Review of The Omega Man (1971) by Keenan S — 25 May 2018

I won't deny that the 2007 version of this particular story, I Am Legend, is more proficient on a technical level, but I weirdly still prefer the 1971 version, The Omega Man. It's a dystopian sci-fi film, which I adore.

It stars Charlton Heston in said genre of film and I loved his work in Planet of the Apes (1968) and Soylent Green. It's also a 70's film - a decade in which it is quite difficult to make me hate a film from that era.

So, it comes as no surprise that I had a hell of a good time with The Omega Man. The story follows a former scientist named Neville who after injecting himself with serum to stop the effects of biological warfare that destroyed the world, now lives in Los Angeles.

By day, he drives around and tries to live a normal life as if things were the same (Even going to the movie theater to watch a Woodstock documentary over and over again). By night, he stays in his penthouse, trying to ward of attacks by albino mutant creatures led by cult leader, Matthias (a former news anchor).

Neville eventually discovers other survivors led by a headstrong woman named Lisa, who along with a man named Dutch take care of children, while also trying to find a cure for the outbreak. As a cure is synthesized, the group must survive attacks by Matthias and his cult and save the world.

It's a dark, grim, and thrilling post-apocalyptic sci-fi film that is much better than what many give it credit for. Even during its weirder moments, The Omega Man remains a visceral experience that rises above its flaws.

If you enjoy yourself a slice of yesteryear's sci-fi films, The Omega Man is worth seeing.