A review: I Am Legend

"I Am Legend" is a 1954 horror novel by Richard Matheson that tells the story of Robert Neville, the last surviving human in a world overrun by vampires. The novel is widely regarded as a classic of the horror genre, and its influence can be seen in numerous works of popular culture.

One of the strengths of "I Am Legend" is its exploration of the psychological toll of isolation. Neville is the last living human in a world of vampires, and his loneliness and despair are palpable throughout the book. Matheson's writing is haunting and effective in conveying Neville's mental state.

The book is also notable for its portrayal of the vampires. Unlike the supernatural creatures of earlier vampire stories, Matheson's vampires are the result of a scientific pandemic. They are more akin to zombies than the elegant, aristocratic vampires of earlier fiction, and their portrayal as mindless, bloodthirsty monsters adds to the horror of the story.

Another notable aspect of "I Am Legend" is its exploration of societal norms and morality. Neville's actions are often driven by his own survival instinct, and he must grapple with the ethical implications of his choices. The novel raises important questions about what it means to be human and how we define morality in extreme situations.

Overall, "I Am Legend" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that has left a lasting impact on the horror genre. Its exploration of isolation, societal norms, and morality is both chilling and insightful. If you're a fan of horror or science fiction, this classic novel is definitely worth a read.

1968 Film Night of the Living Dead

Night of the Living Dead is a 1968 horror movie directed by George A. Romero that revolutionized the zombie genre and became a classic of the genre. The film was made on a budget of just $114,000, but its impact on the horror genre was immense.

The movie tells the story of a group of people who become trapped in a rural farmhouse in Pennsylvania during a zombie apocalypse. The undead, reanimated corpses of the recently deceased, are rising from their graves and attacking the living. The group must band together to survive the night and fend off the zombie hordes.

One of the key elements that sets Night of the Living Dead apart from earlier zombie movies is its depiction of the zombies. Unlike the mindless, obedient zombies of earlier films, Romero's zombies are flesh-eating monsters that can only be killed by destroying the brain. They are also the result of a mysterious virus that spreads through bites or scratches from other zombies.

The movie is also notable for its casting of African American actor Duane Jones as the lead character, Ben. In a time when racial tensions were high, Jones' casting was groundbreaking and controversial. His character is the de facto leader of the group, and his interactions with the other characters reflect the racial tensions of the time.

Night of the Living Dead was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $30 million at the box office. Its impact on the horror genre was immense, inspiring numerous imitators and spinoffs. It is often cited as one of the greatest horror movies ever made and remains a classic of the genre.

The film's influence can be seen in countless works of popular culture, including the hit TV series The Walking Dead, which was directly inspired by Romero's movie. The use of zombies as a metaphor for social and political issues is also a common theme in many modern horror movies and TV shows.

Night of the Living Dead is a groundbreaking and influential horror movie that revolutionized the zombie genre. Its depiction of flesh-eating monsters, its casting of a black actor as the lead character, and its use of zombies as a metaphor for social and political issues have all left a lasting impact on the genre. If you're a horror fan, this classic movie is definitely worth a watch.