by Stephanie Clarke

Created on: October 28, 2008

A while ago I saw a film about blood sucking night creatures called '30 Days of Night' and was, overall, not too impressed. However, I am Legend' is a film on a similar theme but has all the ingredients '30 Days of Night' lacked. I can say that it has been one of the most terrifying films I have seen since the Blair Witch Project.

It is a re-working of Richard Matheson's classic vampire story of the same name and makes uncomfortable viewing. The CGI is impressive and much attention to detail has been given to creating the desolate wasteland of New York post-viral attack. Robert Neville (Will Smith) is the only man alive in this feral city and with his beloved companion, Sam, a beautiful German Shepherd, is the sole focus of the action for much of the film. There is never a dull moment as both Smith and the canine share moments of companionship as they play golf from an abandoned aircraft carrier or hunt the errant deer zig zagging in between the deserted cars in the streets.

The story is pieced together bit by bit and the editing is well done as the viewer learns of the events leading up to Neville's predicament through Neville's subjective view point. The series of flash backs add to the suspense and are interspersed between scenes of Neville living a precarious existence; we see him curled up fetal-like in his own bath with Sam and a machine gun at the ready as strange screeches and howls echo in the night. The scenes of gore are minimal and not the focus of the film, whereas, '30 Days of Night' relied on a visual blood lust to carry the suspense of the film.

I am legend' has an economical script and is not great on depth but it is poignant and emotive as the viewer witnesses Neville face an overwhelming foe. There is no hint of garlic to over spice this film with unbelievable monsters, these creatures are the creation of humanity itself, which adds to the terror of the almost apocalyptical consequences of the mistakes of science.

I am not sure Will Smith is best cast to cope with the depth of the characterisation considering he is an actor who is better known as a comedian in a light hearted role and has gained enough popularity as a would be rap music meister. His fresh faced look and overall air of school boy cheekiness may hinder him if he ever decided to go for the role of Shakespeare's Hamlet. However, he does well to hold his own out there alone on screen for the most part and his humour is welcome at times to give respite to the terror. The ending to the film is where all the careful editing begins to unravel and is a bit disappointing but considering how well the film has been crafted, it hardly matters.

Learn more about this author, Stephanie Clarke.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.