Welcome to the Classic Corner! Each week, The Screening Log's columnist Rachel Thuro will pick a classic, screen it, and review it with a modern perspective, examininig whether the film can stand the test of time. In conext of Charlton Heston's death last Saturday, Rachel decided to kick off her new column with "The Omega Man," which is based on Richard Matheson's famous novel "I am Legend." Be sure to check back every Tuesday for a new edition. Enjoy!

The Omega Man (1971)

The plot: Robert Neville (Charlton Heston) is the only human immune to a deadly virus that has taken over the world. The rest of mankind has turned into night-dwelling creatures, called The Family, who are determined to destroy everything from the past, including Neville, the last human alive.

Modern thoughts on a classic movie: The main story line, which is based on Richard Matheson’s novel "I Am Legend," can easily be translated in any decade, as did Francis Lawrence's 2007 adaptation of the same title. The central themes of fear and survival will be around until the day humans face extinction, so on this level, it is easy to connect with the movie, especially when the thought of germ warfare is ever present.

Even though the late Mr. Heston will forever remain an iconic Hollywood legend, he was not at the top of his game in this film. He perfectly embodied the “tough guy” persona needed to play Neville, but he lacked the important layer of a truly desperate and lonely man, unlike Will Smith, who flawlessly portrayed both sides of Neville in the 2007 version. It was much more difficult to relate to Heston’s Neville, who seemed to lack any sense of true loss or hopelessness.

Another aspect that was hard to grasp was The Family. Modern film viewers have been severely jaded by decades of movie villains and monsters. The Family was nothing more than group of pale people who wondered the streets at night in black hoods and sunglasses while burning piles of junk. The Family was on par with an unmotivated cult and not the least bit scary.

The final word: Does it stand the test of time? No. Heston’s one dimensional characterization of Neville and the lack of terror instilled by The Family truly hold this film back, making it dated and somewhat laughable to the modern viewer.