The Raven Lands in Budapest

Budapest is currently providing the backdrop for a big-budget flick based on the life of gothic writer extraordinaire Edgar Allen Poe. The Raven stars John Cusack in the role of the cult author. The plot takes a fanciful look at the last few days of Poe's life. In the cinematic caper, a serial killer challenges the writer to solve a series of murders based on Poe's own macabre tales.

Although a fair amount of artistic license seems to have been taken, Poe's death remains a mystery. On October 3rd, 1849, he was found in a state of delirium outside a Baltimore tavern. Accounts suggest that he was wearing ill-fitting, ragged clothes that did not appear to belong him. He never full regained his senses, and died four days later at the age of 40.

Australian film-maker James McTeigue has taken up the director's baton. The Aussie ace has several notable hits to his credit. Besides working as assistant director on The Matrix trilogy, McTeigue was chief director on V for Vendetta, as well as the less critically acclaimed Ninja Assassin. The Raven is due for release in 2011.