Jonathan K (Max Outlier)'s Reviews > I Am Legend

Rating: 3.90

Film adaptations vary, and those that star Oscar winning actors are creatively 'adjusted' for marketing purposes; such is the case with this one.

We must first look at the book's time period, 1976-1979 which may come as a shock to those who saw the movie. An unusual plague strikes the world resulting in unprecedented death tolls and fear of going out at night by the dwindling number of the uninfected. Among the Los Angeles survivors is Robert Neville, husband, educator and above all else, human. Holed up in his home where windows are boarded and doors bolted he dotes over his wife Virginia who's battling the plague. With no cure, vaccine or medical help, she passes soon after.

The nature of the virus is about as strange as they get. Once infected, it causes the individual to hunt for blood turning him or her into a 'vampire'. But this is NOT the creature of folklore and over time Neville comes to realize this. Over the course of the three year period, he studies anatomy and disease and begins testing infected subjects with cures. On a daily basis, Ben Cortman, an infected former friend and colleague comes to his door to bate him. Neville becomes frustrated due to the virus' evolution and turns to alcohol. On days when he's not drinking, he roams the area hunting for equipment and supplies to study the virus. In the process, he discovers a blood test that will detect it.

A couple of years later, when scouring the desolate area for food and supplies in the daylight, he stumbles across Mary Lou, a weakened woman and against his better judgement takes her home. As he cares for her, flash backs of his wife surface while dreams provide details of the past. Lonely and destitute he hesitates to test Mary Lou's blood and eventually her health slowly returns. Rather than spoil the plot, the author throws an unexpected curve ball as the story draws to a close.

Engaging from the beginning, the author's skill at character development, premise and pacing result in a compelling story. And while the film incorporates elements, it differs in numerous ways. Recommended for film buffs like myself who enjoy seeking out the actual story and comparing it.