Some renowned science fiction books receive outstanding movie adaptations (for example, Denis Villeneuve’s interpretation of Dune); others are so intricate that they seem nearly impossible to translate effectively. At times, Hollywood recognizes a book is unsuitable for the big screen, yet attempts it anyway. It may try again, and sometimes it takes three tries before success is found. There are numerous excellent science fiction novels that deserve live-action film adaptations; on the other hand, there’s one book that Hollywood must understand will not work in a movie – at least, not in its current conception.
The acclaimed science fiction/fantasy novel “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson is frequently praised as one of the best in its genre. Regardless if you’ve never picked up this book, I strongly encourage you to do so after reading this. Chances are, even if you’re not familiar with the title, it has caught your attention at some point; however, what might surprise you is that the 2007 movie featuring Will Smith only partially captures the essence of Matheson’s original novel.
Tales of the Many Failed I Am Legend Movies
2007’s movie “I Am Legend” wasn’t the initial screen interpretation of Richard Matheson’s novel, yet it stands out as the most prominent. Under the guidance of director Francis Lawrence, the film underwent significant transformations in the core narrative from the original book. In the novel, Dr. Robert Neville was a scientist on the hunt for a cure to an apocalyptic virus, accompanied by a dog. However, these are the only elements that remain consistent. The film replaced the sentient, manipulative vampires with ravenous zombies and introduced additional survivors, significantly altering the plot as it unfolded in the book.
Way back in 1971, before I Am Legend graced our screens, I got a glimpse of The Omega Man, directed by Boris Sagal. Starring the legendary Charlton Heston as Neville, this movie shares some similarities with the 2007 adaptation but also made significant departures from the original book – at least they had the courtesy to rename the film. In this version, Neville was a scientist who found himself among other survivors, struggling to find a cure for a contagion that affected them all.
1964 saw the first screen adaptation of “I Am Legend,” a film version of the novel that was published a decade prior. Vincent Price starred in this classic as the solitary survivor on Earth, a role he embodied brilliantly. Despite being the most faithful adaptation to date, it deviated significantly from the original work. For instance, the intelligent vampires were replaced with mindless undead creatures. The film effectively portrayed many of the novel’s themes, particularly Neville’s isolation, but failed to explore one of its most crucial and fascinating elements: the scientific aspects.
What Is I Am Legend Actually About? (& Why It Will Never Be Adapted Properly)
The reason every adaptation of “I Am Legend” fails to match the original novel lies in Hollywood’s focus on turning it into an action/post-apocalyptic film, with a lone man fighting off undead creatures and triumphing over insurmountable odds at the end of the world. However, the book is fundamentally different as it delves less into Robert Neville’s physical confrontations with the vampires and more into his internal struggle against the enigma of the vampiric affliction, exploring its psychological and intellectual aspects.
Approximately half of the movie “I Am Legend” centers around Dr. Robert Neville’s endeavor to discover a cure for a mysterious affliction that has transformed most of humanity into creatures resembling vampires. This narrative leads author Richard Matheson to essentially write a scientific treatise exploring the possibility of real-world vampires. Questions such as why these beings are repelled by garlic, whether there’s a folklore or chemical explanation, if Hindu or Muslim vampires also fear the cross, and why they can’t withstand sunlight, arise throughout the movie. Amidst these intellectual queries, “I Am Legend” also portrays Robert Neville’s internal battle against the vampires who besiege his home each night, attempting to tempt him outside. These are not mindless creatures; his old friend, among them, endeavors to persuade him to leave, while some of the female vampires use seductive tactics to lure him out.
The novel boasts one of the most remarkable literary conclusions ever written, a finale that is frequently undermined when the central themes of the book are altered during adaptation. Regrettably, the revised ending for the 2007 film “I Am Legend” fell short in capturing this essence.
Translating such an intricate story like “I Am Legend” into a film can be quite challenging because a significant portion revolves around Robert Neville’s internal thoughts and introspection. A movie adaptation of “I Am Legend” would lean more towards the contemplative, philosophical style of “The Seventh Seal,” rather than the action-packed pace of “28 Days Later.” While it might not be impossible to bring it to the big screen, Hollywood’s current approach may not fully capture its essence.
I Am Legend with Will Smith can be purchased or rented on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video.
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2025-02-18 22:14