I Am Legend As I searched for the I Am Legend movie, I stumbled upon earlier films based on Matheson’s book. I Am Legend is the third cinematic adaptation made after The Last Man on Earth (1964) and The Omega Man (1971). It’s interesting that these movies are based on the same novel because the plot is the same for the most part, but the details that were added vary greatly. It is obvious to see the different time periods each movie was filmed in. The directors altered each of their movies slightly to fit the time. The directors used more and more freedom with each movie filmed. The themes of the original book seem to get lost in all the special effects and cinematic changes drown out the scenes that make the novel a classic horror. Although…show more content… This script introduced even more alterations by reconstructing the vampires into creepy cultist called The Family. The disease’s effects are lessened to the victims going mad and despise light. Neville continues to be a scientist in this role and the main theme of the movie becomes that the science and technology ruined the world. The cultist believe that science and weapons are evil and the reason they are diseased is a punishment. They capture Robert once and attempt to execute him. They claim his crime is being of the high-minded society that was left behind, not murdering they’re people. Neville is saved by a group of survivors mostly consisting of young people who have built a slight immunity to the disease. With their help he finds a cure to the disease. Of these survivors is Ruth. She and Neville have a romantic relationship and when she becomes fully affected by the disease, he dies trying to save her. This movie is also left with the unknown hope of saving society. The group of survivors and Ruth drive off into the mountains with enough antidote to cure all of them. This movie barely uses the themes of the original book. The feeling of isolation is not pushed as much because he finds a group of
