The Crazies is a 1973 movie directed by George A. Romero.
WHAT HAPPENS?
The military attempts to contain a dangerous a viral bioweapon in a small Pennsylvania town.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The Crazies is a low budget horror movie that doubles as a critique of bureaucracy.
THE ACTORS
Lane Carroll could be considered the emotional core of the movie. She plays the pregnant Judy and is perhaps the only character who conveys true fright regarding the viral outbreak. Will MacMillan plays her husband David, a former Green Beret. Unfortunately, MacMillan and Harold Wayne Jones’ Clank look nearly identical – which causes confusion throughout the movie. Jones is easily the scene stealer as the mercurial Clank – an Army vet who develops a death wish. Lloyd Hollar’s Colonel Peckham is effective as the leader of the military operation. He shows some range and frustrated cynicism as the operation unravels.
THE DIRECTOR
George A. Romero does a lot with limited resources. The movie is incredibly low-budget and takes advantage of the real Evans City surroundings. Much of the movie takes place in the woods and farms of the area. The cinematography and sounds are bare bones – a constant military drum beat frames the background and several non-distinct wide shots are used. Quick edits are employed throughout – giving the movie a narrative efficiency. Romero creates tension and produces what is ultimately a bloody, visually impactful movie.
THE BEST – Clank
Harold Wayne Jones gets the best scenes throughout the movie. His Clank is a laconic Army veteran and initially appears a bit unstable. As the movie progresses – and once he’s infected with the virus, he turns into a passive-aggressive killing machine.
THE BEST Part 2 – Military Rhetoric
Romero’s budget constraints help create a narrative where we realize what the military is lacking. Instead of seeing tanks, weapons and supplies, we hear the characters lament what the military is not providing them. The movie is a distinct commentary on military bureaucracy, especially as communication proves nearly impossible.
THE BEST Part 3 – The Best of the Crazies
The infected townspeople are completely random – possibly thanks to most of the actors being untrained locals. While most are shooting at the soldiers, others sweep the grass around dead bodies or just wander about in a haze. The best is an old lady knitting who turns homicidal.
THE BEST Part 4 – An Exploding Helicopter
Destroying a helicopter obviously wasn’t in the budget, so Romero takes a clever, cheaper approach.
THE WORST – The Overly Dramatic, Hypocritical Scientist
Richard France plays Dr. Watts, one of the scientists who created TRIXIE, which is the bioweapon virus that infects the town. France plays the character with an outsized dramatic flair, short fuse and whiny demeanor. His character makes no sense whatsoever given his background, but it’s still wildly entertaining.
THE WORST Part 2 – The Creepy Dad
Richard Liberty’s Artie is the father of Lynn Lowry’s Kathy, who has been infected. Liberty’s character laments the death of his wife and tries to create a similar relationship with his daughter. It’s a dysfunctional, overprotective environment that leads to a vile end.
THE WORST Part 3 – A Little Too Real?
In a COVID world, The Crazies hits a little close to home. Romero makes subtle commentary throughout the movie, but the line about the locals being armed and panicking is more relevant today. In today’s more polarized and skeptical world, such an event would be the impetus for mass chaos.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.75/5
If you can look past its low budget limitations and goofy acting, The Crazies is a fun, unique offering that touches on some unsettling themes. It’s worth a watch.
