Richard Matheson

[paul m]

Hi there, has anyone read any Richard Matheson novels? So far I've read "The Shrinking Man" and "I Am Legend" and recently got "Hell House" for Christmas, I would be very interested to hear what anyone has to say about these novels. Pesonally I thought the first two were excellent; chilling, clever and memorable to say the least.

 

[Oxman]

I've read "I Am Legend" fairly recently after it being recommended to me by a friend. I thought it was an interesting story and well written, but it didn't chill me enough as i thought it would. I think this may have been down to massive hyping up of the book prior to reading it; effectively I was told that it was the greatest story ever.
I think it ws good, but not great. Chilling? a little. Clever? Undoubtedly so. Memorable? give me a few months and I'll see how memorable.
Still, it's worth a read nonetheless.

 

[Ghostwriter]

I Am Legend, I was recently told to give a try and I ordered it yesterday. I've heard many good things and can't wait to read it.

 

[Jason_Taverner]

I've only read I am legend and I thought it was great

 

[weaveworld]

Hey there, I have lost count how many times I have read 'I am Legend', I lost my first copy and got a new copy for Christmas. The story is great as far as I am concerned, the feeling of isolation that the main character experiences flows from the book, everything has changed around him but in some way he is trying to lead a normal life. I heard a rumour that a movie version of 'I am a legend' is being made, I know that 'The Omega Man' was based on I am legend. Just click on the link for full info
http://www.horrorexpress.com/news.php?newsid=684

 

[Dryad]

‘I am Legend’ is the only book I’ve read by Richard Matheson. It was lent to me by a friend a few months ago and I read it in no time as I thought it was excellent – I couldn’t believe it had passed me by all these years. Admittedly, I do have a liking for vampire stories, although I think this has been considered more of a sci-fi story, but whichever way you look at it, I reckon it’s a great tale little tale.
I heard that it had been filmed twice and about the recent intention to film it again – thanks for the link, Weaveworld, I was wondering what had happened on that score.

 

[littlemissattitude]

I heard a rumour that a movie version of 'I am a legend' is being made, I know that 'The Omega Man' was based on I am legend. Just click on the link for full info
http://www.horrorexpress.com/news.php?newsid=684

Interesting link. I would recommend the first film version of the book, The Last Man on Earth (1964), with Vincent Price. It was a joint US/Italian production. It is extremely atmospheric and very good. The Omega Man was also a good film, but Charleton Heston brought a much more ordinary, down-to-earth vibe to it. Not saying that's a bad thing; the two versions are just very different.

By the way, imdb has the new version listed as a 2007 release. That listing, which was updated last in September, I believe, still has no cast attached to it. Be interesting to see who ends up in the cast. Certainly, I agree with the link - Ah-nold would not have been a good choice for the lead.

 

[weaveworld]

happy to help with the link

 

[Cyril]

Like a lot here it seems, I only read I am a Legend. I loved this book where Richard Matheson made a story avoiding Dracula's patterns, reinventing vampire mythology.

 

[Ghostwriter]

Just finished reading I Am Legend and I thought it was amazing. The emotions it takes you through as you read is unbelievable.

 

[weaveworld]

Up to date news about the 'I am legend' movie due to be released in 2007.

There was a rumour that the part of Robert Neville was to be played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Well its been confirmed that Will Smith will now be playing the part of Robert Neville.

I was never that sure about Arnold Schwarzengger playing the part, but I am even more unsure about Will Smith.

 

[j d worthington]

Will Smith?????!!! God help us!

Sorry, I simply can't stand Hollywood's tendency to get someone completely wrong for a role.

Matheson also wrote a little book titled Bid Time Return, which he then turned into a screenplay for a little movie called Somewhere in Time (he even had a cameo in the film -- look for the tourist wearing the white panama). I always found that one an odd book in some ways; at times very lyrical, but unusually subdued for Matheson, at least until the turning point; then, as usual, he put his character through sheer, unmitigated hell, even if a much quieter, more personal sort than Scott Carey or Richard Neville.

A warning about Hell House, for anyone who hasn't, but is interested in reading it: it's strongly linked to Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House and even more strongly, perhaps, to the Robert Wise film version, The Haunting (1962); almost a parallel text, in some ways, but much, much more savage. In some ways, the film version of Hell House, The Legend of Hell House, almost came full circle, being closer in feel to Jackson's novel. (I hear they're also considering refilming this one; done properly, it could be one hell of a roller-coaster ride; but I've little faith in Hollywood where that's concerned). And for those used to Matheson's older pieces, Hell House is strong medicine, especially the bits with Florence Tanner. Good, but read with caution, would be my advice.

 

[weaveworld]

Thanks for the information!

I know, why of all people, Will Smith! You just know that 'I am a legend' will be a hollywood epic and with a hollywood ending.

**Spoiler alert**

I read that the ending entails Neville killing all the vampires and leaving.

I just don't know...

 

[steve12553]

Will Smith is always an upbeat character whereas Neville was, if I remember right, a cynical character in a world with no hope. Let him do Men in Black III and give us a more cynical actor for "Legend".

 

[j d worthington]

Will Smith is always an upbeat character whereas Neville was, if I remember right, a cynical character in a world with no hope. Let him do Men in Black III and give us a more cynical actor for "Legend".

Well said. Frankly, I vote give us an unknown (or at least someone who isn't a big box-office star), a fairly faithful adaptation (updated possibly, but NOT an action/adventure film!), and at least make sure the bloody idiot can ACT! If you're going to try to top Vincent Price on this one, you've got to go some!!!

 

[DL_Snell]

While I’m uncertain of the movie remake, I think I Am Legend is an excellent book. It actually inspired my short story “Limbless Bodies Swaying,” which eventually grew into my zombie/vampire novel, Roses of Blood on Barbwire Vines. Unfortunately, Matheson declined to write the intro for my book, but I still love his work. I guess I Am Legend also inspired Romero’s zombie holocaust in NOTLD. And Stephen King once wrote, “Without Richard Matheson, I wouldn't be around.” It seems a lot of people can say the same thing.

 

[Urien]

I am Legend is a lesson in pithy, engaging, writing. It's sad, touching and horrific at the same time. And it's short.

 

[mightymem]

I read I am Legend and must say I found the book, so thought provoking. Considering it was only a short book, the social commentary was very interesting. The way Richard Matherson explores the intense loneliness of one man is amazing. The way the main character Robert Neville studies and comes to conclusion is very intelligent. I loved the book. I will also try to find the over books he written to read them.

 

[j d worthington]

I read I am Legend and must say I found the book, so thought provoking. Considering it was only a short book, the social commentary was very interesting. The way Richard Matherson explores the intense loneliness of one man is amazing. The way the main character Robert Neville studies and comes to conclusion is very intelligent. I loved the book. I will also try to find the over books he written to read them.

Hope this helps:


Richard Matheson - Bibliography (Chronological)

 

[mightymem]

Wow thanks J.D. Worthington, that is more then helpful. You are very kind. If there is anything you would like help on I will be more then glad to assist. I actual very interested in getting hold of The shrinking man and hell house. Both will be my next aim