A Comparative Analysis of 'I Am Legend' and the Novel It Adopts

Introduction

The movie 'I Am Legend' (2007) has been subject to varied opinions and criticisms. Some viewers praise it, while others have pointed out several shortcomings, mostly stemming from divergences from the original novel by Richard Matheson. This article will delve into the reasons behind the movie's criticisms and how it compares to the source material.

Understanding the Criticisms of 'I Am Legend'

Firstly, let's address the primary criticism: why are some moviegoers left unsatisfied with 'I Am Legend' in comparison to the beloved novel?

For many readers, the discrepancy between the title and the film's execution is a significant issue. The book’s title suggests a faithful adaptation, yet the end result is a substantial departure from the source material. This sets up an unrealistic expectation, leading to disappointment among book readers.

The Director’s Cut vs. Theatrical Version

It is important to note that the theatrical release of 'I Am Legend' (2007) underwent several changes, including re-shoots and alterations due to unfavorable test screenings. The director, Francis Lawrence, presented the Director's Cut as an improvement, more closely adhering to the novel's intentions. These changes are reflected in how the movie portrays the "creatures," their roles, and the ending.

The creatures in the theatrical version are depicted as more animalistic and less intelligent, whereas the Director's Cut portrays them as more human, thus creating a more coherent narrative with the novel's themes. However, even the Director's Cut has its critique, as it still 'chickens out' on the novel's ending, failing to fully explore the character's transformation and self-realization.

Salient Criticisms: Movie vs. Novel

Portrayal of the Creatures

One of the most notable differences is how the creatures are portrayed in the movie. The theatrical version presents them as animalistic and mute, whereas the novel envisions them as intelligent, speaking beings who are the inheritors of the Earth. This change significantly impacts the thematic exploration of human versus non-human. The Director’s Cut makes a step towards acknowledging the creatures' humanity but still falls short of delivering the intended message.

Religious and Messianic Elements

The movie also includes some religious elements that were not present in the novel. These include scenes of religious dialogue and church bells, which can be seen as a product of a Broken Telephone adaptation process, where the screenplay for "The Omega Man" got significantly altered. The Director's Cut, however, reduces these elements to nearly nothing, making the adaptation more faithful to the original work.

The Ending and Character Realization

Perhaps the most controversial aspect is the ending. The novel's ending is a pivotal moment where the protagonist, Robert Neville, has a profound realization of his nature as a monster. This is in stark contrast to the film’s conclusion, where Neville detonates a grenade, destroying the creatures and himself. This ending fails to present a realization of his nature, thwarting the narrative arc and thematic depth of the source material.

The theatrical version's ending is considered an abomination by many, as it transforms a inversion of good and evil into a "kill 'em all" scenario, largely due to audience reactions to the initial cut.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'I Am Legend' faces significant criticism partly due to its departure from the source material, particularly in the portrayal of the protagonists and the ending. However, the Director's Cut offers a more faithful adaptation and exploration of the novel's themes. While it is true that 'The Walking Dead' and its spin-offs have also been praised, the novel's unique offerings are often lost in this adaptation.