Richard Matheson, American author and screenwriter (d. 2013)
Richard Burton Matheson (February 20, 1926 – June 23, 2013) was a towering figure in American literature and cinema, an author and screenwriter whose work profoundly shaped the landscape of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. His unique ability to weave psychological depth into genre narratives left an indelible mark on storytelling, influencing countless writers and filmmakers.

A Master of Genre: Richard Matheson's Enduring Legacy

Born in Allendale, New Jersey, Matheson's career spanned decades, during which he became celebrated for his imaginative plots and keen insights into the human condition. He effortlessly traversed the realms of the fantastic and the terrifying, often grounding his most outlandish concepts in relatable human fears and desires.

The Iconic I Am Legend and its Cinematic Journey

Perhaps Richard Matheson's most enduring creation is the 1954 science fiction horror novel, I Am Legend. This seminal work reimagined the vampire mythos, presenting a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by nocturnal, vampiric beings. Its profound exploration of isolation, identity, and the nature of monstrosity has resonated through generations, cementing its status as a classic. The novel has been adapted for the big screen no fewer than three times, a testament to its powerful and adaptable premise. Matheson himself co-wrote the screenplay for the first adaptation, The Last Man on Earth, a haunting 1964 film starring horror icon Vincent Price. This was followed by The Omega Man in 1971, featuring Charlton Heston, and most recently, the highly successful I Am Legend in 2007, which starred Will Smith. Each adaptation brought a different interpretation to Matheson's core story, showcasing its versatility and continued relevance.

Pioneering Television: The Twilight Zone and Steven Spielberg's Duel

Matheson's influence extended significantly into television. He penned an impressive 16 episodes for the legendary anthology series, The Twilight Zone, crafting some of its most memorable and terrifying tales. His contributions include the iconic "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," which terrified audiences with a gremlin on an airplane wing, famously starring William Shatner, and "Steel," a poignant story about robot boxing. His work on the show demonstrated his mastery of the short-form narrative, delivering profound chills and thought-provoking concepts in a concise format. Beyond The Twilight Zone, Matheson also adapted his own 1971 short story, "Duel," into a screenplay for the television film of the same name. This intense thriller, depicting a man terrorized by an unseen truck driver on a desolate highway, became an early, career-defining directorial triumph for Steven Spielberg, showcasing Matheson's ability to create high-tension suspense.

Beyond the Page: A Rich Tapestry of Film Adaptations

The impact of Richard Matheson's imagination is further evident in the extensive list of his other novels and short stories that found their way to the silver screen. His narratives proved fertile ground for filmmakers across various genres:

• The Incredible Shrinking Man: Based on his 1956 novel, The Shrinking Man, this film became a science fiction classic, exploring themes of existential dread and humanity's place in the universe.
• The Legend of Hell House: Adapted from his chilling 1971 novel, Hell House, it delivered a terrifying psychological horror experience.
• What Dreams May Come: This visually stunning 1998 film, starring Robin Williams, was based on Matheson's poignant 1978 novel about the afterlife.
• Somewhere in Time: A beloved romantic fantasy film from 1980, adapted from his 1975 novel, Bid Time Return.
• A Stir of Echoes: This supernatural thriller, released in 1999, brought another of his evocative novels to life.
• Real Steel: A futuristic sports drama from 2011, surprisingly based on his short story "Steel," which had also been an episode of The Twilight Zone.
• The Box: A thought-provoking psychological thriller from 2009, adapted from his short story "Button, Button," another tale that originally appeared in The Twilight Zone.

Beyond these, his novel Ride the Nightmare was adapted into the French-Italian film Cold Sweat, and Someone is Bleeding inspired the French thriller Les seins de glace ("Icy Breasts"), further demonstrating the international appeal and adaptability of his stories.

Collaborations and Cultural Impact

Edgar Allan Poe Reimagined with Roger Corman

Richard Matheson's versatility also shone through his collaborations with director Roger Corman and American International Pictures. He skillfully adapted several of Edgar Allan Poe's classic gothic tales for the screen, breathing new life into these literary masterpieces with films like House of Usher (1960), The Pit and the Pendulum (1961), Tales of Terror (1962), and The Raven (1963). These adaptations, often starring Vincent Price, became iconic entries in the horror genre, blending Matheson's sharp screenwriting with Corman's distinctive directorial vision.

A Lasting Influence on Modern Storytelling

Richard Matheson's legacy extends far beyond the individual works. He was a master of the concise, impactful narrative, able to evoke profound unease or wonder with a clarity that belied the complexity of his ideas. His influence is felt across modern pop culture, from post-apocalyptic fiction and psychological thrillers to character-driven horror and speculative science fiction. He remains a celebrated figure whose stories continue to captivate, challenge, and entertain audiences worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Matheson

Who was Richard Matheson?

Richard Matheson (February 20, 1926 – June 23, 2013) was an incredibly influential American author and screenwriter, celebrated for his masterful contributions to the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres.

What genres did Richard Matheson primarily write in?

He was most prominent in the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres, often blurring the lines between them with psychological depth and inventive concepts.

What are some of Richard Matheson's most famous works?

He is best known for his seminal novel I Am Legend, his gripping short story "Duel" (which became a Steven Spielberg film), and his numerous iconic episodes for The Twilight Zone, including "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet." Many other works, like The Shrinking Man and "Button, Button," were also adapted into popular films.

How many times has Richard Matheson's I Am Legend been adapted for the screen?

The novel I Am Legend has been adapted three times: as The Last Man on Earth (1964) starring Vincent Price, The Omega Man (1971) starring Charlton Heston, and I Am Legend (2007) starring Will Smith.

Did Richard Matheson work with Steven Spielberg?

Yes, he adapted his own short story "Duel" into a screenplay for the 1971 television film Duel, which marked an early, highly acclaimed directorial effort by Steven Spielberg.

What was Richard Matheson's connection to The Twilight Zone?

Richard Matheson was a prolific writer for The Twilight Zone, penning 16 episodes, including iconic ones like "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" and "Steel," significantly shaping the show's memorable narratives and tone.