The nighttime settings used in the film are important in creating the mysterious atmosphere and sense of danger that the film thrives in. The filmmakers used lighting fixtures from the period to amplify the sets. As Lincoln's mother dies in her wooden cabin, the only light from a candle flickers, illuminating the horrific scene. Light amplifies the feeling of unease that a lonely cabin in the woods generates for modern people. Next, lanterns are used to illuminate key parts of the setting during Lincoln's first fight with a vampire. Only elements such as slave chains, dark boat moorings, and a slowly breaking wooden dock are shown. The projected light causes viewers to focus on objects that would cause a feeling of dread and fear and make the fight much more powerful. Objects that would be considered frightening and strange today but common during the Civil War period are also used to generate an aura of danger and horror. During a fight, Lincoln falls into a basement filled with rope, porcelain bowls and a straight razor. At the time, these were common household items, but immediately afterwards it is revealed that this was the scene of several murders. Each of these objects symbolizes death in popular culture and generates a dark atmosphere that foreshadows the horror that Lincoln was about to encounter. The combination of precise lighting to focus the viewer on certain objects on set and the symbolism those objects represent generates much of the film's atmosphere.