Final answer:
The 1954 sci-fi novel adapted into movies three times with minimal dialogue is 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson. It has been adapted as 'The Last Man on Earth' (1964), 'The Omega Man' (1971), and 'I Am Legend' (2007). Each film features the protagonist, Robert Neville, in a post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing themes of isolation and survival. The correct answer is option 4) I Am Legend
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1954 sci-fi novel that has been adapted into movies three times, with minimal dialogue is I Am Legend. Written by Richard Matheson, it has had a significant impact on the post-apocalyptic and horror genres. The adaptations of Matheson's novel include The Last Man on Earth (1964) starring Vincent Price, The Omega Man (1971) starring Charlton Heston, and I Am Legend (2007) starring Will Smith. Although all three films are based on the same source material, each movie presents a different interpretation of the novel's central themes and characters. Matheson's novel follows Robert Neville, the last living human in a world overrun by vampires, a twist on the traditional post-apocalyptic narrative where his condition of normalcy becomes the abnormal. This underlying concept is explored in varying degrees across the adaptations, with the absence of dialogue emphasizing Neville's isolation and the desolate atmosphere.
Despite the changes in each film, they share a core focus on survival and the psychological toll of being the last person on Earth. These adaptations have struggled to fully capture the depth of the novel, particularly the profound sense of loneliness that defines Neville's existence. However, they all contribute to the collective understanding and appreciation of Matheson's work and the dystopian genre. In fact, I Am Legend has considerably influenced modern storytelling and helped popularize the zombie/vampire apocalypse trope in books, movies, and video games.