I gotta get some new stuff.
But, there are few things better than sneaking away for a matinee with my wife on a Friday afternoon.
Especially if the matinee flick stars Will Smith.
Adapted from the novel by Richard Matheson, I Am Legend stars Smith as Army officer and scientist Robert Neville. Neville has the task of leading an effort to stop a strain of virus that is infecting humans, mutating them into zombie-like creatures that survive on instinct alone. Isolated and lonely, Neville finds comfort in routine and his intense focus on finding a cure for the disease, even while it's obvious to the audience that his expectation isn't very realistic.
I Am Legend is the third film version of Matheson's novel. The Last Man On Earth (1964) starred Vincent Price, who fought humans-turned-vampires by an infectious disease. The Omega Man (1971) had Charlton Heston in the lead. His Robert Neville hunted down members of The Family, humans mutated by biological warfare and bent on ending scientific progress, which they consider humanity's downfall. The current Legend seems to successfully combine important elements of each into it's plot, while modernizing the theme as a fairly realistic cautionary tale regarding the clash of science and humanity.
I was mesmerized by the film in it's first hour, which is a real testament to the personality and acting ability of Will Smith. Almost completely alone on the screen during that time, Smith carries the movie with his presence. I got to know his Neville intimately during that time, and develop a real investment in his survival. The second half of the movie was a bit more disappointing: the film moved too quickly, and glossed over what I thought were important aspects of the story.
In the end, though, the central theme of the effect of science on humanity is clear. Humanity's saving grace comes from within each of us; determination and sacrifice trump microscopes and test tubes.
(For now.)
8 comments:
First of all I am sorry to hear the magic has gone out of your marriage. Maybe you can take her to Burger King and ask for a Whomper.
Have you seen "The World, the Flesh and the Devil"? It is a similar premise but without the zombies. If you get it make sure to get the Harry Belafonte version (early 1960s). It not only dealt with the end of civilization, but also some important racial prejudices. The remake (made for TV 1980s)was crappy.
Heh.
You know, I'm still a kid at heart. That stuff is just so damn funny.
To me.
I've not heard of that movie, but I'm gonna find it. I like your taste in movies, Stanton, so I'll hunt it down. Thanks.
From what I've read (which, admittedly, is not much), none of the movies made out of this book get the ending anywhere near right. Which sucks, because it sounds really friggin' cool.
It does sound cool. I haven't read the book, but I've seen all three movies. Each ending is differnet, but revolves around the same theme. I wasn't a fan of this ending.
Kudos to a great site. Consistent, readable and not the least bit filled with the fake cynicism that I often see masquerading as content in other blogs.
I read the book and saw the movie. There's always that book-movie translation that is so difficult. It seems silly to have read the book before the movie and even worse in reverse!
I agree with the second half-it's too short! I so wanted more. Then again, you must remember I am a zombie-apocalypse freak and could have sat through another hour of such.
Hiya Eclectopia. Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words. Hope to see you here more often.
I liked the way that they showed Will Smith's struggle to keep sane and the efforts he made to feel like he wasn't alone ... and the toll that it took on him over time.
I linked to this one too.
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