A shame this one bombed in the theaters. I think many went in expecting something more akin to a horror or straight out Gothic film, instead getting a detective-type mystery/thriller, so left disappointed. It being a mystery style makes perfect sense, being that Poe is credited with inventing the detective story.

Every other actor did their job well but no one else stood out much in my mind, but their support as a superb cast helped the movie propel to a rushing finale.

The flick spews out a surprising amount of gore when violence is shown, especially during the Pit and The Pendulum scene! With the angles of the camera, and each swipe of the blade, it's intensely realistic and brutal. Blood is not held back in a later throat-cutting scene either. Plenty of dare on the part of the director, bringing forth a more convincing gritty, bleak feel that matched the tone of the story and theme.

The plot is easy to follow whether you've read or know Poe's work at all. For Poe fans, there will be several pleasing scenes as famous works are often quoted, cited, and reenacted. There will always be a mystery of what happened to Edgar Allan Poe the last stages of his life. It's life as "brain congestion." What this means, I couldn't even guess, especially considering the limits of 18th century medicine. There are theories of tuberculosis, alcoholism, and rabies. He was found wandering the streets in a delirious state, calling out the name "Reynolds." I enjoy how the movie adds pieces of even this in to make sense with the created story, even if its more romanticized than Poe's life credits.
Overall this is not a perfect movie, but it's entertaining, thrilling, and suspenseful rush. As an added bonus for us book-addicts, this movie kept showing some impressive, gothic, stylish personal libraries that left me drooling!
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