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Movie: I Am Legend
Director: Francis Lawrence
Actors: Will Smith, Abbey the dog
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I Am Legend is based on Richard Matheson's novel with the same title. The book, published in 1954, is recognized as primer for the modern-day horror-science fiction genre and has inspired many filmmakers and writers. The first movie adaptation with Vincent Price in the lead appeared in 1964, followed by Charlton Heston who portrayed the last man on earth in The Omega Man, which was released in 1971. And for the third adaptation, Will Smith and director Francis Lawrence (Constantine) offer a new take on the legendary story.
I Am Legend tells the story of Robert Neville, the last man on this planet. The world population has been killed by a nasty virus. Neville hasn't been affected by the man-made virus and seems to be the only survivor. During the day, Robert finds himself on the abandoned streets of Manhattan but needs to return to his heavily secured home before sunset, because at night, mutants take over the town, blood-thirsty creatures who are hunting down the legendary human.
A film that revolves around the last man on earth depends on the skills of one actor only. Will Smith convinces and delivers a fascinating performance. His monologues are interesting but I really liked the movie's quiet moments. The powerful visuals of a deserted New York. The chilling scene of Robert Neville hiding in his bathtub, every single night, without getting any sleep because of the screaming monsters right outside his house. The terrifying images of Neville moving into the mutants' hide-out to safe his dog. A very promising set up for the rest of the film but unfortunately, the creepy atmosphere disappears along the way. The movie isn't being kicked up into high gear at one point, a certain plot twist (without giving too much away) doesn't help the film either. It all results in a climax that isn't apocalyptic as you would expect from a movie with an epic title.
I Am Legend is a fine science fiction/horror flick with great performances by Will Smith but, overall, I really missed a few elements, which could turn this movie into a legendary one.
Written by Reggy 17/12/07
© wb 2007
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