FIRST LOOK
First Look: Timur Bekmambetov's 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'
by Ethan Anderton
May 9, 2011
Source: The Playlist
Production is already underway on the adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith's alternate history novel Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and while we normally don't get our first look at a film until closer to the release date, The New York Times was allowed a very early visit on set, and a snapshot from the production has just been unveiled. It's nothing special, but it does show Benjamin Walker as our 16th president delivering some sort of speech in this strange story that reimagines our nation's iconic historical leader as a vampire hunter due to the blood thirsty creatures' involvement in the slave trade from the past.
Here's the first image courtesy of The New York Times (via The Playlist):
Bekmambetov apparently describes his adaptation of the book as a cross between D.W. Griffith's Abraham Lincoln and F. W. Murnau's Nosferatu, and while that sounds wholly interesting, it also sounds a bit over the top, and maybe too serious for the source material. Apparently they're so serious about the historical feel of the film that Library of Congress and Illinois state historian Thomas F. Schwartz historian has consulted on the film to "slip vampires into Lincoln’s story with minimal damage to the historical record.” I'll just let the sheer insanity of that sentence sink in. Anyway, the film also stars Anthony Mackie, Dominic Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alan Tudyk, Rufus Sewell and more with a 3D release set for June 22nd, 2012. Thoughts?
20 Comments
1
This is going to be shitty, XD
Jack White on May 9, 2011
2
I...its just that.....but I.......hmmmm.....this just seems as though it will be a bunch of crap. Even if just for kicks, it'll still weigh in as heavy weight crap.
Voice of Reason on May 9, 2011
3
Hey Einstein, instead of talking out your ass while you fart, what don't you read the book intead before shooting shit first?
Anne on May 9, 2011
4
Some books are really good dont mean the movies will follow the same route of excellence.
A Villa88 on May 13, 2011
5
In the same vein, "Some books are really good dont mean the movies won't follow the same route of excellence."
Anonymous on Dec 16, 2011
6
Finally, someone with the guts to tell this story, of the true evil of slavery...
Kamish on May 9, 2011
7
This is the oddest "first look" photo choice considering the out there title. just looks like a historical piece. Very early in the process I suppose, but this won't build hype for the film
Richie G on May 9, 2011
8
i applaud the creativity and the supposed efforts of maintaining historical accuracy. ill hold my opinions beyond that until later, because honestly, i want to give this a "honest" change... ah thank you
rocKKicker on May 9, 2011
9
chance*
rocKKicker on May 9, 2011
10
When I first heard of this, I was of the same opinion as the first two posters here, then when I realised it was actually being realeased in the middle of the summer blockbusters, I figured they must be onto a good idea to be confident enough to go head to head with the big movies. So, I read the book and all I can say to those who are condemming this movie based on the odd premise, you are going to be in for one of the most entertaiign and unique movies of all time. Wait until the summer of 2013 when Seth Grahame's-Smiths ride and Pejudice and Zomies movie comes out. These are not comedies but serious fun! Read the books, you'll never forget them and become an instant fan!
Hattori Hanzo on May 9, 2011
11
I agree Hattori. I think though that with Americans being Americans, those down south will go of their nuts when they realise who the confederate soldiers are actually fighting for in this story. Here's a hint: Lincoln is a vampire hunter. Loved Pride and Prejudice and Zombies even better!
Mark on May 9, 2011
12
HAHAHAHAHAHAA....oh, man, thats hilarious. Yeah, prime summer blockbuster time is the perfect venue for all quality, well crafted pieces of cinema. Suuuuuure it is. Right up there with "Congo" right? Look out, "Phantom" this'll give you a run for your money!! I thought "Spiderman 3" was as good as it gets, but this movie's gonna be the best yet!!! Hahahahaha, oh, man, thats a great laugh, thanks for that one.....
Voice of Reason on May 9, 2011
13
I would suggest that you read the book before making an ass of yourself but that would require you to know what a book is in the first place wouldn't it? Oh well, I guess you can go back to your Archie comic and see what whacky old Jughead is up to today!
Hattori Hanzo on May 9, 2011
14
I agree with you Hattori. I've read the book before they even announced this adaptation and I enjoyed every word of it, the history and the fictional vampire hunting bits I found incredibly enjoyable all the way to the end. Though I will not go out to say that this will be the BEST movie, because we all know how many novel to movie or comic book to movie, or even video game to movie adaptations go. I will still give this a shot and give it the benefit of the doubt because I enjoyed reading the story but I'll keep my expectations low as to not be disappointed and yet enjoy the film.
Mr. Otaku on Aug 5, 2011
15
"Yeah, prime summer blockbuster time is the perfect venue for all quality, well crafted pieces of cinema" Hyyyyuuuuccckkk!
Cletus The Slack Jawed Yokel on May 9, 2011
16
i read the script and i can tell it is serious but with comedic elements here and there.it was amazing,i can tell you that.and also that it will be one of the most awesome action packed films next year...
easy company on May 9, 2011
17
When Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter are released next year, the public will be bewildered between them.
Ashford on May 9, 2011
18
I laughed at my friend Andrea who was raving about Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and finally gave it a chance one Sunday night. I started reading it and sat up all night until it was done. I'm not laughing at her anymore because it was one of the most entertaining reads in a very long time. Very unique. I then bought Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and now I can’t wait to see the looks of amazement on the face of people when they see Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter next summer and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in the summer of 2013. So refreshing to finally see someone with an original idea again. Damn, the dude even has the guts to say Jane Austein co-wrote Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Talk about balls!!! I love this guy!
Anne on May 9, 2011
19
Awesome! Historical fiction is always good.
Xerxexx on May 10, 2011
20
Agreed.
Mr. Otaku on Aug 5, 2011
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