10 November 2009

Karen Cooper, my hero!


Of course, one of my favorite movies of all time is Night of The Living Dead. Perhaps it is my very favorite, and truly it is undeniable that NOTLD is one of the most important films of the twentieth century. It is profoundly significant in so many ways--it set the tone and standard for American zombie movies, it made George Romero famous (eventually), it was a deeply political document and an instrument of social critique. Besides, it's just a fucking awesome movie!

I have always loved Kyra Schon, the young woman who played Karen Cooper in the film. Her dad in life and the movie was Karl Hardman who played Harry Cooper, one of the most hated characters in zombie filmdom. His role was a large part of what makes the movie so memorable. I have a wonderful poster on my office door at school with a very disturbing image of zombified Karen Cooper looking at the camera. It sometimes scares my students!

Today I found her web site. Schon sells some awesome stuff, such as an image trowel (those of you who know the movie know why a trowel is important) and dog tags. She also has an etsy shop! I'm excited that I found her web presence, and I salute her role in zombie and film history. You go, Kyra!

2 comments:

jamie@midcenturymania said...

I am going to have to rent this movie for my 17 year old son. I don't think he has ever seen it and he is really into the whole zombie thing. I haven't watched it in years. It's time to revisit NOTLD. Thanks.

a.e. said...

If your son is into zombies he really should see this movie. It is black and white and may seem dated to a 17 year old, but it is a very good and still, to me, scary movie. I hope he likes it!