Richard Matheson, storyteller.... He Is Legend!

Recently (June 23rd), the author of my favorite book pass away.  His name?  Well, if you read the title of this entry, you know it is Richard Matheson.  The book?  I Am Legend.  (One thing, forget that Will Smith movie from a few years back.  The "new" ending utterly ruined the story.  Forget it, forget it now). 

It's hard to explain how much I like this book (honestly, it's a novella but I hate that word).  It's the first real "last man on Earth" story I ever read and I believe it is the first ever.  The agony that Robert Neville goes through is so well written and strongly felt, it draws you in to the point it becomes your pain.  The loneliness that only the last man on Earth could feel.  Surrounded by crazed vampire like creatures that only want to devour him led by his former best friend in life.  The chapter in the book that always gets me is the one about the dog.  A non infected, alive dog (that should help show you how alone Neville is, there aren't even animals around to have as a pet).  I won't say anymore but to recommend you read the book.  I will add every time I read that chapter, even though I know how it's going to unfold, it makes me want to cry.  And then the resolution, again I won't spoil other than to say, while it may not be the ending you want, it very much is true to the story and satisfying. 
I Am Legend has been filmed three times, to varying degrees of success.  The first time was 1964 with Vincent Price as Neville and was adapted by Mr. Matheson himself with the title "Last Man On Earth" (well that's the translated version, anyway).  It was suppose to be produced by legendary Hammer Studios and if everything had fallen into place, this film would be a classic of all time.  However, the Hammer deal fell through, the shooting was moved to Rome, Italy (the City Eternal is a fine place but the setting of the book is Los Angeles) but at least VP was kept on.  Mr. Matheson was so disappointed by the changes, he used his pseudonym "Logan Swanson" to avoid having his name attached to it.  (While the movie is a bit of a letdown, even I as a huge Night of the Living Dead can see the influence the film had on NOTLD.  Heck, even writer/director George A. Romero has said I Am Legend directly influenced him to write the story that became to be filmed as NOTLD.)  The second time was in 1971 with Charlton Heston as Neville in The Omega Man.  This film was actually my introduction to I Am Legend and the idea of the "last man on Earth".  I remember seeing this one Sunday afternoon while stuck in a hospital waiting room while my parents visited someone.  Again, the story is changed but you can still see some major references to I Am Legend.  Being this is a sentimental favorite, it's hard to me to be objective and I admit.  The most recent time actually used the correct title and starred Will Smith.  For all it's big bucks and bluster, it could have been a great adaptation (though again, with changes...), but the ending is so tied to the story....  Well, let's just say that movie was ruined probably by some studio executives. 

However, Mr. Matheson was more than the writer of my favorite book.  He also wrote so many books that were later turned into movies.  Did you ever see a movie called "The Legend of Hell House"?  Written by Matheson.  How about "The Incredible Shrinking Man"?  Matheson.  (really due for an updated version given our CGI effects)  "Somewhere In Time" starring Christopher "Superman" Reeve?  Yep, Matheson.  More recent movies, "What Dreams May Come"?  Yep.  "The Box"?  Another one of his.  And the "Real Steele" (aka "Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots: The Movie) was very loosely based on a Matheson story. 
How about one of the greatest TV shows of all time, the Twilight Zone?  Several episodes, 15 I think.  The greatest Sci-Fi show of all time, Star Trek?  Yep, "Wolf In The Fold".  (casual fans refer to it as the "jack the ripper episode")   Remember the episode of Twilight Zone that was remade in the movie about "there'ssss something on the wing"?  Mr. Matheson again.  He wrote several of the "Corman Poe" flicks starring Vincent Price including adaptations of "Fall of the House of Usher", "The Pit & The Pendulum" and "The Raven". 

I think the point Mr. Matheson became more than a talented writer of movies & books for me came when I picked up his novel "What Dreams May Come".  You may remember the movie with Robin Williams and the incredible effects.  The story is similar but not exact to the book but then you finish the book.  And start going through his bibliography in the back of the book.  Mr. Matheson did SO much research about what happens after death.  He studied the major (and some not so major) religions of our world.  While I didn't agree with all his finding and writings, I appreciated his work and the story he told.  While I consider myself a believer of the Christian religion, I will say my view of Heaven & Hell are both majorly influenced by this book. 

I could go on more telling you what a great writer he was.  How much I enjoyed his work(s) and why I think he is so under-rated in his field.  But I honestly feel like my little "tribute" to him here is not worthy of him or his work.  I will mention a few final things.  Stephen King says Mr. Matheson was a major influence on him, that Matheson showed King that horror wasn't tied to Eastern Europe.  Horror could happen next door, in your neighborhood, your house...  (paraphrase there, I don't have the actual quote but I've read it several times).  I had just watched "Comedy of Terrors" about a week or so before he died and there was an interview with Mr. Matheson on the dvd.  It was so interesting to see this writer I had so admired as just another (very intelligent) "guy" was nice.  I recall reading somewhere that he wanted his epitaph to say, "Richard Matheson, storyteller".  He was so much more than that, but if that's what he wants, who am I to argue? 

Mr. Matheson, I salute you sir!  I thank you for all the entertainment you have given me and so many others.  You maybe gone from this world and finally found the truth about "the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns" but you will live forever through your work. 
He Is Legend!