Killing Lincoln

[BettyO]

All I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW !!!!

In ALL seriousness, I must say that viewing Killing Lincoln last night was a absolute treat - as it will be for ANY Lincoln Assassination buff. All those seated around me spoke enthusiastically about how absolutely grand this production is -


I wholeheartedly agree. For ONCE, a production has finally gotten the Lincoln Assassination down on film correctly! And I must also say that it was with the most pleasant and consciousness film crew I've ever had the distinct pleasure to work with! The attention to detail and historical accuracy is astounding. The fact of whether or not JWB broke his leg jumping onto the stage or from a fall from his skittish mare is discussed and left up to the viewer - little details of JWB placing his half-smoked cigar in Ford's box office is also shown - it is my impression that this is what MAKES for good history; the little details which are so vividly shown in this wonderful film. The date of the Herndon House meeting is given as APRIL 13, 1865 - again, also good attention to detail.

Also, it's nice to see a JWB who can ride a horse.

Powell's stabbing of Seward is absolutely chilling. We cut from JWB going into Ford's to Powell approaching the Old Club House. JWB's hand on the rail flashes to Powell's hand on the rail as he mounts the stairs against the wishes of William Bell. This is the first real production where Bell actually has a good role - again, something new and makes for an interesting perspective! I found myself whispering as Powell goes up the staircase, "Don't do it! Don't!"

The scene is absolutely horrific as Powell rampages throughout the house and then seemingly as he is going out the door seems to come to himself with a low keyed "I'm MAD!" as though he cannot believe what he has done. He walks slowly out of the house after attacking Hansell on the stairs as if in shock. Bell pursues him.

This is really good, good stuff! Congratulations to Erik Jendresen,Adrian Moat and Mark Hertzog for a job extremely well done!!

Cut to JWB at Ford's. He walks through the upper balcony, pauses at a seemingly engaged Parker, enthralled with watching the play and then peers into the hole in the door of the box. He braces the door.

We see Mary Lincoln grasp Lincoln's hand with "What will Miss Harris think of my holding on to you so?" Lincoln's smile as he softly says, "She won't think anything of it." And there, menacingly behind the loving couple stands Booth, deep in the shadows, derringer and knife at the ready.

Sets, costumes, everything, is wonderful! Mary Lincoln wears a bonnet in one scene which, if I were still doing Civil War reenacting, I would DIE for! The sets all have the proper period look - and the lighting and CGI backgrounds in certain scenes rivals Spielberg's in his own Lincoln.

All in all folks, this is an extremely impressive film!

I sat with John Elliott and Mike Kauffman. We agreed that this was the most impressive production we had ever seen filmed on the assassination.

I will attend the Richmond Premiere tonight and I'll fill in more tomorrow.


Please set yourself down next Sunday, February 17 and get ready for a treat such as you'd never expect in a film about the Assassination.

This is definitely one NOT to be missed!

Roger - wait until you see your NAME in the credits on the big screen!!

Photos to follow......