Unraveling the Fascination: The Point of Zombies Eating Brains in Zombie Movies

From the first day that zombies first grasped the world with their insatiable appetite for brains, the image of a brain-eating zombie has become an iconic staple of horror movies. But what exactly is the point? This question has puzzled audiences for decades, and it's high time we dive into the origins and cultural significance of this gruesome trope.

To Sell More Movie Theater Tickets

Initially, the reason for zombies to consume brains in movies was as simple as boosting ticket sales. During the Return of the Living Dead film series, zombies were created to meet certain market demands. The mortician character Ernie in one of the films captured a torso and engaged in a bizarre interrogation, leading to the famous line: “Not people, brai-i-i-i-iiiiins!”

Metaphorical Purposes in Zombie Films

However, the brain-eating trope in films like World War Z and Day of the Dead goes beyond just a gross-out factor. In Dawn of the Dead, the film is set in a shopping mall, a metaphor for consumerism. Meanwhile, in World War Z, zombies climbing over the walls symbolize the fear of immigrants and the invasion of a new social group.

The trope is also a reflection of our own fears and anxieties about the unknown. These films challenge us to consider our own mortality, the potential for us to become something we fear, and the blurring lines between chaos and order.

The Origin of the Brain-Eating Trope

The origin of zombies eating brains can be traced back to the first zombie film that featured this trope: Return of the Living Dead. In the film, a partial zombie torso was captured and interviewed, revealing the ultimate craving: "Brains! Brains make the pain go away. It hurts to be dead because the dead can feel themselves rot." This brain-eating fetish became a defining trait that set Return of the Living Dead apart from other zombie films and has influenced countless others.

Out-of-Story Explanations and Gore

Why have brain-eating zombies become such a central figure in the genre? Most logically, they serve as a source of sustenance for the zombies. On a story level, devouring brains provides a unique horror experience, both kinesthetically and aesthetically, making the scenes more gruesome and impactful. Writer John Irving, in his study of the genre, noted that the focus on brains in zombies helps to create a visceral and emotional connection with the audience, enhancing the film's dark and morbid atmosphere.

Additionally, the brain-eating aspect serves to heighten the fear factor. In a culture where gore and gore gore have become increasingly prevalent, the act of eating brains stands out as particularly disturbing. The taste is less discussed, but the image of zombies scraping brains from skulls continues to be a memorable and shocking element of the genre.

Despite the abundance of brain-eating zombies in mainstream media, it's important to recognize that not all zombie movies feature these creatures. Some directors chose to explore different aspects of the genre, such as the psychological impact of the undead on society or the survival of the fittest in a post-apocalyptic world.

Why the Question Should Be: 'What Is the Point of Brain Dead Movies for Brain Dead Audiences?'

Ultimately, the question of why zombies eat brains can be rephrased more thoughtfully: What is the point of brain dead movies for brain dead audiences?

The answer lies in the complex interplay of entertainment, cultural critique, and pure, unadulterated scares. Zombie movies have become a go-to genre for those seeking thrills, and the brain-eating trope is a key component in meeting that demand. It's not just about eating brains; it's about the full package, from guttural moans to gore-soaked stabbings, that resonates with a certain kind of horror fan.

So, the next time you're watching a zombie flick, take a moment to appreciate the nuances of the brain-eating trope, and consider how it contributes to the overall experience. Whether for fear, entertainment, or a mix of both, the brain-eating zombie will undoubtedly continue to captivate and terrify audiences for years to come.