Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012) Movie Review: A Bloody Historical Mashup
Overview
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov and based on Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel of the same name, “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” (2012) offers a unique blend of historical drama and supernatural horror. The film stars Benjamin Walker as Abraham Lincoln, who is reimagined as a vampire hunter in this action-packed fantasy. While the premise is intriguing and the visuals are striking, the film struggles to balance its dual genres effectively.
Plot Summary
The film presents an alternate history where Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, secretly battles vampires while leading the country. The story begins with young Lincoln witnessing the murder of his mother by a vampire, Jack Barts (Marton Csokas). This traumatic event fuels his lifelong quest for vengeance against the undead.
As a young man, Lincoln is mentored by Henry Sturges (Dominic Cooper), a vampire who opposes his own kind and teaches Lincoln the skills needed to hunt vampires. Lincoln adopts a double life, pursuing a political career while waging a covert war against vampires who are aligned with the Confederacy.
The film explores Lincoln’s rise to the presidency and his efforts to abolish slavery, which is intertwined with the struggle against the vampire threat. Key historical events, including the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg, are reimagined with supernatural elements. Lincoln’s close relationships with his wife, Mary Todd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and his friend, Will Johnson (Anthony Mackie), add emotional depth to the fantastical narrative.
Performance and Direction
Benjamin Walker delivers a commendable performance as Abraham Lincoln, capturing both the gravitas of the historical figure and the fierce determination of a vampire hunter. Walker’s portrayal is earnest and grounded, helping to anchor the film’s more outlandish elements. Dominic Cooper provides solid support as Henry Sturges, adding complexity to his mentor role with a blend of charm and melancholy.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Anthony Mackie offer strong performances, though their characters are somewhat underutilized in the broader narrative. Rufus Sewell stands out as the primary antagonist, Adam, a powerful vampire leader whose presence adds a menacing layer to the conflict.
Timur Bekmambetov’s direction is visually dynamic, with kinetic action sequences that showcase his flair for stylized violence. The film’s pacing is brisk, maintaining momentum with frequent set pieces and battles. However, the balance between historical drama and supernatural horror is uneven, with some scenes feeling disjointed and tonally inconsistent.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by Caleb Deschanel is one of the film’s highlights, capturing the gothic atmosphere and period detail with a blend of practical effects and CGI. The action scenes are choreographed with a sense of spectacle, featuring slow-motion effects and inventive combat techniques that emphasize Lincoln’s unique skills as a vampire hunter.
The film’s visual style is dark and moody, with a color palette that enhances the eerie and supernatural elements. The production design effectively recreates 19th-century America, adding authenticity to the fantastical narrative.
Themes and Relevance
“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” explores themes of vengeance, justice, and the fight against evil. The film reimagines the historical figure of Lincoln as a symbol of resistance against tyranny, both human and supernatural. The juxtaposition of slavery and vampirism adds a layer of allegory, linking the exploitation and dehumanization inherent in both.
While the film’s premise is original and thought-provoking, its execution sometimes falls short of fully engaging with the deeper themes. The narrative’s focus on action and spectacle often overshadows the potential for more nuanced exploration of its historical and allegorical elements.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” is an ambitious and visually striking film that offers a unique twist on American history. Benjamin Walker’s earnest performance and Timur Bekmambetov’s dynamic direction provide entertainment and spectacle, though the film’s tonal inconsistencies and underdeveloped themes limit its overall impact.
Fans of historical reimaginings and supernatural action will find “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” to be an enjoyable, if flawed, experience. While it may not fully realize its potential, the film’s blend of history and horror offers a memorable and imaginative take on one of America’s most iconic figures.
