An alternative ending was released with the DVD version a few days ago. This was the "original" ending, but the producers didn't think it would appeal to the American demographic. Something about it being too intellectual for the average movie goer.
[YOUTUBE="IItXJJO2fB4"]I Am Legend - Alternative Ending[/YOUTUBE]
Or if you can't be arsed watching it, here's a summary.
The tone of the ending of the film was altered dramatically before the film's release, with the majority of the changes made to the standoff between Neville and the infected in his laboratory. Visual effects supervisor Janek Sirrs recounts the original ending starting with the standoff: "At that point, Neville's—and the audience's—assumptions about the nature of these creatures are shown to be incorrect. We see that they have actually retained some of their humanity. There is a very important moment between the alpha male and Neville." David Schaub stated, "Then, when Neville finally turns the alpha female over to the alpha male, there is this little love moment between the two of them." The infected then retrieve the captured female and spare Neville's life. The original final shot follows Neville, Anna, and Ethan as they cross the remnants of the George Washington Bridge in hopes of finding other survivors.[33] This ending will be used for an alternate cut of the film in the DVD release.[34]
I think that this ending is far more respectful to the concept created in the books. The release version was the equivalent of remaking the movie Titanic and having the boat reach New York. They spent the entire movie building up all these characters and a thought provoking plot, only to throw it all away in a flash of americanesque retardism, redneck appealing, martyrdom wank-bravado.
This is why I hate American remakes of cult classics.
Rant over.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Soul.Trader
Bookmarks