I Am Legend
This movie was directed by Francis Lawrence and debuted on December 14, 2007. This movie falls in to a few genres which are thriller, drama, and science fiction. The movie takes place in New York and opens with a clip of the past. The clip shows the beginning of the end by showing one of the last things that the main character saw on TV. Then it brings you back to the present with a man, Will Smith, and his doing roaming a deserted city looking for food. Within the first ten minutes of the movie you become aware that there is a threat to the only man alive because of the extent that he went to board up his home before dark. You can also tell that man and dog are best friends who do everything together. Furthermore, the remaining 94 minutes is jammed with enough drama and thrills to keep you on the edge of an emotional ride.
Now, let’s talk about the summary of this movie. Robert Neville, Will Smith, is a doctor in the military who tried to prevent the spread of a virus that killed off the population, including his family. He struggles throughout the movie due to him not him not having any human contact in the last three years. When his best friend dies, his dog, a legend is in the making. He begins testing on a mutant that lead to a cure to reverse the virus and turn the mutant back into a human. However, his research lead to a war between him and the mutant lover. As any war, there is always a casualty which leads to immortality for that person.
Lastly, this movie is a great example of the traits that make a good opening by Weiland’s standards. This movie opens with a glimpse of the beginning, which does not give the viewer to much information, and then leads right into an action jammed packed present. This is an example of Weiland’s trait of not opening before the beginning (338). It also opens with a strong setting. You know exactly where the character is, the time frame they are in, and the reality of the situation. Weiland states that a good opening opens with the setting and I agree (339). However, most importantly, it opens with the main character and the tone for the movie. This” [sets] the stage for the denouement --- without, of course, giving it away” (Weiland 339). This movie begins with action, which shows the progression of the fast pace movement in the movie. The only thing that it lacks from Weiland’s traits for the opening is the conflict, but the director does a great job by leading you up to it.
This movie is a must see if you like movies that keep you involved all the way to the end. It also will make you feel like you are going through the motions with the main character. Now grab some popcorn and watch I Am Legend.
Great points! And the clip leaves you with the inherent question, "How does he survive and no one else does?" You have truly captured the elements for a good opening.
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