Movie Review: The Raven

A few months ago whenever I heard that there would be a movie out called The Raven and Edgar Allan Poe would be in it, I was excited but wondered how they were going to turn Poe's The Raven into a feature length film. Then I learned that it was just the name. The actual story was that about a serial killer who has been completely enamored by Poe, therefor following the plot lines of many of Poe's work in order to murder someone from Baltimore. Once the inspector of the town realized what was happening, Poe is enlisted to help shed some light on the cases and hopefully find the murderer. Not to mention this is all during, I believe, the last weeks or so of his life hinting at how Poe could have died. I really was weary about the story line but I thought it was a creative way to deal with his death and explain it. In the beginning of the movie they said that Poe was found on a park bench near death and that was the last time anyone saw him. Which isn't true. He was found dead in a gutter. Aside from this detail, which could be explained away, the movie was fantastic! When I found out that John Cusack was going to play Poe I wasn't very thrilled at all. I though Willem Dafoe or Christopher Walkin would have been much better although they are too old. But not happy-go-lucky Cusack. I am eating my words now. He did a brilliant job. The only emotion that Cusack didn't make me feel that Poe does is creep-ed out. The second the movie was over the thought I had was that I needed to see the movie again, very soon. I highly recommend this movie. Everything from the acting, the way the movie was filmed, and the dialogue, to the costuming and the makeup was awesome. I loved it. The movie was gorier than I had anticipated, and I did look away a little even though I am very familiar with special effects cosmetics, but it was also beautifully done. I have been left with a wonderful bundle of fresh inspiration and even more love for the amazing Edgar Allan Poe. I also did an outfit of the day video of a dress I made for tonight because I am a giant nerd. I will post the video once I have time to upload it.