Renowned director John Carpenter, credited with iconic films such as Assault on Precinct 13, Halloween, Escape from New York, and They Live, has carved out a pivotal place in cinema history. Primarily celebrated as a master of horror, Carpenter’s diverse portfolio spans various genres, showcasing his exceptional talent.
His significant contributions to the horror genre were recognized when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Notably, Carpenter is often considered a pioneer of the slasher genre, particularly with the groundbreaking Halloween. Despite his extensive body of work, intriguing enough, Carpenter never ventured into creating a traditional zombie film. It raises the question: did he secretly desire to do so?
Is “Assault on Precinct 13″Secretly a Zombie Film?
When we analyze Carpenter’s work, one might argue that he inadvertently constructed a couple of zombie-esque films—minus the actual zombies. A closer inspection of the plot details in Assault on Precinct 13 reveals compelling comparisons.
The narrative revolves around a group of unlikely allies—a mix of law enforcement and criminals—held captive in a deserted police precinct, desperately fighting against an unrelenting wave of mindless attackers: a vicious street gang. This premise could easily fit into the framework of a zombie apocalypse, given the absence of the undead. The gang operates similarly to zombies, representing an unreasoning, relentless force.
These antagonists lack substantial characterization, operating instead as a destructive force of nature. The film develops them as merciless killers devoid of motivation, creating an atmosphere where survival is the primary concern. This formulation mirrors the core dynamics found in classic zombie narratives.
“Ghosts of Mars”Is “Assault on Precinct 13″… in Space
In his subsequent work, Ghosts of Mars, Carpenter further explores the interaction between law enforcement and criminals facing monstrous foes. Set against the backdrop of Mars, the film showcases striking parallels with Assault on Precinct 13, incorporating yet another force that can be perceived as a stand-in for zombies.
This time, the protagonists battle not just human gang members, but the ghosts of an ancient Martian civilization, possessing the inhabitants of a mining colony and transforming them into feral, zombie-like creatures. This narrative blend solidifies Carpenter’s inclination to fuse horror elements with other genres, generating stories that resonate familiar vibes with the undead without explicitly using zombies.
John Carpenter: Not the Only Master of Horror
One potential explanation for Carpenter’s avoidance of traditional zombie films could lie in the profound legacy of George A. Romero. Romero’s innovative contributions to the genre, particularly with iconic films like Night of the Living Dead, have essentially established the foundation for modern zombie lore.
Romero’s portrayal of reanimated corpses, relentless in their pursuit of the living, has shaped how audiences perceive zombies today. Given this monumental impact, Carpenter might have hesitated to explore this genre fully, choosing instead to pay homage to Romero’s contributions while steering clear of direct competition.
Is There Another Influence on Carpenter?
Moreover, the thematic elements within Assault on Precinct 13 could draw inspiration from genres beyond the horror spectrum. Carpenter’s initial aspiration to create Westerns shines through his filmography— evident in the character arcs reminiscent of classic Western archetypes and his collaborations with iconic figures associated with the genre.
Perhaps the premise of a small group enduring a siege—holding their ground against overwhelming odds—reflects Carpenter’s homage to Westerns rather than a conscious nod to zombie films. In a 2001 interview with IGN, Carpenter remarked:
I got in this business wanting to make Westerns. And that just hasn’t worked out. I made some Westerns, but they’re not really Westerns, they’re hidden Westerns.
Whether or not Assault on Precinct 13 is a covert commentary on zombie culture is ultimately an engaging topic of discussion. Regardless of Carpenter’s influences, his work remains remarkable and continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying his status as a true auteur in cinema history.