The Last Man on Earth (1964), directed by Ubaldo Ragona and Sidney Salkow, is the first film adaptation of Richard Matheson’s seminal 1954 novel, I Am Legend. Starring the legendary Vincent Price, the film presents a bleak vision of a world ravaged by a plague that turns humans into vampiric creatures. While the movie has its merits, it also falls short in several areas, leading to a mixed reception that persists to this day.

The plot follows Dr. Robert Morgan (Vincent Price), the apparent sole survivor of a global pandemic that has transformed the population into nightmarish, undead beings. By day, Morgan methodically hunts these creatures and works on a cure, while by night, he barricades himself in his home, fending off the relentless attacks of the infected.

Vincent Price, known for his distinctive voice and charismatic presence, delivers a solid performance as Morgan. However, his casting was a point of contention for Richard Matheson, the novel’s author. Matheson, who initially adapted his own work for the screen under the pseudonym Logan Swanson, was reportedly dissatisfied with Price’s portrayal, feeling that it did not capture the everyman quality he envisioned for the character. This misalignment between the author’s vision and the final product is one of the film’s notable shortcomings.

The film’s atmosphere is one of its strongest aspects. Shot in stark black-and-white, The Last Man on Earth effectively conveys a sense of desolation and hopelessness. The empty streets and decaying urban landscapes create a haunting backdrop for Morgan’s lonely existence. The minimalist approach to the horror elements, focusing more on psychological dread than overt scares, sets it apart from many other films of its time.

Despite these strengths, the film struggles with pacing and execution. The narrative can feel sluggish, particularly in the middle sections, where Morgan’s daily routine is depicted in a repetitive manner. Additionally, some of the special effects and make-up work, though innovative for their time, have not aged well, detracting from the film’s overall impact.

The Last Man on Earth is only one of several adaptations of Matheson’s novel. It was followed by The Omega Man (1971), starring Charlton Heston, which took a more action-oriented approach to the story, and I Am Legend (2007), featuring Will Smith, which leaned heavily on CGI and modern horror tropes. Each version brings its own interpretation to the source material, but none have managed to fully capture the essence of Matheson’s original vision.

The film’s key message revolves around isolation and the human struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming despair. Morgan’s battle against both the external threat of the infected and his own internal demons reflects a universal theme of resilience and the quest for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

The Prognosis:

The Last Man on Earth is a film of contrasts. It boasts a memorable performance by Vincent Price and a hauntingly effective atmosphere, but it is also hampered by pacing issues and miscasting concerns. While it may not be the definitive adaptation of Matheson’s I Am Legend, it remains an intriguing and significant entry in the history of science fiction and horror cinema.

• Saul Muerte