Zombies in US: Why is the US Obsessed?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the cultural phenomenon of zombie movies, particularly focusing on why many of these films are set in the United States. Participants explore the implications of this trend, comparing it to representations in other countries and discussing the broader appeal of zombie and vampire genres.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why zombie movies predominantly feature the US, suggesting a cultural obsession with the genre.
  • Others note that zombies have origins in video games rather than just films, indicating a broader media influence.
  • There are references to specific films set outside the US, such as "28 Days Later" and "Dead Snow," which challenge the notion that zombies are exclusively an American phenomenon.
  • One participant humorously suggests that most zombie movies are made in the US because they are "actually made by zombies," reflecting a playful take on the topic.
  • Concerns are raised about the portrayal of Canada in American films, with some arguing that it is often depicted in a limited or stereotypical manner.
  • Discussions also touch on the success of zombie and vampire movies, with some attributing their popularity to themes that resonate with audiences.
  • Participants express differing opinions on the quality and impact of specific films, such as "Twilight," which is critiqued for its portrayal of vampires.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of views on the reasons behind the prevalence of zombie movies in the US, with no clear consensus reached. Some acknowledge the existence of successful zombie films from other countries, while others maintain that the majority are US-based.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include varying definitions of what constitutes a zombie movie and the subjective nature of film quality and cultural representation. The conversation also reflects differing personal experiences and interpretations of the genre.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in film studies, cultural analysis, or the evolution of horror genres may find this discussion relevant.

wolram
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Why do all the movies about zombies show them coming from the USA, is the US obsessed with zombies?
Whats wrong with Canada. Australia, Europe or Asia? Do you guys obsess about zombies ?
 
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we have a shortage of toilet plungers in the US, so low-budget sci-fi isn't much of an option.
 
I have a different impression on zombies. To me they use to come from video games, not movies.
Here's a future one that shows zombies over an island rather than the US :) : .
Looks scary to me.
 
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Up here in Canada, all we have are moose and mountains and forests. Don't believe me? Watch any recent American movie where Canada plays some small role in it; example: X-men Origins. Every time they have to invent a secret location for tests on mutants, they put it in Canada, and you only see lumber companies or similar things.

Moose make bad zombies. As for other countries, I'm not sure, although I do remember seeing zombie movies based in London.
 
ryan_m_b said:
Are you forgetting about 28 days later? Or dead snow?

Yes 28 Days Later is what I was thinking, thanks.
 
ryan_m_b said:
Are you forgetting about 28 days later? Or dead snow?

I missed dead snow, and 28 days later, were they any good? but that doesn't change the fact that most zombie movies are US based.
 
wolram said:
I missed dead snow, and 28 days later, were they any good? but that doesn't change the fact that most zombie movies are US based.

Dead snow I've never seen (it looked crap). 28 days later was very good, it's sequel wasn't as good. I wouldn't say any more zombie films were set in the US than films in general are.
 
  • #10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCe6KcUTgyM

Oh crud, I thought this told the entire story of Narcisse but it just gets into it. Interesting story.
 
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  • #12
DivisionByZro said:
Up here in Canada, all we have are moose and mountains and forests. Don't believe me? Watch any recent American movie where Canada plays some small role in it; example: X-men Origins. Every time they have to invent a secret location for tests on mutants, they put it in Canada, and you only see lumber companies or similar things.

Nonsense. We Americans know you participate in fur trapping and making maple syrup too.
 
  • #13
The reason that most zombie movies are made in the USA is that they are actually made by zombies. Have you been to LA lately?

EDIT: However, I think Vancouver, Canada has a shot at breaking into the zombie movie market.
 
  • #14
SW VandeCarr said:
The reason that most zombie movies are made in the USA is that they are actually made by zombies. Have you been to LA lately?

EDIT: However, I think Vancouver, Canada has a shot at breaking into the zombie movie market.

:smile:
 
  • #15
wolram said:
Why do all the movies about zombies show them coming from the USA, is the US obsessed with zombies?
Whats wrong with Canada. Australia, Europe or Asia? Do you guys obsess about zombies ?

Um. Replace the word zombies with the wildcard character *, to-wit:

Why do all the movies about * show them coming from the USA, is the US obsessed with *?
Whats wrong with Canada. Australia, Europe or Asia? Do you guys obsess about *?


Starting to see the pattern?
 
  • #16
A better question would be. Why are zombie movies often successful? Or, why do vampire movies still create interest.
 
  • #17
DaveC426913 said:
Um. Replace the word zombies with the wildcard character *, to-wit:

Why do all the movies about * show them coming from the USA, is the US obsessed with *?
Whats wrong with Canada. Australia, Europe or Asia? Do you guys obsess about *?


Starting to see the pattern?
Hollywood, California, USA
 
  • #18
zoobyshoe said:
Hollywood, California, USA

I live in the middle of Hollywood, so I can tell you, there is no city called Hollywood, California. Hollywood is just the name of a neighborhood; the land lies within Los Angeles proper. But if you address a letter to Hollywood, California, it will still arrive as intended. :P

West Hollywood, however, is a city. And with a majority gay/lesbian population, I believe.

Now that you know these useless facts, you may continue with your zombie thread.
 
  • #19
Ben Niehoff said:
I live in the middle of Hollywood, so I can tell you, there is no city called Hollywood, California. Hollywood is just the name of a neighborhood; the land lies within Los Angeles proper. But if you address a letter to Hollywood, California, it will still arrive as intended. :P

West Hollywood, however, is a city. And with a majority gay/lesbian population, I believe.

Now that you know these useless facts, you may continue with your zombie thread.

Where do they keep the movie studios?
 
  • #20
Don't forget "Shaun of the Dead"
 
  • #21
zoobyshoe said:
Where do they keep the movie studios?

I've seen some in Burbank, Glendale (IIRC), etc. They are basically all over LA County.
 
  • #22
Ryumast3r said:
I've seen some in Burbank, Glendale (IIRC), etc. They are basically all over LA County.
I'm so ignorant. I thought Hollywood was a large ghetto of movie studios. Looks like it is in the movies.
 
  • #23
There are SOME movie studios in Hollywood (I think I've driven by Paramount?), and also a number of TV stations. But there are a lot more in Burbank. For example, the huge Warner Brothers compound is in Burbank. Historically, the movie studios were in Hollywood, but as the land got more expensive, they moved out.

Hollywood is still home to some historic movie-related places, though. Graumann's Chinese and Egyptian theatres are both within walking distance of me.
 
  • #25
Ben Niehoff said:
Graumann's Chinese and Egyptian theatres

Speaking of which...On any given night near these places on Hollywood Blvd., you will typically find no less than three Michael Jacksons, along with some Capt. Jack Sparrows and a Spiderman or two. Do they count as zombies?
 
  • #26
Night of the living Dead

Simpson's Dial Z for Zombies
 
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  • #27
fluidistic said:
I have a different impression on zombies. To me they use to come from video games, not movies.
Here's a future one that shows zombies over an island rather than the US :) : .
Looks scary to me.


That looks amazing, and I don't really like video games.
 
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  • #28
Willowz said:
A better question would be. Why are zombie movies often successful? Or, why do vampire movies still create interest.

This is because of that retarded piece of idiocy known as Twilight.
 
  • #29
Char. Limit said:
This is because of that retarded piece of idiocy known as Twilight.
Not only. Overall it's a strong theme. There are plenty of other vampire movies. It's pretty weird.

It's like game theory gone mad in those zombie movies.
 
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  • #30
For vampire 'movies' don't forget about True Blood (not a movie, I know).

Oh, oh.. another zombie movie not in the US: Doomsday! (not totally zombies, but similar)
 

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