One of the most beloved and revered Presidents in history, Abraham Lincoln, will be featured in no less than three major studio films in the upcoming year. What’s the occasion? A quick check at the ol’ history book reveals that this March is the 150th anniversary of his inauguration. This blogger doesn’t credit Hollywood with that much intelligence, so it’s likely a happy accident, or maybe it was just time. Here are the Reel Facts and Opinions concerning the upcoming films:
THE CONSPIRATOR
FACT: Directed by Robert Redford, starring James McAvoy, Evan Rachel Wood, Robin Wright, Danny Huston and Tom Wilkinson. Set for release this spring, THE CONSPIRATOR seems to revolve around the conspiracy to murder Lincoln, with the center being the trial of Mary Surratt (Wright), who may or may not have been in on the plot (she was eventually found guilty and became the first woman to be executed by the federal government).
OPINION: The impressive cast-list suggests that when Redford comes calling, people answer. The material is probably best suited for Redford’s mature hands, although his last directorial effort (LIONS FOR LAMBS) was little more than a political soap box. Still, THE CONSPIRATOR has a story worth telling, and it’ll be interesting to see if Redford can make the journey to an ending that everyone already knows, worth taking.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER
FACT: Directed by Timur Bekmambetov (WANTED, NIGHT WATCH), starring Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Set to begin filming this spring for a 2012 release, HUNTER is based upon the best selling novel of the same name, and centers upon young Abe hunting vampires. Just like the title says.
OPINION: Bekmambetov’s unique vision will be right at home in what could very well be a very gothic-looking 1800 America, especially with Tim Burton producing and Trent Reznor doing the score. With a never-ending string of dry historical dramas every year (coughcoughRedfordcough), HUNTER would be a pleasant comic relief.
LINCOLN
FACT: Directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln.
OPINION: Stevie has had this project on his shelf for nearly four years, with Liam Neeson and Sally Field once attached to play the Prez and his wife, respectively. The script is being written by John Logan, who wrote THE AVIATOR, and turned in some Oscar-attention with his work on GLADIATOR. All pieces seem to be in place for a massive American epic, with plenty of room for Steven to flex his once proud Oscar muscles.
Oh yes, and Daniel Day as Abe: what more can anyone ask?
What say you?
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