This film is actually the second film adaptation of this novel. The first is a movie called The Last Man on Earth which was released in 1964 starring Vincent Price. In the '64 adaptation the "creatures" are portrayed as vampires, whereas in The Omega Man they are mutated humans who were infected by a biological warfare, which turned them into some sort of strange nocturnal albinos. These creatures are not out to suck the blood of the living (or eat out their guts like in the more recent adaptation I Am Legend starring Will Smith, where the creatures are portrayed as zombies who were created by receiving vaccines that supposedly cured cancer), but are out to finish off all of the people who started the biological plague. The main character, Colonel Robert Neville, played by Charlton Heston, was a military scientist who the creatures believe is partially responsible for their fates. Neville believes he is the only man left in the world who wasn't infected (he actually got the plague, but was able to cure himself in time with a not-yet-tested vaccine).
This movie has a real Twilight Zone feel to it and Charlton definitely has a James Bond-esque air to him. The empty street scenes and the way the character copes with his loneliness gives the viewer a sense of unease. The costumes in the film are particularly awful (it was made in the 70's), especially the suit Charlton wears about 20 minutes in which looks like like it's straight out of Austin Powers. Also, the sparkly robes the creatures wear is particularly amusing.On a side note, keep an eye out for all of the Jesus Symbolism.
Overall, this is a movie worth watching as long as you know going into it that it is very 70's which makes it a bit over the top at times. If you have read the book or seen any of the other adaptations (especially the Will Smith version which has a very similar introduction to the character), I would recommend checking this out. Keep in mind that this is one of those movies that you may either love or hate.
Link to the trailer
Pretty Cheesy film! I love the zombies - definitely not a candidate for an oscar for best costumes or makeup! I think you're right, either you'll love it or hate it. A good film for late, late, late night watching when you just can't sleep. I'll stay with the last remake with Will Smith tho.
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