As an avid fan of both literature and cinema, I often find myself drawn to stories that have been adapted from books to the big screen.
One such adaptation that has captured my attention is ‘I Am Legend’.
This post-apocalyptic tale, originally penned by Richard Matheson, was later transformed into a blockbuster film starring Will Smith.
This article is my attempt to delve deeper into ‘I Am Legend’ and explore its various facets.
‘I Am Legend’ has fascinated me not only because of its intriguing plot but also due to its various interpretations in different media.
Here, we will take a journey through the book and the movie, understanding their similarities and differences.
We will also look into the characters, memorable quotes and the mesmerizing soundtrack by James Newton Howard.
‘I Am Legend’ Book Summary
The book ‘I Am Legend’ by Richard Matheson, published in 1954, is a trailblazer in the horror genre.
It introduces us to Robert Neville, the last man standing in a world overrun by a deadly virus that has turned humans into vampire-like creatures.
The story unfolds as Neville, a former factory worker, becomes humanity’s last hope, and his struggle for survival becomes a symbol of human resilience.
The book is a rich tapestry of emotions, exploring the themes of loneliness, despair, and the will to survive in a world that has lost all semblance of normalcy.
In this grim setting, Neville’s character evolves from a mere survivor to a beacon of hope.
‘I Am Legend’ Movie Summary
Fast forward to 2007, ‘I Am Legend’ was adapted into a movie with Will Smith playing the protagonist, Robert Neville.
The movie, while maintaining the essence of the book, introduces certain changes, chiefly the inclusion of Neville’s family and the alteration of the ending.
Set in a post-apocalyptic New York City, the movie showcases Neville as a military virologist, the only immune human to a virus that has turned others into nocturnal mutants.
The movie chronicles Neville’s solitary fight for survival and his attempts to find a cure for the virus.
When and Where ‘I Am Legend’ Takes Place
The book ‘I Am Legend’ is set in Los Angeles in the late 1970s, where Neville navigates a desolate world filled with vampire-like creatures.
The film, however, shifts the location to New York City in 2012. The stark contrast between the bustling city that once was and the eerie silence of the present adds a chilling effect to the narrative.
The setting plays a significant role in both the book and the movie.
The deserted streets, the abandoned buildings – they all contribute to the sense of loneliness and isolation that pervades the narrative.
Who’s Who in ‘I Am Legend’
‘I Am Legend’ predominantly revolves around a single character – Robert Neville.
In the book, Neville is a factory worker, while in the movie, he is a military virologist.
The other characters, such as Ruth and Ben Cortman in the novel, and Anna and Ethan in the film, have roles that significantly influence Neville’s journey.
Ruth, in the book, represents the new society of infected humans who have learnt to control their symptoms, while Ben Cortman, Neville’s neighbor, becomes the primary antagonist.
In the movie, Anna and her son Ethan provide a glimmer of hope and companionship to Neville in his solitary existence.
Memorable Quotes from ‘I Am Legend’
Both the book and the movie are filled with memorable quotes that resonate with the audience.
Quotes like “I am legend”, “Each day’s terror almost unbearable” from the book, and “I can still fix this.
I can still fix this” from the movie, encapsulate the essence of Neville’s struggle and resilience.
The ‘I Am Legend’ Soundtrack by James Newton Howard
The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack of ‘I Am Legend’, composed by James Newton Howard, adds depth to the narrative.
The music, with its eerie tones and melancholic melodies, complements the desolate setting and enhances the emotional impact of the scenes.
Curiosities about ‘I Am Legend’
One of the interesting curiosities about ‘I Am Legend’ is that it has been adapted into a movie thrice, with the earlier versions titled ‘The Last Man on Earth’ and ‘The Omega Man’.
Another fun fact is that in the book, the creatures are more vampire-like, whereas in the movie, they are portrayed as mutants.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing Like Robert Neville and Anna
For fans looking to cosplay as Robert Neville, a military outfit coupled with a sturdy backpack and boots would be ideal.
To portray Anna, a simple yet robust ensemble, complete with a cross necklace, would be fitting.
Bio of Richard Matheson and His 5 Best Works
Richard Matheson was a renowned American author known for his contributions to the horror and science fiction genres.
Besides ‘I Am Legend’, some of his other remarkable works include ‘Hell House’, ‘The Shrinking Man’, ‘A Stir of Echoes’, and ‘What Dreams May Come’.
Five Other Works by Francis Lawrence
Francis Lawrence, the director of ‘I Am Legend’, is known for his distinctive storytelling style.
His other notable works include ‘The Hunger Games’ series, ‘Red Sparrow’, ‘Water for Elephants’, and ‘Constantine’.
Ten Media Similar to ‘I Am Legend’
If you enjoyed ‘I Am Legend’, you might also like ‘The Last of Us’, ‘The Walking Dead’, ’28 Days Later’, ‘The Road’, ‘Resident Evil’, ‘World War Z’, ‘The Stand’, ‘The Postman’, ‘Children of Men’, and ‘The Maze Runner’.
Five Other Works by Richard Matheson
In addition to ‘I Am Legend’, Richard Matheson’s other notable works include ‘Bid Time Return’, ‘The Incredible Shrinking Man’, ‘Somewhere in Time’, and ‘Steel and Other Stories’.
Book Club Questions for ‘I Am Legend’
Whether you’re reading ‘I Am Legend’ for personal enjoyment or as part of a book club, here are some questions that might stimulate meaningful discussions: How does the setting influence the storyline? How is the theme of isolation explored in the book? How does Neville’s character evolve throughout the story?
Ten Media with Similar Plot to ‘I Am Legend’
Some other media with plots similar to ‘I Am Legend’ include ‘The Stand’ by Stephen King, ‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy, ‘The Passage’ by Justin Cronin, ‘The Postman’ by David Brin, ‘Swan Song’ by Robert McCammon, ‘World War Z’ by Max Brooks, ‘The Walking Dead’ comic series, ‘Zombieland’ movie, ‘The Book of Eli’ and ‘The Omega Man’.
Parent Guide for ‘I Am Legend’
As a post-apocalyptic tale, ‘I Am Legend’ contains elements of horror and violence, making it suitable for a mature audience.
Parents should be aware of these elements and take them into consideration before letting their children watch the movie or read the book.
‘I Am Legend’ Ending Explained
In the book, Neville realizes that he has become a legend, a myth, to the new society of infected humans, hence the title ‘I Am Legend’.
The movie, on the other hand, ends on a hopeful note with Neville sacrificing himself to save Anna and Ethan and to ensure the survival of the cure he has developed.
Possibility of ‘I Am Legend’ Remake, Sequel, and Spin-Off
There have been talks about a sequel or a prequel to ‘I Am Legend’, but nothing concrete has been decided yet.
However, given the popularity of the movie and the depth of the source material, a remake or a spin-off is certainly a tantalizing prospect.
Conclusion
Exploring ‘I Am Legend’ has been a fascinating journey.
From understanding the differences between the book and the movie to delving into the characters and their roles, this exploration has deepened my appreciation for ‘I Am Legend’.
Whether you’re a fan of the book, the movie, or both, I hope this article has given you a deeper understanding and a renewed appreciation for this remarkable tale.
