In the realm of horror and gaming, few collaborations are as legendary as the one between the iconic director George A. Romero and the video game franchise Resident Evil. While the cinematic adaptation of the series eventually fell into the hands of Paul W.S. Anderson, it was Romero who first conceptualized the idea of flesh-eating zombies, leaving fans to wonder what his vision would have looked like on the big screen. The closest we ever got to seeing Romero's vision was a Japanese TV commercial for Resident Evil 2, directed by none other than Romero himself. This commercial became a cult classic, and now, a new book titled 'On the Set of Resident Evil 2: The TV Commercial' takes readers behind the scenes of this groundbreaking collaboration.
What makes this book particularly fascinating is the unfiltered, on-the-spot journal entries that provide a vivid account of the collaboration between a master filmmaker and a gaming phenomenon. The book is packed with rare set photos, original production documents, and press coverage from the era, serving as both a behind-the-scenes account and a visual archive of a landmark moment in horror and gaming history. Personally, I think this book is a must-have for any fan of Romero, Resident Evil, or the intersection of horror and gaming. It's a treasure trove of insights and a testament to the power of collaboration.
One thing that immediately stands out is the energy, chaos, and artistry that Romero and actor Brad Renfro brought to the set. Norman England, a Japan-based writer and Romero historian, was invited to witness this collaboration firsthand, and his journal entries capture the excitement and intensity of the production. What many people don't realize is that this commercial was a one-time-only collaboration, and its impact has resonated for decades. It's a reminder of the power of creativity and the potential for groundbreaking work to emerge from unexpected places.
The book features nearly 200 full-color, original set photos, an archive of Resident Evil 2 marketing materials tied to the live-action TV commercial, and reproductions of over 40 vintage magazine pieces covering the commercial's production. It also includes rare production documents and exclusive interviews with George Romero, Brad Renfro, Adrienne Frantz, and editor Pat Buba. The special guest pieces by Joseph Palinkas, Brandon Salisbury, Pat Jankiewicz, and a foreword by Jason Bareford, George Romero's longtime assistant, add depth and perspective to the story.
In my opinion, this book is not just a historical document but a celebration of the creative process. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for groundbreaking work to emerge from unexpected places. If you're a fan of horror, gaming, or the creative process, this book is a must-read. It's a fascinating glimpse into a landmark moment in pop culture history, and it's a reminder of the enduring impact of George A. Romero's vision.
