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One of the greatest books I have never been able to put down is Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend. Some consider Matheson to be the father of the literary sci-fi / horror genre in the 20th century. The legendary Ray Bradbury once called Matheson “one of the most important writers of the 20th century,” and Steven King once said that Matheson is the “author who influenced me most as a writer.” Even the more contemporary Dean Koontz proclaimed that “We’re all a lot richer to have Richard Matheson among us.” With all that being said, lets move on to the point.

The novel is about a man who is the only living person left on earth who wasn’t wiped out by a deadly virus. The virus’ post-mortem symptoms proved to be much more horrifying than the symptoms of the living. Those who were killed by the virus, which is everyone except for the protagonist Robert Neville, come back to life as vampires that stalk the night. Sounds a bit cheesy, but the idea is not your traditional view of vampires. The story is mostly about the protagonist and how he copes with boredom, loneliness, alcoholism and survival. He spends the rest of his days looking for a cure or signs of life other than himself.

The novel is amazing and I highly recommend picking it up, it’s a very easy read and has a much deeper message hidden in its plot than you’d think. The film adaptation of I am Legend will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and is due out some time in 2007. Will Smith is the man who has been rumored as the lead. I have one fear, much like anyone who loves a literary work that will be translated onto film, that it will suck. The book is about solitude and coping with inner demons. Ever seen Cast Away? Think Cast Away with vampires on the island instead of Wilson. Will Smith is good, but I don’t know if he can command that type of screen presence or acting prowess. Hollywood is sure to doll up the plot for the screen, but in the process may miss out on the meaning of the story.

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