Description

I Am Legend, published in 1964 by Robert Matheson, is a book that has been adapted into a movie three different times. We dissect each adaption into the bits of the good, the bad, and the imperfect of retelling an awesome tale cinematically.

Breanna @bloodyhorrorbri joins Jerry, Chris, and Josh for this episode record in July 2014.

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

I Am Legend was a great exploration into the mind of a man trapped within the solidarity of time. After an event transforms the world population into vampiric beings, Robert Neville is seemingly the last man on earth. His only company comes from the haunted calls of an annoying neighbor and flirtatious taunts by naked woman whose sole purpose is to remind Robert that he is indeed still human.

Movie Adaptations

• I Am Legend starring Will Smith is the best depiction of the solitude Robert Neville experience being the only person living in New York City.
• Omega Man explores the cult fascination of a subplot briefly mentioned in novel, I Am Legend. This subplot served as a great twist into who becomes the monster when the term monster becomes debatable.
• The Last Man on Earth was the best all around adaptation of the book. Not many creative licenses were taken as the screenplay was written by Matheson himself. Vincent Price was excellent as Robert Neville and his hatred for his neighbor Cormack rang true through his great ability to express how much he detested that pesky vampire.

Tangents

Night of the Living Dead - Romero has accredited to "The Last Man on Earth" to being an inspiration to "Night of the Living".

The Black Guy Lives - Romero was never one to kill off the black man first in his zombie movies. I all other instances, brotha, you better run!

Zombies Evolve - Should something considered "dead" be capable of learning how to shoot a gun?