Main Cast: David Arnott, Jeri Ryan, Dan Montgomery
Release Year: 1999
Country: US
Run Time: 95 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
Somehow the entire population of the Earth has been obliterated, leaving the buildings standing and the preserved food intact. The environment seems to be OK, too. From the emptiness of the planet emerges Alan (David Arnott), a nebbishy anthropology graduate student who is coming to terms with his fate as the last man on Earth -- until he discovers Sarah (Jeri Ryan), a beautiful, intelligent woman who can't stand the idea that neurotic, portly Alan is the last man she'll ever be near. They make an encampment in a desert and begin their lives together -- him, delirious; her reluctant -- until they encounter Raphael (Dan Montgomery) hitchhiking along the road. Raphael, although a bit dim, is tall, handsome and fun-loving, and Alan finds that he has to change in order to compete for Sarah's affection, or spend his life without a woman. But nature is full of surprises. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide
Review
The Last Man is a low-budget labor of love that boasts a clever premise, a witty script, and a cast that seizes the opportunity to shine. Director and writer Harry Ralston is clearly influenced by Albert Brooks and Woody Allen, and he does right by them in this modest battle of the sexes, a battle that takes a few unexpected twists to keep things interesting. The natural course of human relationships is played out in full view as Alan tells his story in a daily diary to a subjective video camera. The events are amusingly edited by setting up the jokes, turning off the camera when Alan is self-satisfied that things are going his way, only to have the punchlines delivered when the camera is turned on again later in the day and things have gone terribly wrong. Ralston's insights are as penetrating as they are comical, and the story is given dramatic momentum by the deterioration -- and restoration -- of the relationships. The ending is not pat by any means. The low-budget keeps production values at a minimum, but the cunning camera prevents the limitations from being distractions. Good date material, as men and women will find lots to like, if they're prepared for the modest presentation. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide
C.T. DeNelli - Costume Designer, Harry Ralston - Director, Tony Miller - Editor, Roger Avary - Executive Producer, Woody Jackson - Composer (Music Score), Ivan Knight - Composer (Music Score), John Grant - Production Designer, Michael Grady - Cinematographer, Jessica Rains - Producer, Harry Ralston - Producer, Tamara Hernandez - Producer, Walter Jenkins - Sound/Sound Designer, Michael Dunky Jacobs - Sound/Sound Designer, Harry Ralston - Screenwriter
Alan (Arnott) comes to believe that he is the last person on Earth after some sort of apocalypse destroyed the human race. However, he soon meets the beautiful Sarah (Ryan), and they both fall in love. However, it would be even more difficult for Alan when he and Sarah meet Raphael (Montgomery), a better looking man who is superior in every way.
