The Last Man on Earth is a 1964 science fiction horror film directed by Ubaldo Ragona and Sidney Salkow. This film was adapted from Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel I Am Legend. The filmed was set in Rome, Italy and was released in theatre in the United States by American International Pictures and the UK in 1966.
Thesis
Through Morgan (Vincent Price), Ubaldo Ragona and Sidney Salkow are able to convey the horror and the despair of the last man living on earth that was infested by zombie like vampires resulting from an extensive plague. It was one man fighting against the vampires, a man who was left alone and desperate in an apocalyptic world. The entire population died and became a sort of zombies living in the dark and came back to haunt the land. The vampires feared the sunlight and only attacked in the night. They endlessly pursue Morgan at night while he in turn trails them during the day and kills them. The Last Man on Earth 1964 is film that incorporates a legend that fought with vampire like creatures until his death. He remained the last man on earth while the rest of the humanity dies and came back as zombie like creatures. The character is used to describe a hero in the film. In his characterization, Morgan is depicted as the only last man remaining on earth. Additionally, the film gives him the responsibility of ensuring the world is saved from vampires. From this characterization, a legend is created. This paper will analyze the effectiveness of the character by Morgan in creating a role of a legend. Additionally, the paper will analyze deeds by Morgan that may make him be considered as a legend.
A legend may be described as a person from whom hope is depended on. The definition of a legend includes the definition and analysis of a person’s deeds/ to be a legend, one’s deeds must be extraordinary. Additionally, the significance of these deeds should be based on success and significance in a particular setting. Legends are created through their actions towards the society and their environment. The creation is not self made but made by people who have benefited from the actions of a person. Generally, a legend is a creation or people’s perception of a hero or heroine.
In this film, a legend is created immediately after the film has commenced. In the plot of the film, the audience is enlightened on the happenings in the film. Every person in the universe is infected with a virus. The virus turns people into vampires and in some cases it may result to death. The only surviving human is Morgan. From this character creation, one may point out that Morgan is a legend due to the fact that he survived a pandemic. Additionally, they did not survive by chance. Doctor Morgan is portrayed as a fighter who survived since he had the skills to survive in such a situation. Being portrayed as the only remaining human being on earth may be t creation of a legend based on survival. The relationship between existing in such a world and a human being is based on how well one is equipped in survival skills. To further perceive the legend perception of Morgan, the film depicts Morgan as resistant to the virus. While all other people are easily infected with the virus after being bitten by an infected person, Morgan’s blood is strong enough to fight of the virus.
Later in the novel, the film makes the audience realize the main objective of Morgan in the film. As the only surviving human, Morgan sets out to kill all the vampires on earth. On each and every day, he has a daily routine which included hunting for vampires. In his mind, he realized that he could finish off all vampires in the film. Additionally, the film depicts Morgan as a strong man as compared to the vampires. He uses this physical advantage to kill vampires. From this plot feature, he is portrayed as a hero. Having the perception that they could finish of all vampires was a mind of a legend. As a legend, Morgan realized that he had to restore hope to humanity by eliminating all vampires.
At one point in the film, Morgan decided to create a cure for humans instead of killing them. He realized that by curing them, he could heal a significant number of humans infected with the virus. He goes further as he tests the suitability of his blood in curing the virus. He injects his clean blood to an infected person. His blood cures the human. From this character act, Morgan is regarded as a healer and the only hope for curing humans. This makes him a legend. A legend can be regarded as a person from who hope on humanity lies. Even after his death, the film portrayed the fact that he left a legacy as the only surviving normal human being on earth.
.
