Cinema of Apocalypse: The Last Man on Earth

Starring:  Vincent Price

Running Time: 86 minutes

Release Date:  March 8, 1964

Based on the novel, I am Legend that was hereafter adapted into two other films by the name of Omega Man starring Charlton Heston and the more familiar, I am Legend starring Will Smith as Robert Neville.  The Last Man on Earth, starring Vincent Price, is entertaining for a number of reasons.  These also serve as reasons why the film is… not very good.  First and foremost, a synopsis:

Robert Neville is a lonely man, and as far as he knows, he is the last human man left.  He begins his day preparing large wooden stakes that he then uses to plunge through the hearts of those who are “infected.”  The infected cannot withstand the rays of the sun, and although they also display aversions to garlic and their reflection in the mirror, these are said to be merely psychological.  Lastly, they must drink fresh blood.  According to Wikipedia, this is the first time a film has attempted to use scientific reasons for vampirism.

For whatever reason, Robert Neville–our antihero–has not been affected by the disease.  What did he do that was different?  Wifeless and childless, Robert Neville has lost most of his hope for mankind–and most of his sanity.  This is until he happens upon a lone woman walking around during the day.

Alright, the downsides of this movie…  Vincent Price does well in roles that have a mysterious air about them.  He does not, however, do very well traipsing around plunging stakes into the hearts of vampires.  He just isn’t… manly enough.  His movements throughout the film are vaguely effeminate and thus, unconvincing.  Every night, he waits for the vampires to come to his door.  They throw things at his house, hoping to break his fortress and charge inside–they even yell things at him:  “We’re gonna get you,” they say menacingly…  Needless to say, these vampires aren’t very charismatic.