White Zombie is a terrifying example exemplifying the Marxist theory. The Marxist Theory is the belief of the fight between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, the fight between the division of classes. This theory is something that started long ago, but to this day is still a popular theory that can be represented in many of our media.
There is one scene where this is clearly shown where they have workers pushing some machinery and most of the workers look cold and half dead. It’s influenced even more since we see a man fall into the machinery and no one bats an eye. While we see the owner standing proudly over his machines. Moreover, the peasants or proletariat are presented as zombies, or like dogs, thus pushing the idea of class division and how the bourgeoise and proletariat conflict with each other. When the Voodoo master arrives at the castle and wants to take over, its very interesting how the “zombies” take over the castle and replace the server. It’s almost like a mirror showing the revolution of the bourgeoisie and proletariat fighting and the proletariat coming out on top. With the father then screaming no, not that, it further shows the conflict of class.
As the film continues, its very interesting how proletariat and bourgeoisie seem to switch places, we see the Voodoo Master embody this rich class through his manners and actions. While in the other hand the father and husband are portrayed as weak, drunk and has a lower class kind of manner to both of them. The last scene also makes the film very good since it shows that even after proletariat fights back, the bourgeoisie always seems to have the last word. This is interesting since instead of showing the usual end of the proletariat fighting back and winning, it shows the bourgeoisie fight back and having the happy ever after story. Not to say that the wicked voodoo master should’ve won, but it shows that the lower class is always in the feet of the upper class.
Horror is a prominent genre throughout the life of humanity, its something about the mystery and adrenaline that makes horror what it is. People love the idea of fantasy taking over reality, and something that we can’t control, usually, ends up being controlled by us. The adrenaline and the fear of the unknown is what people crave for, and it is what keeps the horror genre keep going.
I absolutely love the connection you made with the Marxist theory and White Zombie. You pointed out a very strong example of how the peasants of proletariat are represented as zombies and it focuses on the idea of social classes.
I haven’t watched White Zombie yet however I am quite intrigued by fact that the workers are portrayed as zombies due to the working conditions they have to go through
I like your example of marxist theory, i also used a similar example when analyzing Nosferatu. The division of class in horror movies becomes prevalent when analyzed.
I started watching White Zombie and got bored right away so I switched which movie to watch. You’re writing made is sound very interesting and you explained everything well. I like how you connected this movie to the Marxist theory. It fits perfectly.