“Hell of the Living Dead,” also known as “Virus” and “Night of the Zombies,” is a 1980 Italian zombie horror film directed by Bruno Mattei. The film is known for its campy style, excessive gore, and for borrowing elements from other popular horror films of its time. It has since gained a cult following among fans of exploitation cinema.
Overview
- Title: Hell of the Living Dead (Virus, Night of the Zombies)
- Director: Bruno Mattei
- Producer: George Eastman
- Writers: Claudio Fragasso, José María Cunillés
- Cinematography: John Cabrera
- Music: Goblin (with tracks reused from other films)
- Release Year: 1980
- Genre: Zombie Horror, Exploitation
- Runtime: Approximately 101 minutes
- Language: Italian (dubbed in English for international release)
Plot Summary
The film follows a group of SWAT team members who are sent to investigate a chemical leak at a research facility in Papua New Guinea. The chemical leak has caused the dead to rise and become flesh-eating zombies. As the team navigates the zombie-infested jungle, they encounter various dangers and must fight for survival.
Main Plot Points:
- Chemical Leak: The film opens with an accident at a chemical plant, releasing a toxic gas that causes the dead to reanimate as zombies.
- SWAT Team Mission: A SWAT team is dispatched to the area to contain the situation and uncover the source of the outbreak.
- Jungle Encounter: The team, along with a female reporter and her cameraman, venture into the jungle, where they face attacks from zombies and hostile natives.
- Survival and Revelation: As they struggle to survive, the team discovers the true extent of the chemical’s impact and the grim reality of the zombie plague.
- Climactic Confrontation: The film culminates in a series of violent confrontations with the zombies, leading to a bleak and chaotic ending.
Characters
- Lt. Mike London (José Gras): The leader of the SWAT team, determined to complete the mission despite the escalating danger.
- Vincent (Selan Karay): A member of the SWAT team who plays a significant role in the group’s survival efforts.
- Zantoro (Franco Garofalo): Another SWAT team member, known for his aggressive and reckless behavior.
- Leah (Margit Evelyn Newton): A television reporter who joins the SWAT team to document the outbreak.
- Max (Gabriel Renom): Leah’s cameraman, who records the horrors they encounter.
Notable Elements
- Reused Music: The film features a soundtrack by Goblin, with music tracks taken from their previous work on films like “Dawn of the Dead” and “Contamination,” adding to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
- Stock Footage: “Hell of the Living Dead” is notorious for its use of stock footage, including scenes of wildlife and tribal rituals, to pad out the runtime and enhance the jungle setting.
- Excessive Gore: The film is known for its graphic and over-the-top gore, characteristic of Italian horror films of the era.
Reception
- Critical Reception: The film received mostly negative reviews from critics, who criticized its derivative nature, poor special effects, and weak plot. However, its campy style and unintentional humor have made it a favorite among fans of “so bad it’s good” cinema.
- Cult Following: Over the years, “Hell of the Living Dead” has developed a cult following for its entertaining blend of horror, action, and absurdity. It is often appreciated for its kitsch value and nostalgic appeal.
Legacy
- Influence on Exploitation Cinema: The film is an example of Italian exploitation cinema’s approach to capitalizing on the success of popular horror films, particularly George A. Romero’s zombie movies.
- Home Media Releases: “Hell of the Living Dead” has been released on various home video formats, including DVD and Blu-ray, often featuring restored versions and bonus content for collectors and fans.
Additional Information
- Bruno Mattei’s Direction: Known for his work in exploitation cinema, Bruno Mattei’s direction emphasizes shock value and sensationalism, contributing to the film’s cult status.
- Collaborative Writing: Claudio Fragasso, who co-wrote the film, later directed “Troll 2,” another film infamous for its poor quality and cult following.
Overall, “Hell of the Living Dead” is a quintessential example of Italian exploitation horror, offering a mix of camp, gore, and unintentional humor that has endeared it to a specific segment of horror enthusiasts.
