I’ve mentioned it several times: I have a soft spot for post-apocalyptic stories and for a while I’ve consumed all movies, books and comics that describe the collapse of societies and their survival in a halfway interesting way. Many stories deal more with trashy action aspects, often enough horror stories. One of the books I find interesting but still haven’t read is I am Legend by Richard Matheson.
“My name is Robert Neville. I am a survivor living in New York City. I will be at the SouthStreet Seaport everyday at mid-day, when the sun is highest in the sky. If you are out there… if anyone is out there… I can provide food, I can provide shelter, I can provide security. If there’s anybody out there… anybody… please. You are not alone.”
I am Legend
Until I saw the film version with Will Smith in 2007, I didn’t know the book at all and also didn’t know that The Omega Man from 1971 with Charlton Heston was based on it. This first film version I have unfortunately not seen until today, but must catch up after seeing the trailer:
If the trailer suggests it correctly, then the structure of the film could be the same as the remake. I still find the lonely Charlton Heston in New York interesting. The rest, unfortunately, looks as problematic as the remake. At the time, I was very curious about the film with Will Smith, because at that time I simply had to see every film with Will and the topic was interesting. Well, the film started out strong for me and then fell off relatively sharply about halfway through.
Here is the trailer for the remake:
I found the character of the lone survivor fascinating and it was exciting to watch his survival routine. His implausible opponents (if you can talk about credibility in the scenario and undead / zombies / vampires at all) have not quite suited me, however, and that there should be among these instinct-driven savages then even a more intelligent antagonist, which is but zero comprehensible, made the film but then only to a 08/15 action spectacle. Nevertheless, from the strong beginning I still have many scenes in mind and am of the opinion that I am Legend could have been a really strong film.
The miniatures
Some miniatures of cinematic role models I seek out specifically, others I come across more by accident. This miniature of Will “Robert Neville” Smith came in a set of post-apocalyptic heroes from Lead Adventure Miniatures, which I understand is discontinued. I liked this figure immediately and knew I wanted to put Sam the dog by his side. If you’re going to roam New York alone, at least the dog should be there. I found what I was looking for in a German Shepherd, as I often do, at Crooked Dice. Both miniatures were painted relatively quickly, but colored skin is still not easy for me. Highlights quickly look too bright and not natural. That’s why I tend to keep it dark, but then feel like I’m not working the face out enough. This is probably just experience, I continue to practice.