The Evil Dead is a 1981 American horror film directed by Sam Raimi and written by Raimi and Scott Spiegel. It stars Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams who becomes possessed by demonic entities after reading from the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis better known as the “Book of the Dead”. The film also features Ellen Sandweiss Richard DeManincor Betsy Baker and Theresa Tilly as Ash’s fellow housemates.
The Evil Dead was produced on a budget of $375000 shooting took place in a remote cabin in Morris Michigan over the course of 30 days in the winter of 1979. It was the first feature film for Raimi who was 23 years old at the time. Editing followed and the film was completed by April 1981. It premiered in Detroit on October 30 1981 and was released in the United States on November 5 1981.
Critical reception to the film was mixed; some reviewers praised its intensity and gore while others criticized its overall campiness. It grossed $2.4 million worldwide during its initial theatrical release which was considered a financial success. The Evil Dead obtained a cult following and was a major influence on the horror genre. It spawned sequels a live-action television series comic books a video game and merchandise. In 1992 the Library of Congress selected The Evil Dead for preservation in the National Film Registry deeming it “culturally historically or aesthetically significant”.
The film has been cited as a landmark in low-budget filmmaking as it proved that films with small budgets can be highly profitable and have a lasting impact on pop culture. In 2008 an August 7th anniversary re-release of The Evil Dead grossed $5.9 million worldwide. In 2013 a remake of the film was directed by Fede Alvarez.
The Evil Dead began as a goal set by childhood friends Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell to make a horror film that would top all other horror films. The two were inspired by the films of Roger Corman which they had grown up watching as well as by the works of Alfred Hitchcock and Ingmar Bergman. Raimi and Campbell knew that to make their film more effective it needed to be gorier than anything that had come before it.
To this end the two purchased a copy of the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis better known as the “Book of the Dead” from a local occult shop. This tome served as the basis for the film’s plot with Ash Williams (Campbell) becoming possessed by demonic entities after reading from it. The film’s tight shooting schedule meant that the gore had to be done quickly and efficiently with little time for mistakes. This resulted in some of the film’s most iconic scenes including the infamous “tree rape” sequence.
While the film was ultimately given an NC-17 rating this was not Raimi’s or Campbell’s intention. The two had set out to make a horror film that would be entertaining and terrifying but they did not anticipate the level of gore that would ultimately be included. In retrospect they have both stated that they believe the film’s rating is fair given its content.
The Evil Dead has gone on to become one of the most influential horror films of all time. Its mix of gore humor and terror was unlike anything that had been seen before and its impact is still felt today. The film spawned a franchise that includes sequels a live-action television series comic books a video game and merchandise. It has also been cited as a major influence on the horror genre and its success has paved the way for other low-budget horror films to find success.
What is the significance of Evil Dead’s NC-17 rating?
The NC-17 rating means that the film is too graphic and gory for children and teenagers.
The film’s rating was due to its use of prosthetic make-up and fake blood which made it too intense for younger viewers.
How did the Evil Dead series get its start?
The Evil Dead series started as a low-budget horror film that was written and directed by Sam Raimi.
The film was made on a shoestring budget of $350000 and became a cult classic.
What is the plot of the Evil Dead series?
The Evil Dead series follows the story of Ash Williams who is transported to a remote cabin in the woods where he and his friends are possessed by demonic forces.
What are the main characters in the Evil Dead series?
The main characters in the Evil Dead series are Ash Williams played by Bruce Campbell and his girlfriend Linda played by Ellen Sandweiss.
What is the setting of the Evil Dead series?
The Evil Dead series is set in a remote cabin in the woods which is cut off from the outside world.
What is the genre of the Evil Dead series?
The Evil Dead series is a horror series that is known for its graphic violence and gore.
Who are the director and writer of the Evil Dead series?
The director and writer of the Evil Dead series is Sam Raimi.
What are some of the themes present in the Evil Dead series?
Some of the themes present in the Evil Dead series are demonic possession violence and gore.
What is the rating of the Evil Dead series?
The Evil Dead series is rated NC-17 due to its use of prosthetic make-up and fake blood which made it too intense for younger viewers.
What year was the first Evil Dead movie released?
The first Evil Dead movie was released in 1981.
What movies are in the Evil Dead series?
The Evil Dead series consists of the following movies: The Evil Dead (1981) Evil Dead II (1987) Army of Darkness (1992) and Evil Dead (2013).
What actors have played Ash Williams in the Evil Dead series?
Bruce Campbell has played Ash Williams in all four of the Evil Dead movies.
Is the Evil Dead series based on a true story?
No the Evil Dead series is not based on a true story.
Where can I watch the Evil Dead movies?
The Evil Dead movies are available on DVD Blu-ray and digital platforms.
Will there be another Evil Dead movie?
There is no confirmation of another Evil Dead movie at this time but director Sam Raimi has expressed interest in making another one.
