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Published: 2011-04-10 00:09:34 +0000 UTC; Views: 33409; Favourites: 531; Downloads: 558
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TINA AND THE TARMAN:On my list of favorite movies, "Return of the Living Dead" by Dan O'Bannon, is way, way, way up there at the top. This film came out in 1985. I was in the seventh grade and saw it at the theater. I went in with average expectations. Based on the TV commercials, it looked like it should be a decent zombie movie. Instead, what I got was a horror paradise.
Its incredible mix of genuine freaky scares, good humor, exaggerated comic book style zombies, punk rockers, gory violence, great characters, memorable dialogue, excellent special effects, and a believable feeling of Midwestern American goofiness really, really hit me and charged my imagination into overdrive.
Since then I have seen it many, many times and over the years my love for this movie has only increased. I have often wondered if it might just be my number one favorite horror movie of all time. I hate to say any horror film is my #1 favorite cause there are so many I love so much. But this film is certainly in my top three.
My favorite scene in the entire film is when nice-girl Tina leaves her group of punk-friends, wanders off by herself, and gets attacked by the hideous Tar-Man zombie.
A couple of years ago, I did an illustration of the Tar-Man scene, which you can also find in my Deviant Art Gallery. But afterwards never thought much about it.
So imagine my excitement when I woke up one crisp October morning and found the following e-mail waiting for me:
“Dear Bryan,
I just saw the artwork you did for "Return of the Living Dead - Tarman." Do you sell your original art? If so how much do you sell it for? I played Tina in the movie. Enough for now... thanks for making me look sooooo cool in your artwork. I am so honored.
Beverly Randolph-Hartley
~Tina from Return of the Living Dead”
That sure knocked me out. I emailed Beverly back and we got talking online. She is a wonderful, sweet lady. I had to tell her I’d already sold my previous Tar-Man illustration but would be happy to create a new one for her, and she agreed. I couldn’t believe it. An actress who starred in one of my all-time favorite horror films, a movie I’d been watching repeatedly since I was 13 years old… wanted to commission me to do an illustration of her, in her most famous horror movie moment?? I was amazed and flattered. Well it took a little while to squeeze it into my regular work schedule. But here it is. Since then Beverly and I have kept in touch and I’m proud to say she’s become a friend.
UPDATE: MORE BRAINS!
I am excited to announce that a brand-new, feature-length documentary about the making of this film, has just been released on DVD. It's called:
"MORE BRAINS! A Return to the Living Dead"
Naturally, I would be excited about "MORE BRAINS", because cult horror films don't usually receive this level of in-depth behind-the-scenes documentation, with such candid, no-holds-barred interviews, featuring almost every single cast and crew member...
...But another reason I am so excited about this documentary - is because it features two of my illustrations!! Yes, you heard that right! Watch for my artwork to appear during the behind-the-scenes discussion of the famous Tar-Man sequence!
This wonderful opportunity came about thanks to Beverly Randolph, the actress who was menaced by the Tar-Man zombie in ROTLD (and who was also a producer on the doc). It's a long story but I met Beverly a couple years ago and we became friends. I knew nothing about "MORE BRAINS" until she let me in on it, while it was in production, about 9 months ago. It was she who requested my artwork to appear in the documentary. ...And I've been biting my tongue about it ever since! Haha.
I can't express how hugely excited and flattered I feel, to have my artwork connected, in even the smallest way, with a movie that I have loved so much, for so long. Not to mention - seeing my name in the credits of an official Return of the Living Dead - thing...? THAT was a trip! ...I wish I could be all cool and laid back and professional about this... But that would be a lie. I am just too big of a fan. Thanks a MILLION Beverly! Thank you thank you!
...And finally - speaking purely as a fan - I highly recommend all you zombified wierdos out there, track down a copy of this DVD as soon as possible, before rigor-mortis sets in! "MORE BRAINS" is one of the best behind-the-scenes docs, about one of the best zombie movies, you'll ever find. Watching it will... make the pain... go away... the pain of being DEAD... Can't you feel yourself... ROTTING???
Here's the Amazon link: tinyurl.com/6tqpsom
ORDER IT NOW!!!
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Comments: 201
TheMikko In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 22:03:54 +0000 UTC]
Speaking of Res Evil, worst zombie films ever. -_- Hate that series with a passion. The GAMES are all very good, if the later have kinda deviated out of the survival part of survival horror, but the films are just utter crap in my opinion. They're not horror, the main character doesn't belong in the genre, she's just yet another boring, untouchable and thus unrelateable Ultraviolet-style character who frankly I'd sooner laugh at seeing her in peril than feel any sympathy for. And her being in no way anything close to the games' canon doesn't help her case.
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BryanBaugh In reply to TheMikko [2011-04-11 06:46:28 +0000 UTC]
I highly recommend: "Book of the Dead" by Jamie Russel : [link]
...Which is the ultimate book on the history of zombie films. It has an excellent in-depth chapter on the whole creation of the Resident Evil game, how its popularity basically brought zombie movies back, how George Romero was supposed to direct the Resident Evil movie, why it didn't work out, and how that wonderful plan sadly evolved into the Resident Evil movies becoming... what they ultimately became. The author shares your and my opinion of the films, and offers a lot of fascinating insights about that whole sordid situation.
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BryanBaugh In reply to Gemmfyre666 [2011-04-10 07:43:59 +0000 UTC]
Thank you! Yes I feel very lucky for such a cool opportunity.
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Capstain259 In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 02:39:38 +0000 UTC]
ah, ROTLD, one of the most shamelessly enjoyable movies ever in the horror genre. nothing held back, at all. so entertaining.
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Capstain259 In reply to BryanBaugh [2011-04-10 03:17:45 +0000 UTC]
i'll take it over Dawn of the Dead any day. for one thing, DOTD doesn't have Tar Man, among other things.
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BryanBaugh In reply to Capstain259 [2011-04-10 07:39:38 +0000 UTC]
I like the original 1977 Dawn of the Dead a lot. The DOTD remake is okay but doesn't hold a candle to the original in my book. But Return of the Living Dead is the one that hits the sweet spot for me. My favorite zombie movie.
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Capstain259 In reply to BryanBaugh [2011-04-10 13:21:33 +0000 UTC]
as much as i think the remake of DOTD is good, i kind of blame it for a lot of the things done wrong in zombie movies of the time (not to mention that shit remake of Day of the Dead). but i barely remember it, so that could be unfair. my favorite movie of the dead franchise is Day of the Dead, but Return of the Living Dead is in a league of it's own, sheer awesomeness, nothing compares.
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BryanBaugh In reply to Capstain259 [2011-04-10 21:05:09 +0000 UTC]
My 2 all-time favorite zombie movies are O'Bannon's "Return of the Living Dead" and Romero's "Day of the Dead". A lot of horror fans disagree with me on this but I think Romero really made a perfect movie in "Day" and I think it is the best of his zombie series.
I also think "Day of the Dead" showcases the best special effects work of Tom Savini's entire career. I think Savini was really performing at his peak between 1982-1985. He did some great stuff before and after, but his effects in "Day of the Dead" and "Creepshow" are his best work in my opinion.
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Capstain259 In reply to BryanBaugh [2011-04-11 01:11:52 +0000 UTC]
you are dead on, pun intended. i think that Day of the Dead found the perfect tone for a zombie movie, being a very bleak movie with characters upbeat enough to keep the movie fun while still being taken seriously, somthing very difficult to pull off right. and my god, the effects. the makeup is phenomonal, and the gore is so satisfying. Rhodes death is probably the single greatest death scene ever in a zombie flick (you should make a drawing of that moment sometime. just saying).
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BryanBaugh In reply to Capstain259 [2011-04-11 06:40:10 +0000 UTC]
I agree with everything you said.
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LordNitrius In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 01:45:18 +0000 UTC]
thats soooo awesome that she got in touch with you. This is still my favorite horror movie hands down
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BryanBaugh In reply to LordNitrius [2011-04-10 02:05:55 +0000 UTC]
Yeah it's been a treat for me to get to know her and stuff. I love this movie so much.
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GioVega In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 01:25:16 +0000 UTC]
This is awesome! the colors and shawdos really bring this one to life! awesome movie,awesome tribute!
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BryanBaugh In reply to GioVega [2011-04-10 02:06:42 +0000 UTC]
Thanks!! I was a little worried I might have been going a little too dark with the shadows but I'm glad you think they look allright!
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GioVega In reply to BryanBaugh [2011-04-10 02:15:03 +0000 UTC]
They look great.It even gives it that 1985 look to it.
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BryanBaugh In reply to GioVega [2011-04-10 02:52:35 +0000 UTC]
Well thats a compliment! Thanks!!
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WednesdayWhite In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 01:15:55 +0000 UTC]
Thats very cool! Definitely my favorite zombie movie! Tarman rules!
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BryanBaugh In reply to WednesdayWhite [2011-04-10 02:07:02 +0000 UTC]
Ha - me too. I love ROTLD!
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MAN08 In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 01:08:56 +0000 UTC]
Great work!
I'm gonna have to check that one out sometime
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dinoneill In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 00:37:24 +0000 UTC]
Another great piece! I'm pondering that Beverly is planning to use your work for convention prints .
"YOU MEAN THE MOVIE LIED?!"
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BryanBaugh In reply to dinoneill [2011-04-10 00:48:09 +0000 UTC]
Thank you. Of course she will use them for convention prints. We have already talked about sitting together and signing them together.
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dinoneill In reply to BryanBaugh [2011-04-10 06:27:42 +0000 UTC]
Wow, now that's a good feeling!
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BryanBaugh In reply to dinoneill [2011-04-10 07:38:13 +0000 UTC]
Yeah I hope that plan works out. Probably won't happen till the next big local horror con. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
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KurtBelcher1 In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 00:35:53 +0000 UTC]
I remember that earlier drawing, and I think I raved about that one, too. Suffice to say, this is equally awesome. I also love the detail of including the 'half-dog'. Great stuff!
KAB
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BryanBaugh In reply to KurtBelcher1 [2011-04-10 00:49:29 +0000 UTC]
Thanks! You know, those are split-dogs for veterinarian schools. Yep. We get a lotta orders for split-dogs.
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Huwman In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 00:20:17 +0000 UTC]
Excellent art and a great story too, Bryan! Definitely one of my top ten flicks for sure. I think it's actually the first film I attended with the gal who has now been my wife these past 20 years, although we weren't actually dating at the time (long story). Anyhow, I still have a few of the original small posters they handed out at the premieres in the '80s and one is hanging on the wall of my studio as I type this. Love the "half dog" detail, btw! Ha, ha!
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BryanBaugh In reply to Huwman [2011-04-10 00:52:54 +0000 UTC]
Haha, yes this movie seems to bring back cool memories for everybody. Thank you for your kind words and comments.
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Piddies0709 In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 00:15:38 +0000 UTC]
I wonder if this inspiered some artist to come up with the melting-man in "The Nightmare Before Christmas."
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BryanBaugh In reply to Piddies0709 [2011-04-10 00:51:56 +0000 UTC]
No I think the 1970's movie "The Incredible Melting Man" probably inspired the melting man in "A Nightmare Before Christmas". [link]
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Chaosfive-55 In reply to ??? [2011-04-10 00:14:01 +0000 UTC]
That's marvelous!!! I can't remember if I've seen this movie but it sounds like it ought to be in my collection!!!
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baronessofblades In reply to Chaosfive-55 [2011-11-10 02:23:32 +0000 UTC]
Where did you get that cool signature from?
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Chaosfive-55 In reply to baronessofblades [2011-11-10 03:15:38 +0000 UTC]
From the 1986 film version of The Name of the Rose!
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BryanBaugh In reply to Chaosfive-55 [2011-04-10 00:52:13 +0000 UTC]
If you haven't seen it you should. Every horror fan should.
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Chaosfive-55 In reply to BryanBaugh [2011-04-10 01:46:34 +0000 UTC]
I intend to! I've always admired O'Bannon's work, and who doesn't love the Living Dead?
...what did you think of the 1990 Night of the Living Dead? I loved Patricia Tallman in that movie...
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BryanBaugh In reply to Chaosfive-55 [2011-04-10 07:55:59 +0000 UTC]
I will always prefer the original 1968 version of "Night of the Living Dead". The 1990 remake had some interesting ideas scattered throughout it. And it featured some great zombie makeups. But I dunno... Something was missing. It just didn't have the same soul as the original.
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Chaosfive-55 In reply to BryanBaugh [2011-04-10 12:20:27 +0000 UTC]
You just can't beat that eerie black and white, non-studio feel of the original--it was just too damn real, yet unreal, like a nightmare!
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