Talk with Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson (1926–2013) was an American author and screenwriter best known for his work in the science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres. His writing is highly influential in the realm of speculative fiction, and he has contributed many novels, short stories, and scripts for both television and film.

One of Matheson’s most famous novels is “I Am Legend” (1954), a groundbreaking work that introduced the concept of a global vampire apocalypse and influenced the modern zombie genre. The novel has been adapted into films several times, including the versions starring Vincent Price ("The Last Man on Earth"), Charlton Heston ("The Omega Man"), and Will Smith ("I Am Legend").

Matheson also wrote “Hell House” (1971), another seminal horror novel, along with “Bid Time Return” (1975), which was adapted into the romantic film “Somewhere In Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. His novel “What Dreams May Come” (1978) was adapted into a film starring Robin Williams.

Beyond his novels, Matheson wrote extensively for television. He penned numerous episodes for the original “The Twilight Zone” series, including “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” which features the memorable gremlin on the wing of an airplane. His work for TV and film often explored complex themes of fear, the unknown, and human survival.

Matheson’s style is characterized by tight pacing, psychological depth, and a keen ability to explore the intersection of the everyday with the supernatural. His work has had a significant impact on later writers and filmmakers in the horror and science fiction genres.

Richard Matheson was inspired to write "I Am Legend" from a combination of sources. One primary influence was the 1954 horror film adaptation of Dracula. Matheson was intrigued by the idea of a solitary vampire and thought about reversing this concept, envisioning a world where a single human is surrounded by vampires, thus flipping the classic trope. Another source of inspiration came from various war- and disease-centric events at the time, which contributed to the novel’s apocalyptic and pandemic themes. This visionary blend of influences led Matheson to craft a novel that was unique for its time, merging elements of science fiction, horror, and dystopian fiction to explore themes of isolation, survival, and humanity’s struggle against nature.

Isolation is a recurring and significant theme in Richard Matheson's work, acting as both a physical and psychological mechanism that deepens the emotional impact and thematic depth of his stories. Matheson uses isolation to explore the complexities of human nature, fear, and the unknown—elements that are central to his brand of psychological horror and science fiction.

In many of Matheson’s stories, isolation serves to intensify the personal challenges faced by the characters, pushing them to the boundaries of their sanity and forcing them to confront both external threats and internal demons. For example:

1. "I Am Legend" - Perhaps the most profound use of isolation is seen in this novel, where the protagonist, Robert Neville, is seemingly the last human alive in a world overrun by vampires. The extreme isolation Neville experiences is not just physical but also profoundly emotional and psychological, raising poignant questions about human existence and the nature of society.

2. "Hell House" - In this novel, the characters are isolated within the confines of the reputedly haunted Belasco House, which enhances the psychological horror that each character faces. The isolation here creates a pressure cooker environment, heightening tensions and fears.

3. "The Incredible Shrinking Man" - Another example where isolation plays a crucial role in exploring human fears and vulnerabilities. As the protagonist gradually shrinks, his growing isolation from the society and his inability to interact with his environment in usual ways create a terrifying exploration of human helplessness and existential crisis.

Isolation in Matheson’s works often leads to introspection, forcing characters to confront fundamental truths about themselves and the human condition. It's a tool that not only drives the plot but also deepens the reader's engagement with the psychological landscapes that define his characters. Through these intense, isolated scenarios, Matheson invites readers to ponder broader philosophical questions about loneliness, survival, and the essence of human identity.

Richard Matheson's influence on modern horror literature is substantial and multifaceted. His work often blended elements of the horror genre with science fiction and fantasy, creating a unique and compelling narrative form that has influenced a wide range of writers and filmmakers.

1. Psychological Depth: Matheson's stories frequently explore the psychological and emotional states of his characters, amplifying the horror elements through deep personal fears and existential dilemmas. This psychological approach has inspired horror writers to focus more on character development and the internal fears of individuals, making their stories more relatable and terrifying.

2. Integration of the Everyday: One of Matheson’s hallmarks was his ability to transform mundane, everyday settings and scenarios into sources of profound terror. Works like "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" capitalize on common human fears (in this case, fear of flying) in a way that resonates universally. This approach has encouraged subsequent writers to find horror in the ordinary, making the genre more accessible and unnervingly relatable.

3. Narrative and Structural Innovation: Matheson experimented with different structures in his storytelling, which has encouraged other writers to explore unconventional narrative techniques. His novel "I Am Legend" is a prime example, using a solitary protagonist and a diary format to explore deeper themes of isolation and human identity amidst a vampiric apocalypse.

4. Influence on Cinematic Horror: Matheson's work has had a significant impact on horror cinema, with numerous adaptations of his books and short stories (such as "The Legend of Hell House", "What Dreams May Come", and many episodes of "The Twilight Zone"). His ability to create visceral, visual horror narratives that translate well to the screen has set a standard for horror filmmaking, influencing how stories are crafted for visual media.

5. Legions of Influenced Writers and Directors: Influential figures in horror and beyond, including Stephen King, George A. Romero, and Anne Rice, have cited Matheson as a major influence. Stephen King, in particular, has often mentioned how Matheson's approach to horror directly affected his own writing, highlighting Matheson’s ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary in a way that evokes intense emotion and relatability.

Overall, Matheson's legacy in modern horror literature lies in his ability to turn the normal into the paranormal, his deep psychological insights, and his pioneering narrative structures. His works continue to inspire and terrify new generations of writers and filmmakers.

Richard Matheson's career is primarily characterized by his works that he authored independently. However, he did occasionally collaborate with other writers. For instance, he co-wrote the screenplay for "The Incredible Shrinking Man" with his friend Richard Alan Simmons. His collaborations were not as frequent as his solo projects, but they do exist within his extensive body of work in both literature and screenwriting.

Richard Matheson was born on February 20, 1926, and passed away on June 23, 2013. He was 87 years old when he died.

Yes, Richard Matheson wrote "Hell House." It is a novel published in 1971, and it's a renowned work in the horror genre, particularly noted for its chilling and intense depiction of a haunted house scenario. The story revolves around a group of researchers who are tasked with investigating a supposedly haunted house known as the Belasco House to find definitive proof of the supernatural.

"Button, Button" by Richard Matheson is a short story that delves into themes of greed, morality, and consequence. The plot centers around a married couple, Norma and Arthur Lewis, who receive a mysterious package containing a simple button unit with a note stating that if they press the button, they will receive $50,000, but someone they do not know will die.

The story explores the moral dilemma faced by the couple, particularly focusing on Norma's internal conflict about whether to press the button. Norma's decision and the subsequent twist at the end underline the story's cautionary tale about the repercussions of selfish choices and the unforeseen consequences that can arise from such decisions.

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