Film: Lincoln

A love letter to arguably America’s greatest President, the man who freed the slaves and ended the Civil War. Steven Spielberg apparently did research on this film for 12 years to attempt to create the most realistic portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, the time doesn’t feel wasted. 

Centering on the months leading up to the controversial 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, Lincoln has to convince enough people to support the Amendment so that it will passed before the war is over; as the Southern states would surely reject it. Spielberg’s main and only choice for the role, Daniel Day-Lewis portrays Lincoln as a warm, passionate man; immersing himself fully in the character. The film features him as an almost grandfather like figure, a wise man who loves telling stories. One scene sees a member of his cabinet storm out remarking that he doesn’t want to hear a story, Lincoln carrying on as soon as he has slammed the door. While a darker side is hinted at, particularly in a scene where he threatens to send his wife to an insane asylum, Spielberg seems much more interested in portraying a idealistic view of the character. Day-Lewis is definitely my choice for Best Actor at this year’s Academy Awards.

Almost unilaterally focusing on Lincoln, the film almost seems to forget about it supporting cast at times. David Strathairn stands out as his Secretary of State, William Seward, hitting Lincoln with some harsh truths that he isn’t willing to face. He remains Lincoln’s strongest supporter and friend even when he doesn’t believe in his plans to introduce the 13th Amendment. Sally Field as Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, is a slightly exaggerated women, yet feels true to the First Lady who is famous for her insanity. Joseph Gordon-Levitt feels underused as Lincoln’s eldest son Robert, although maybe that’s just because I have always been a huge fan of him. Tommy Lee Jones plays his character with an understated quality, hiding a rage underneath and a real desire to abolish slavery. The reveal of why he has been fighting so strongly to free slaves at the film’s ends is one of it’s sweetest moments.

Spielberg creates a beautiful film, a scene of Lincoln awaiting the vote looks like a magnificent water colour painting. He crafts a brilliant tale of Lincoln’s final act as President, ending on the assassination that cut his second term far too short.