The Raven ★★

    It is widely known that during his last days, Edgar Allen Poe could be seen wandering the dreary streets of 19th century, Baltimore, chanting words and phrases of a seemingly nonsensical fashion. A tragic life in itself, Poe was destined to live a short time, as the brightest lights always burn out the fastest. A man who should only be depicted in the most flattering manner, for he is and always will be one of the greatest writers of his era; the only man who can delve into lunacy and touch our hearts with the darker emotions of the human spirit.

    "The Raven" is a 2012 thriller that does not succeed in giving Poe the portrayal he deserves, as it tells the last days of his life through a fictional lens of inconceivability. Of course, there is something quite inviting about the concept of Poe solving murders in his last hours of this mortal life. However, this film does little to capture that allure and ultimately falls flat in many ways than one.

    The plot is rather simplistic and involves a solitary murderer, who begins to utilize Poe's classic short stories and poetry to set up his multiple killings. Poe is originally brought in under suspicion, and once deemed innocent, becomes a vital aspect of the investigative team. Poe, played by the respected John Cusack, must work in collaboration with Emmett Fields, Baltimore's most celebrated detective, to stop the slayings and save his beloved Emily from certain death.

    This eccentric genius and one of a kind personality are bogged down by a less than stellar script and a forgettable performance by Cusack. Although an impossible task to begin with, Cusack indulges in a role that isn't fit for his skill set. It seems as if he just goes through the motions, ignoring the magnetism of Poe and opting for a quirky, yet charming rendition of this oddity.

    There are scenes of bewilderment as Poe recites his famous "Annabel Lee" poem to his newfound love. A character whose only purpose is for plot development and for a display of cleavage from an untied garment. Emily is used as the enticement for Poe to become trapped in a game of wits. Isn't the fact that this madman is using his literary work for inspiration enough incentive? It is speculated that Poe indulged in female companionship shortly before his death; however, this unnecessary plot device would have best been left out.

    "The Raven" hinges on this game of cat and mouse; consequently, leading to various run-ins with the killer and would be apprehensions. There are numerous scenes filled with gore and gruesome images to bring some sort of emotional effect to an otherwise lifeless story. A convincing atmosphere is never committed to and Poe's legacy simply becomes the subject of a poor attempt to fictionalize the tragic conclusion to a tragic existence.

    Similar to the real life events, Poe is last seen sitting on a park bench in a delusional state of mind. His last spoken words are tied into the film, as he conjures the name of "Reynolds" from his last breaths of insanity. I am sure by this point in his life, Edgar Allen Poe was not in a position to help anyone, especially to solve murders, let alone help himself escape a downward spiral of depression. The dark romanticism this man brought to literature will most certainly never be seen again. A beauty birthed from darkness nevermore.