The popular book Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is being made into a movie. Not only is it going to be a movie, but it’s going to be a Tim Burton movie. Could this be a good move?
The Pros:
First, let me say that I’m actually a fan of Tim Burton, even after he made the remake of Planet of the Apes, one of my favorite movie series of all time. If anyone can make a stylish movie it’s him. Think back to Edward Scissorhands, Batman, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and in particularly, this year’s Alice in Wonderland. Burton’s artistic hand elevates all of his movies from just merely entertainment to a magical experience.
Also, the screenplay is being written by the author of Abraham Lincoln, Seth Grahame-Smith. Movie buzz usually turns positive when an adapted screenplay of the book is written by the book’s author; expectations are going to be that the book’s story is going to stay intact.
I think it’s needless to say that the vampire craze is going to be a positive for the success of the movie. Thanks to Twilight and Sookie Stackhouse novels, pop culture has gotten back around to the mystique and allure of the Vampire. Even vampire movies that didn’t do well at the box office, like, The Vampire’s Assistant, also based on a book, still got an initial kick from the vampire craze (and from people wanting to see Selma Hayek with a mustache).
Speaking of buzz, the book has become another success in Grahame-Smith’s series of alternative retellings; his first New York Times bestseller is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. The popularity of Abraham Lincoln is bound to bring in an influx of viewers.
The Cons:
Tim Burton. Yeah, I know I said he’s a pro toward the movie being a success, but he’s also been going a little off the mark in terms of movies lately. I mentioned Alice in Wonderland earlier in this article; the film, while aesthetically pleasing, was at best, boring and at worst, excruciatingly dull and confusing. Granted, a lot of this can be blamed on the screenwriter, since screenwriters do have a hand in how character actions and emotions play out, but directors also have a role, and I’m sure Burton’s vision for his movie-which includes story-didn’t help matters.
Could the film hold up on the big screen? Even though Grahame-Smith is writing the screenplay, there’s the very real chance that the story could not stand up as a solid movie. Not all books are made to be films; take the debate over Watchmen for example. The graphic novel is one of the greatest pieces of fiction ever written. But the film-the theatrical release, anyway- wavers, at best.
Will this latest film about vampires go down in the records as the next greatest piece of vampire lore? Only time will tell.
Did u see the book “trailer”? It’s cool & hilarious! Can’t say I’ve ever seen a trailer 4 a book b4! Check it out at:
Now that’s a trailer. I hope the movie is at least half as cool as that.
Tim Burton has a unique style when making his movie. I love Nightmare Before Christmas and Edward Scissorhands.,,;