The Omega Man (1971)

After biological warfare has decimated the Earth's population in 1975, an Army doctor (Charlton Heston) appears to be the only survivor thanks to a vaccine. Two years later, he struggles to survive as the mutant survivors (who only come out at night) led by a former TV newsman (Anthony Zerbe) mark him for death. Based on the novel I AM LEGEND by Richard Matheson and directed by Boris Sagal. This is the second adaptation of Matheson's novel. In 1964, Vincent Price starred in a film version called LAST MAN ON EARTH and in 2007, Will Smith starred in a third adaptation under the original novel's title. I suspect it will not be the last. This version is very good and the Panavision wide screen lensing by the great Russell Metty (TOUCH OF EVIL) captures the isolation and loneliness of being the last man on Earth. Heston's performance is solid and the only thing that really dates the film is Rosalind Cash's character, who is right out of a 70s blaxploitation film although she's very good. The movie borders on pretentiousness at times as when it suggests Heston is a Christ figure. The score by Ron Grainer is quite nice. With Paul Koslo, Lincoln Kilpatrick and Eric Laneuville.