Is Richard Matheson decent?

[brownzombie]

Is this author worth the read? I'm picking up more horror these days so I'd like to know.:)

[dmihatmttl]

Absolutely! Matheson is one of the "grandfathers" of the modern horror genre . . . .

You should definitely pick up I AM LEGEND, which is undoubtedly one of the best vampire tales of all time (and a *huge* influence on Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD). Also, any of Matheson's short story collections are guaranteed good reads -- I have a signed copy of NIGHTMARE AT 20000 FEET (AND OTHER STORIES), and it's one of my most prized possessions.


Check 'im out. Would love to hear what you think, when you do! I don't think you'll be disappointed . . . .



James
http://members.tripod.com/~NEWMANATOR/index.html

[brownzombie]

I bought I Am Legend. It's great!!! the plot of the book was very ahead of its time, dealing with a possible scientific explanation for the existence of vampires. This would make for a great horror film, especially when Neville has the flashbacks of the horrible events leading to his isolation. I'm on the part where he's just found Ruth.

[Robert Neville]

It has been adapted twice to film. The first, and the best so far, is "Last Man On Earth" with Vincent Price. Not taken strictly "by the book" but close. It's a great movie. The second is "Omega Man" with Charlton Heston. This one is loosely based on the book. A new adaptation is supposedly in the screenwriting stage. Hopefully they will stick with the excellant storyline found in "I Am Legend".

[Wendigo]

Found! An old topic which deals with one of my favourite writers ;). dmihatmttl spoke well... Matheson is not only decent, he is a Genius, he is "one of the grandfathers of the modern horror genre", one of those rare writers who feel equally confident writing novels and short stories :D.

Just to add something... Roger Corman's "House of Usher" is obviously inspired to the famous short story by Poe, but the screenplay is Matheson's.
"Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" is the same short story which insipired an episode (whose screenplay was also written by Matheson) of "The Twilight Zone", both Tv series and movie (1983).
Richard Matheson signed also the screenplay of Spielberg's "Duel", inspiered once again to a story of his own.
And we are still forgetting about "The Shrinking Man". It is a great novel written by Matheson in 1956 which became the screeplay (signed by Matheson himself) of the famous Jack Arnold's "The Incredible Shrinking Man", one year later.
All these novels and short stories definitely worth reading.

Happy to see brownzombie have discovered that masteripiece of vampire literature which is "I am a legend". Hope that during these months u have also read some of Matheson's short stories ;).

P.S. "... a signed copy of NIGHTMARE AT 20000 FEET (AND OTHER STORIES)"... Yummmm... great :D!!!!

[phantomstranger]

Read "Hell House" one of the best ghost stories ever written. Matheson adapted his novel for the film version "The Legend Of Hell House" back in the 70's.

[filmmaker2]

Richard Matheson is not decent. The last time I saw him, he distracted me by saying, "What's that behind you," and when I turned to look, he hit me over the head, took my wallet, and ran away.

I'm certain you agree that this is not "decent" behavior of any sort.

[VampRocker]

Originally posted by filmmaker2
Richard Matheson is not decent. The last time I saw him, he distracted me by saying, "What's that behind you," and when I turned to look, he hit me over the head, took my wallet, and ran away.

I'm certain you agree that this is not "decent" behavior of any sort.

What a jerk. Heheh.

But yeah, Matheson rocks. "I Am Legend" and "Hell House" are nothing short of incredible.

[blackknight]

A Stir Of Echoes or The Shinking Man are a couple of fairly good novels. Maybe Someone is Bleeding or Fury on Sunday if you want to try something a little less known.

[Zero]

BUT.... Hunted Past Reason - which was fairly recent - sucked ass. Utterly devoid of Matheson's usual innovative plot twists. Just dreadful - avoid it at all cost and pick up one of his earlier good works.

ZERO