As we all bunker down for a long stay at home during this new era of social distancing, it’s the perfect time to indulge in simple pleasures. Perhaps it’s reading a great book, drawing, mastering a new recipe or diving into a pool of board games. For folks like me, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Shudder, Disney + and my own DVD/BluRay collection are being put to good use.

Speaking to the world of cinema, the teacher in me couldn’t remain silent during this time of isolation. Thinking about folks who may be looking for a bit of mental stimuli, the goal is to present  two movies a week that speak to film genre is compelling and transformative ways. This week is: Night of the Living Dead and Us.

So, as much as watching movies during the the day is to pass the time, there is a great opportunity to think critically and to “read” popular film as cultural text.

Here is an critical reflection I attempted to livestream on Night of the Living Dead. Unfortunately, it seemed as if  the YouTube streaming live studio function was zombified itself. So, after experiencing technical difficulties with little resolve, I’ll be recording short video provocations for interested viewers.

Here’s my brief cultural exploration of George A. Romero’s 1968 classic – Night of the Living Dead.