Review of Martin (1978) by Kevin R — 20 Jul 2009

Yes most people who know the name of George Romero think Zombies. He has made a couple of the best zombie flicks of all time and more or less created the modern zombie genre but what else has he done you ask.

Well I can't guarantee everyone will like this film but it is one of the best vampire films I've ever seen and i've seen most of the important ones.

Martin perhaps is the most realistic vampire movie because it takes the material seriously. Like Night of the Living Dead this is not done for shits and giggles its done to make the viewer think and uncomfortable. In my opinion this makes for the best horror film you can get, one which affects you if not by scaring you by disturbing you a little.

The film is a bit slow but it allows for the mood and atmosphere to grab you. It removes almost everything we know about vampires and the stereotypes and gives a new, modern look (not bad for a film from the 70's)while still giving us a recognizable vampire character.

I think the directing and story are great and the acting makes it all work, John Amplas as Martin is spot on, believable and well nuanced. The characters all seem real and plausible to me, and the twist ending works well.

I look forward to my next viewing of this film.