ever take away his legacy. With fifteen solo features, and directing a segment of Two Evil Eyes, the filmmaker is more than simply a storyteller. He’s a pioneer. He’s a genre creator. Romero’s a true artist.
Next: Remembering Romero: George Romero’s ‘Dawn of the Dead’
RIP George Andrew Romero. You may be gone, but your films will live forever. And your gifts? They’ll never stop giving.