Deathdream (aka Dead Of Night)

voltron · November 03, 2007, 01:47:49 AM

Andy is a soldier in Vietnam. Andy gets killied. Andy returns home to his family as a bloodthirsty zombie. I won't give away anymore, but damn is this a great, great movie, with subtle commentaries on the Vietman war and drug additction.
Directed by the immortal Bob Clark. CLASSIC.

Edit: Why the hell did I post this in the bad movie section? Easily one of the best atypical zombie movies. I totally agree with the feeling about it being depressing. That's a huge reason why I love it. I don't think the ending was silly though. Probably the most saddest part of the whole movie - Andy's mum still loves him despite him being undead and burying him in the cemetary. BRRRRRR!

Mofo Rising · November 03, 2007, 04:13:15 AM

I actually just watched this one. I got a pretty good enjoyment out of the DVD case saying DEATHDREAM and the movie tile saying DEAD OF NIGHT.

I don't know. I liked it. Eh?

Mr_Vindictive · November 03, 2007, 07:23:35 AM

I saw this one a while back and really enjoyed it. It's certainly not your average zombie flick.

The Burgomaster · November 03, 2007, 06:56:15 PM

I waited a long time for this to get released on DVD and I bought it as soon as it was available. I haven't watched it since then, but thanks for reminding me. It's a really enjoyable flick and I need to dig it out and watch it again.

quabrot · November 07, 2007, 03:09:17 PM

I actually saw a screening of it about a month ago at the Music Box Massacre here in Chicago. It kinda bored the hell out of me.

Allhallowsday · November 07, 2007, 09:42:55 PM

Quote from: quabrot on November 07, 2007, 03:09:17 PM
I actually saw a screening of it about a month ago at the Music Box Massacre here in Chicago. It kinda bored the hell out of me.

He! He! He! Hee... I started a thread on the WHAT WAS THAT FILM? section, trying to remember the title of this film (April 17, 2007)... thanks to this board, I was armed with the title and shortly thereafter bought the DVD several months ago, and watched the thing for the first time in perhaps 30 years. Though now'days it takes quite a bit to shock me (so, it's not a SHOCKER, though it has a few shocking moments) I found the film still sad, and haunting, with some truly great takes (like the hand-held shot out of the 18 wheeler cab and the thunderous score, with the first local victim looking very pedestrianly savaged... )

For me, nostalgia has a lot to do with my interest in this film, so quabrot, I can understand your not being riveted (Andy does spend an inordinate amount of time creeping everyone out if not rocking in his rocking chair...) But there's the scene with the dog, and with the family doctor... it's not a forgettable film unless one is inured to horror. Offhandedly, and luckily, brilliantly, right for its era, and unfolding slowly, is the real horror of a shattered family.

I remembered DEATHDREAM (billed as DEAD OF NIGHT) from its late night showings on WORTV (channel 9 out of NY) CHILLER (I think) mid 1970s ('75 and/or '76) it was shown regularly with films like DON'T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT, CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS, and GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE... all dat CHEEZ weez LUV...ubh... with a sweet tooth for 1970s low-rent horror, this is still one of the best (and the DVD package is great, with updating interviews, including with "ANDY...") I felt this film, though lacking thrills, and with an arguably silly ending (but perfectly right, too) holds up well in its own creepy little niche...

Mr_Vindictive · November 07, 2007, 09:49:14 PM

Quote from: Allhallowsday on November 07, 2007, 09:42:55 PM
Quote from: quabrot on November 07, 2007, 03:09:17 PM
I actually saw a screening of it about a month ago at the Music Box Massacre here in Chicago. It kinda bored the hell out of me.
He! He! He! Hee... I started a thread on the WHAT WAS THAT FILM? section, trying to remember the title of this film (April 17, 2007)... thanks to this board, I was armed with the title and shortly thereafter bought the DVD several months ago, and watched the thing for the first time in perhaps 30 years. Though now'days it takes quite a bit to shock me (so, it's not a SHOCKER, though it has a few shocking moments) I found the film still sad, and haunting, with some truly great takes (like the hand-held shot out of the 18 wheeler cab and the thunderous score, with the first local victim looking very pedestrianly savaged... )

For me, nostalgia has a lot to do with my interest in this film, so quabrot, I can understand your not being riveted (Andy does spend an inordinate amount of time creeping everyone out if not rocking in his rocking chair...) But there's the scene with the dog, and with the family doctor... it's not a forgettable film unless one is inured to horror. Offhandedly, and luckily, brilliantly, right for its era, and unfolding slowly, is the real horror of a shattered family.

I remembered DEATHDREAM (billed as DEAD OF NIGHT) from its late night showings on WORTV (channel 9 out of NY) CHILLER (I think) mid 1970s ('75 and/or '76) it was shown regularly with films like DON'T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT, CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS, and GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE... all dat CHEEZ weez LUV...ubh... with a sweet tooth for 1970s low-rent horror, this is still one of the best (and the DVD package is great, with updating interviews, including with "ANDY...") I felt this film, though lacking thrills, and with an arguably silly ending (but perfectly right, too) holds up well in its own creepy little niche...

Couldn't have said it better myself. Karma to you.

Allhallowsday · November 08, 2007, 09:20:50 PM

Quote from: Skaboi on November 07, 2007, 09:49:14 PM
Couldn't have said it better myself. Karma to you.

Thanks, Skaboi. Ditto.

Allhallowsday · April 25, 2015, 09:56:32 PM

DEATHDREAM aka DEAD OF NIGHT (1972) on TCM TONIGHT 2:15 am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIqA1ZbpYFw

Here's the whole damned movie...:

DeathDream (1972)

major jay · April 26, 2015, 08:12:03 AM

Caught this the last time it was on TCM, and have to say I didn't like it. Maybe it's because I wasn't in the right mood. I thought it was just way too depressing.

Allhallowsday · April 26, 2015, 12:09:54 PM

Quote from: major jay on April 26, 2015, 08:12:03 AM
Caught this the last time it was on TCM, and have to say I didn't like it. Maybe it's because I wasn't in the right mood. I thought it was just way too depressing.

It is depressing. However, I saw it young enough that it is locked in the "creepy" and "scary" place forever.

Trevor · April 28, 2015, 12:54:05 AM

I remember seeing the poster for the VHS release while on holiday with my folks: the poster has always stuck with me (never saw the film, though)

Doc Daneeka · April 28, 2015, 05:28:15 PM

This is the kind of film that Wes Craven's Chiller should have aspired to be.