Review of The Omega Man (1971) by James B — 16 Feb 2009

Iâ??m not really sure what to make of this movie. The tone is miles away from The Last Man on Earth, and this movie feels too light, too free, too hopeful (or apathetic, Iâ??m not sure which) with itâ??s seventies music and casual-acting main character to be an end of the world tale.

Heston seems to make this more of an action ride, his steely character coming across not as stolidly set on surviving, but just brass and arrogant (living high up in a fortress playing chess with Caesar).

Certainly a fresh iteration, permeated with seventies civil rights issues, Cold War fears, and casual, relaxing lifestyle, but this does not add to the feeling that something awful has happened. Instead, the audience is left feeling more like civil unrest has led to something new, and as long as we just ignore it and head elsewhere, we will recover.

Ultimately, a disappointment.