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When you think of I Am Legend, what images flood your mind? A hauntingly quiet New York City, overtaken by nature, perhaps? Directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Will Smith, this 2007 film does more than just deliver a gripping storyline; it paints a striking visual narrative that hints at a world on the brink of apocalypse. Based on Richard Matheson’s classic 1954 novel, it tells the story of Dr. Robert Neville, the last man standing in a city ravaged by a man-made virus that evolved from an experimental cancer cure.
The Heart of Manhattan: Capturing the Essence of a Ghost City
Almost the entire film was shot in Manhattan, that vibrant pulse of New York City now eerily transformed into a ghost town. Can you imagine? Some of the busiest streets in the world were closed off for days, turning iconic locations into backdrops that feel both familiar and unsettling, filled with wild animals and overgrown vegetation. Washington Square Park, where Neville’s home is located in a reconstructed residential building, becomes a focal point in his isolated existence. And then there’s Times Square, typically buzzing with life, portrayed hauntingly empty in one of the film’s most impactful scenes. Meanwhile, Fifth Avenue showcases Will Smith wandering among deserted shops and towering skyscrapers, a metropolis stripped of its heartbeat.
To create this surreal atmosphere, the production team had to secure special permits and coordinate the movement of hundreds of extras. The meticulous attention to detail—from abandoned cars to crumbling building facades—combined with artificial plants sprouting through cracked sidewalks, truly brings the film’s apocalyptic vision to life. As viewers, we can almost feel the tension of a world that once thrived, now overtaken by nature.
Iconic Scenes and Their Locations
Neville’s first appearance is nothing short of striking; he drives his Mustang Shelby south along Fifth Avenue, passing by notable landmarks like Herald Square and the iconic Macy’s. A sudden detour to avoid a deer near the Flatiron Building leads him through Madison Square Park, only to emerge on East 26th Street, where he passes the elegant Hotel Giraffe, a nod to the film’s deep connection with New York’s cinematic landscape.
But capturing the essence of Times Square in its wild state was no small feat. The production team utilized the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, an old National Guard armory, to create a lush set teeming with weeds and overgrown plants, where Neville frees a family of lions. This imaginative setting beautifully underscores the film’s exploration of survival and humanity in a world turned upside down.
One standout sequence unfolds on the partially destroyed Brooklyn Bridge, symbolizing both isolation and the urgency of evacuation. The production reconstructed sections of the bridge and executed complex scenes with helicopters and military vehicles, racking up costs over five million dollars, making it one of the priciest sequences in film history. Meanwhile, the haunting interiors of an abandoned hospital were filmed in the industrial buildings of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, providing the perfect backdrop for some of the film’s most intense and claustrophobic moments.
The Solitary Life of Robert Neville
Neville’s fortified apartment, located at 11 Washington Square North, offers a view of the historic Washington Square Arch. This stronghold starkly contrasts with the vibrant life of the city, featuring heavy doors and sealed windows designed to protect him from the infected. Within his home, the atmosphere thickens with isolation, echoing the unsettling calm of the deserted urban landscape outside.
Washington Square North, nestled in Greenwich Village, is a cultural landmark close to the lively Washington Square Park. This area is rich in history and creativity, surrounded by the bustling NYU campus and an array of cafes and restaurants. The interiors of Neville’s apartment, adorned with valuable artworks, were recreated in the Marcy Avenue Armory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which also hosted scenes from Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes.
As Neville navigates this hauntingly empty city, he finds solace in unusual pastimes, such as practicing golf on the Lockheed A-12 Blackbird at the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum. Can you picture it? Will Smith digitally placed next to this sleek aircraft creates a memorable yet surreal scene, the A-12 standing in stark contrast to the apocalyptic surroundings.
Additionally, Neville’s fishing escapades take place in the stunning Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a reconstructed Egyptian temple steeped in history. Built around 15 AD, this temple symbolizes cultural preservation and the sharing of history, also appearing in various films, including Woody Allen’s Manhattan. It serves as a poignant reminder of the artistic legacy that endures even amidst chaos.
Ultimately, I Am Legend is more than just a film about survival; it’s a profound exploration of solitude, the fragility of civilization, and the haunting beauty of an abandoned New York City. As we traverse these real-world locations, we’re invited to reflect on the stories of resilience echoing through the deserted streets, reminding us of the vibrant life that once pulsed through this iconic metropolis.