Movies - TV
Why Luca Guadagnino Thinks George A. Romero Was 'One Of The Greatest Directors'
By DREW TINNIN
Known as the creator of the modern zombie, George A. Romero has had an effect on cinema that’s still felt today, influencing movies like “Get Out” and TV shows such as AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” Many have praised the legendary director and his influence on film, including acclaimed director Luca Guadagnino who believes Romero added a much-needed sense of realism to horror.
Guadagnino said, “Romero never brought the fantastic into his world. He has a very matter-of-fact, practical outlook, given the premise that the dead are coming back to life and they're seeking fresh human flesh.” However, Guadagnino has come to strongly feel that Romero’s realistic, political approach gave way to watered-down zombie films where gore became the central focus.
The director explained, “[Romero] has not created rules other than dealing with how it would happen in reality, and that's why he's one of the greatest directors, and that's why his legacy has been trashed by what happened afterward.” To Guadagnino, Romero’s films had “political and cinematic qualities” that will stand the test of time, while the movies that followed lack the same caliber.