The Crazies Review

Review of The Crazies (1973) by screenqueeen: 👍 3/5

HOOPTOBER 7.0 DAY 10 21 DAYS REMAIN

There's a lot of this that's on the nose and a lot that's way left of center. Romero is well-known for his mistrust of the government and a less-than-democratic systemic authority. The horror is focused more on how the individual is oppressed by the sudden presence of the army here which seems to have been more pertinent then. But after seeing a government completely fail to address a global pandemic, a system indirectly refusing individuals needs during situations like this is more frightening.

A lot of the early conflicts (like the pregnant wife being excused by her boss) could easily have been resolved by talking to each other. There would be more red tape (and voiceprints), sure, but the extra time would have been worth it in the long run. Seriously, the amount of time people spend being annoyed at the voiceprint verification takes longer than the process itself when they pout around. Was Dr. Watts not allowed to just fucking take notes or something for anyone else to use before he exits the film in another tantrum? His displeasure with the military escorts picking him up and randomly taking him to Evan's City is noted and justified, but on some levels he fails to come across as a sympathetic character.