A Legendary Experience
It was past midnight and one of the lamps on the street was flickering casting creepy shadows on the road. It was totally empty. Not a single living soul was visible for a minute and a chill ran down through the veins that has nothing to do with the wind. I was sensing the unseen existence of something in the dark. I can feel the presence of some unsolicited forces behind my neck. I actually started smiling, experiencing such a weird and unusual menacing feeling. Then suddenly a bike came roaring from the far end and just passed away. I was rooted to where I was standing with my adrenaline thrusting and after a moment, everything came back to me.
I had just saw Francis Lawrence’s I am Legend, a post apocalyptic science fiction horror film, based on the 1954 novel by Richard Matheson and starring Will Smith and Will smith and Will Smith. The flavor of the film still was stirring in me and I was not able to suppress the eerie feeling of a very normal street.
It is about a Military Virologist, Neville, who is the sole survivor of a fatal plague which affects almost all the human race rather killing them or turning them into vampires who stalk at night. Neville is relentlessly trying to find the cure of this virus living in a self protected house alone for over three years. The story flows very smoothly through the entire film causing the viewer to gape at it without blinking as the tension built is immense. You stick to your seats hungry for what is going to happen next all the time. The lonely environment of the city is beautifully crafted complimented with very appropriate music. The special effects are skillfully rendered but never do they trounce the human element showcased in the film which makes this film stand out from the other of the same genre. This bouquet of emotions and humanity is watched over by the brilliant acting of Will Smith. It is assured to me that he is indeed a talented actor watching this movie after Pursuit of Happyness. The ending though, I think, is a bit abrupt.
The concept is not new. Vampires, Zombies and other nocturnal creatures are not unknown. But the way this movie is presented is exceptional, though, I should say, I have not read the original novel, my views are credulous. The beautiful yet intimidating thesis of Solitude is seen in the film. It illustrates what the state of mind of a human can be after surviving alone for three years. Though having all the resources for living, he doesn’t have a society. Man is a very social animal and depends on each other for mental and physical endurance. He learns the most from other individuals, and so he cannot evolve in loneliness. There is no motivation to live in this situation and without motivation, growth is deflated. The struggle of living in this situation is not one can confront for a long time. And for the topping on a cake, you have to fight vampires for the long lost battle knowing that you are going to be out numbered. Again I will say that Will Smith’s acting was very eloquent here for the emotions one can play with.
The Aftereffects of a film which haunts your mind deeply for a very long time is the feeling I adore most. The story should drag you entirely into itself. The concept should steer you into the purest but credible imagination. The music should suffuse so deep in your soul that it catalyses your emotions. The acting should justify the characterization so charmingly that it makes you feel for its joy and sorrow alike. The visuals should swell your eyes more than normal. On the whole you should forget the entire world except the world which is created for you to get in. It should appeal and ensnare your senses throughout and after.
It is said that every story has been told. The situations created are tweaked and depicted in every new endeavor. Yes, there are innovative creations but they have to connect and should not be utterly alien. This film justifies all these necessities to a good extent. I wish I knew of the novel before the film because it is always good to read before you see. But nevertheless this film was a great learning and enjoyment.
Nilabh Umredkar
ADAFM
Id
Richard Matheson
Richard Matheson was born in
