This small scale zombie apocalypse from Brooklyn captures the feel of New York City: there’s greater ethnic diversity than in most low-budget regional pics, use of something called a “bicycle” (which even a zombie rides for a short stretch!), people in the road who won’t get out of your way, and an entire cast of characters who only speak in Irony. There’s a Hassidic Jew zombie really just minding his own business, while an undead Jehovah’s Witness tries to pass a Watchtower off onto the protagonists. When a black out hits the Boroughs, the stoner members of basement band General Malacarne find that the streets are largely empty and everyone has become cannibal zombies.
They pursue a series of half-baked plans to make it out to a bay house on a nearby island, plans that aren’t helped by the fact that the characters are half-baked too most of the time. Writer and cast member Elizabeth Lee told New York Press, “It seemed like bring[ ing] zombies to the stoner genre was natural, since stoners are zombie-like. We find zombies really, really funny, and we find stoners really, really funny. It was a natural combination.”
The movie is an unambitious affair overall, but it’s kept periodically entertaining by some innovative use of situations along the way and by the characters’ constant sarcastic banter and vaguely aloof cynicism. The zombie outbreak is apparently due to a renegade satellite that’s hurdled back to Earth. The undead are drippy and covered in red goop. They smell blood, and are attracted to open wounds— this gets them especially agitated.
Otherwise, their behavior is unpredictable; some of them simply stand around with no discernible motives or impulses whatsoever. Improvised weapons against the zombies include skillets, brooms, pool cue, hockey stick, candlestick, and drum sticks. In one scene, a zombie trying to chase the characters in their Volkswagon presses up against the rear windshield and so winds up inadvertently pushing them a fair way down the road. The characters argue over whether the undead assailants are zombies or vampires, a point which guitarist Sam (Calloway) seems to settle. He points to a zombie they have strapped to a chair with packing tape and an electric cord, explaining, “See guys, these— these are zombies. They’re not picky. They don’t have taste.”
Elsewhere, when lead singer Miko (Hong) asks, “how are we going to kill them if they’re already dead?” Sam answers deliciously, “Uh ... have you ever seen any movie, ever? You aim for the head.” The undead may be unholy monsters, but they don’t stand a chance against hardened New York apathy.
If you've seen "Eat Me!" you know how important Floyd the car was to the movie -- but he also holds a special place in the heart of the film's director, Katie Carman. First driven by Katie, and now her mother Sue, Floyd the 1973 Volkswagen Squareback has been in the Carman family for nearly 15 years. Lovingly restored and maintained as a daily driver, Floyd is also a member of the Long Island Volkswagen Club, which has been invited to participate in this year's Steuben Parade! Keep an eye out for them driving behind FDNY Ladder Truck 13 (lucky 13!)
For the next few weeks we'll be running a giveaway where 1 lucky fan will win a custom made "Eat Me!" Brooch from The Krafty Kreep .
All you need to do to enter is visit our homepage before midnight on Sunday, April 11th, 2010 and sign up for our newsletter.
Not only will you get access to only the most important "Eat Me!"-related news about our DVD release and screenings, etc. but you'll be entered into the raffle for this bad ass "Eat Me!" pin, suitable for men, women and the undead:
About this time last year we were getting into the thick of production on "Eat Me!". One of the main props we had to procure of course was our boat which Ed Phalen, a very kind friend of the family, let us borrow. We honestly hadn't seen the boat until the day we were set to pick it up, so we weren't sure what to expect. Upon pulling up to his house we saw some things we definitely were not anticipating: No boat. And a broke down trailer.
Cut to myself, Ms. Liz Lee and our 2nd Unit Producer (ok...my mom) staring at the boat which was actually sitting upside down on a dock in Ed's backyard. With no discernible alternative to extricate the thing (other than throwing it in the water and paddling back home) we decided to take matters into our own hands, and low and behold there is video of this ridiculous feat!
Here now for your enjoyment...
It's funny that the band is so concerned about getting the boat to the dock in the movie, yet us 3 ladies were able to carry it through the yard ourselves!
After this, Ed spent another hour or so fixing the trailer so that the boat would fit on it. At one point he cut himself but kept toiling away anyway. This man shed blood, sweat (and maybe a few tears) to help us out, purely out of the goodness of his own heart. It's just another example of the amazing people we had helping us make this movie possible. Thank you again Ed!
It took a few months in the shop to get Floyd to where you see him today but we think it’s all been worth it to preserve such a beautiful car. Since his “makeover” Floyd has gone on to win hundreds of trophies and plaques in various car shows, has been in "Eat Me!" and was even on TV! Here are a few more photos of Floyd in his glory, enjoy!
Floyd with some friends
In top "show car" form
