Block buster research 'I am legend'

1) Blockbusters have very simple story lines that are easy to understand and have universal appeal. This was done through the sparse population and pessimistic background mood. It ties into its look and has a universal appeal towards the protagonist Will Smith and the audience viewing it. It has a very simple story line since the simplicity and the actions in every scene are very basic to understand. Every bit of each scene that is being portrayed in the film, it engages the audience through the thrill of the film and the purpose of the story line just attaches itself to the human mind and subconsciously makes you feel as if you're part of the film. The story line reinforces the 'universal appeal' by the conventions of the film's targets. This is why the film is such a success.

2) Blockbusters are populated by characters who are easy to understand. This has been done in I am Legend, for example, the main character Will Smith (Robert Neville) is a character who is anxious and paranoid due being consumed by loneliness. Also, this character is shown mostly through out the entire film, showing his importance through his characteristic such as intelligence and mental/physical strength. Also, another easy character in the film being portrayed is his dog (Sam), the audience can relate to this and it makes the audience feel sympathetic for the Robert which slowly intrigues the audience even more and people aspire to his role in the film when compared to his own life style. Sam or Sammy plays a important and completes the role of Robert Neville's; its even easier to understand the simplicity of this character when his only comfort is his dog and the Sam seems to be a reflection of his desire and positivisty to save the human race.

3) Blockbusters are marketed on their 'look'. This is portrayed in I Am Legend through the effects of the computer generated imagery. For example, when Robert went back in the darkness to rescue his dog Sam, the shots from the gun showed effects and it reinforced the idea that this blockbuster is marketed on its 'look'. Also, CIG's were used to show the difference in appearances through the monsters and the last surviving human Will Smith. Also more and more special effects were used as the film continued through out, for example, the bridges and cars exploding.


4) Blockbusters become a brand. A blockbuster such as I Am Legend became a brand through the identity that it gained from the audience who viewed and critiqued it. Sales from this film through DVD and Blue-ray also helped to construct the brand's identity and positive image through the world of consumers and the film producers too. The film producers who created teasers and trailers and actor's who associate with other famous films. A big part of their brand is also will Smith who helped to stabilize the economic income of the film produced and make a profit of the film that became such a massive success in 2007.