Lincoln
2012
150 mins
Starring
Daniel Day Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones and David Strathairn
Screenplay
by Tony Kushner
Directed
by Steven Spielberg
As the
Civil War continues to rage, America's president struggles with continuing
carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on
the decision to emancipate the slaves. [IMDb]
Upon
seeing the first stills from the set of this movie, I had a feeling it would be
a masterpiece. Daniel Day Lewis in full Lincoln costume – uncanny resemblance.
Those stills and the previews that followed proved my hunch right. Spielberg
honored Lincoln, arguably our greatest president, with a delicate respect and
truthfulness. By relying on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s weighty tome “Team of
Rivals,” Spielberg was certain to make film history. Source material aside,
this film might not have been as masterfully crafted if not for Spielberg’s careful
and dedicated direction.
As for
the cast – it’s hard to imagine better. I think Daniel Day Lewis was born to
play this role. At times, he disappeared into Lincoln and I was certain I was
watching Lincoln himself. Day Lewis’ portrayal afforded us a look at Lincoln’s
sense of humor, innate gift for telling stories, and affectionate
character. Day Lewis turned Lincoln from
a political icon into a human being.
Sally
Fields, who fought hard for this role despite the 10-year age difference
between her and Day Lewis, was also remarkable. The tired, old POV of Mary Todd
Lincoln as a hysterical, irrational woman is now cast aside. Instead, we’re
given what is probably a more accurate picture of Mrs. Lincoln: A woman struck
with grief over the untimely death of her middle son. A woman who was not
afraid to mourn in a time period when prolonged grief was often misconstrued
for madness. Fields delved deeper into Mrs. Lincoln’s personality, producing a
feisty, outspoken and fiercely devoted mother and wife.
Other
standouts – Tommy Lee Jones and James Spader. I won’t discuss their roles too
much, because the former’s payoff is truly rewarding and the latter’s humorous
turns are a total treat. If I had anything at all negative to say, it would be
only that the historical figures portrayed are many and we might have
benefitted from better identification and a touch more back story. But, that’s
nothing cracking open a book won’t cure. Overall, I think this movie will stand
at the apex of biopics. Any future filmmakers and actors who attempt to tackle
the story and roles in the future will have a very difficult time surpassing
this incredible feat.
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