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All right, we all know that you aren't supposed to put things in ALL CAPS on the internet, because it indicates that you are yelling. Well, fine...I'm yelling then. Because I have to tell you that I saw a whole lot of really half-assed zombies walking around at all the various Halloween/costume events that I attended in 2008. I am by no means a makeup artist of high esteem, but I do consider myself to be pretty good at the zombie 'thing' and by zombie 'thing' I means spending pouring so much time and blood into a costume that it's gotta come out looking at least vaguely zombie-like. So in my years (seriously, years) of researching and testing zombie makeup, I can offer you some tips-- and I would love to hear yours! Being a zombie on a budget can be tough so I especially appreciate it when people can get all zombified with leftover cake decorating junk or something. Let me know. In the meantime, to get started:
1) Decide what kind of zombie you want to be and choose a base color accordingly. To my way of thinking you have a few different kind of zombies out there- super dead and rotting with maggots and peely skin/tons of blood, greenish zombies- (mmm, decomposition) and freshlydead kinda gray zombies/possibly with some wounds.
a) For fresh zombie, I recommend either Cadaver Gray or Blithe Spirit creme color by Ben Nye. It's more expensive than your average makeup but that's because it goes on better, stays on longer and requires much less for total coverage. You can use the same container virtually forever. They even have a product called the DEATH WHEEL (shouting again, what a great name!) that contains shades of green, gray and pale blue. Yay!
Fresh (and cute!) Zombie
b) For really rotten zombie, depending on how much blood you are going to use, you may not even want to put a bunch of base on. You can do pale, yellow or green for this one or even skip it if you'll be deluged in red in the end.
Halfway Rotten with Maggots, zombaby included!
c) For a greenish or blueish zombie, again with the Ben Nye. The dead wheel has a great green that you can mix with blue or pale colors to make it look extra sickly. Barring that, get some green face paint and tone it down with a little brown and white.
Blue-ish Zombie. A pregnant blue-ish zombie even!
Well, well, well. You thought you'd gotten rid of me, perhaps? After the entire family was felled by a seemingly endless round of horrific stomach virus(es?) we are all finally recovered, and I can stare at the screen long enough to post!
Today, a quick review of... one you might have missed. Maybe you passed it up, because it seemed too mainstream or too teeny bopper-esque. But I promise you that it's neither and it's worth your time.I wrote this review some time ago for another web site, but recently re-visited it and remembered how wonderfully surprised I was at first viewing. Enjoy...
Vacancy: Blood Simple
At last, a newly released horror film that a self-respecting viewer can actually recommend with a clear conscience. Vacancy is that most rare of beasts in today's horror market- a taut little story that actually delivers scares. In the glut of PG-13 teen mush that comprises the modern horror genre, this one stands out. The film kicks off with a standard horror movie convention- a late night, a couple with car trouble, and a walk on a deserted road with nowhere to go but a seedy motel. Kate Beckinsdale and Luke Wilson portray protagonists Amy and David Fox, a married couple at the brink of divorce. They quibble, they bait each other, and they know how to push all the buttons. It is this relationship that is the cement, the reality infusion that makes the film gel. The decision to cast experienced, big name actors in starring roles is, in large part, responsible for Vacancy's success. While many horror films present only the standard horror archetypes (“the rich girl”, “the smart girl”, “the tough guy”), Vacancy instead gives us the couple next door, played with subtlety and deftness by both leads .
The vast majority of the action takes place within the confines of the spartan “honeymoon suite” of the Pinewood Motel room, a ‘no-tell motel’ throwback to the 70's that couches a murderous secret. The Foxes arrive, snippy and decidedly unexcited about shacking up in the far from pristine accommodations. Further irritated by the oddly ‘friendly’ manager, some very loud neighbors, and no television reception, they turn to the rooms VHS collection for entertainment (“You gotta take advantage of the amenities.”, David quips.) Unfortunately, it consists of nothing but low-budget horror films. Certainly we saw this coming, but when they realize -“ Wait a minute- that lamp looks awfully familiar and... What about that couch?”- that the tapes have been filmed in the very room that they reside in, it is a terrific thrill nonetheless.
Vacancy closely follows the formula made famous in a string of psychotic/home invasion style slasher films of the 70's (ala the original 'When a Stranger Calls'), particularly with regards to its 'less is more' aesthetic. Noises, screams, shadows and hidden faces comprise the majority of the scares. There is, in fact, a conspicuous lack of gore. The protagonists are chased, trapped, stalked and otherwise scared out of their skins. Although the terror may not be particularly 'in-your-face', the pacing is, leaving little time to catch your breath.
What really makes this film stand apart is the relative intelligence and 'real people' quality of the main characters. Vacancy is worth checking out for those who like their scares delivered in the classic Hitchcockian style.
Admittedly, it's a bit late to be completing holiday shopping. But I am fairly certain that I'm not the only person who hasn't quite gotten it all together yet. If you've tired of cruising stores with their endless displays of alarmingly neutral ties and hypoallergenic slipper socks, then grab a chair and dig into some more worthwhile gift ideas. I humbly suggest the following fine gift ideas for the discerning, well perhaps even the not-so-discerning, horror fan on your list.:
1) A Victorian Human Tooth Pendant. Now, stop making that face. Because honestly, although it is every bit as horrific as it sounds, there is also something oddly and uniquely beautiful about these one of a kind jewelry pieces. Etsy purveyors, Loved To Death, make these and other necklaces, earrings and more, from real human teeth and taxidermied bits 'n pieces culled from small creatures. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else. I promise.
2) Anything from Horrormerch.com. They have it all for the die-hard horror film fan- t-shirts, posters, action figures, pins and more. I love that you can search their site by movie, because honestly I don’t believe that it’s possible to own too many Texas Chainsaw Massacre t-shirts.
This is one instance in which a gift card really is the perfect solution- please feel free to send one my way.
3) A Zombie Outbreak Survival Kit because you care! We all know it’s coming- it’s just a matter of when. That’s why a Zombie Outbreak Survival Kit is the perfect gift to show you really care. It has everything you need- stickers, safety poster, toe tags, zombie disposal instructions, bit kit and much more- in a water-resistant, pouch. Isn't the safety of your loved ones worth the $15?
4) Book of the Dead. This is the most exhaustive resource ever written about zombie cinema. Jamie Russell examines the role of zombie movies and lore throughout the history of film.
The book manages to be both scholarly and entertaining and contains an extensive filmography of zombie movies from around the world, as well as lots of rare photos. Russell also examines how zombie stories truly reflect the fears and values of a given time and place in a society.
5) How about a JASON throw pillow? Come one, you know you want to cuddle up with the original terror of Crystal Lake! Your friends at Horror Decor not only came up with this gem, they also have Freddy, Ash and Shaun of the Dead throw pillows.
Get the whole collection! At $12 it's a steal...
Hi there,
I'm new to Orble and excited to start my new horror blog. I suppose I should preface this by saying that I am using Safari on a Mac in case that has any bearing on the situation. The posting features seem to be working fine- EXCEPT that I can't get a picture to upload
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