Lincoln

Welcome to another episode of Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is Lincoln.

Directed by Steven Spielberg.

Written by Tony Kushner.

Based in part by the book "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" written by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Review #192

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language.

Run Time: 147 min

Cast

Daniel Day-Lewis...Abraham Lincoln

Sally Field...Mary Todd Lincoln

David Strathairn...William Seward

Joseph Gordon-Levitt...Robert Lincoln

James Spader...W.N. Bilbo

Hal Holbrook...Preston Blair

Tommy Lee Jones...Thaddeus Stevens

John Hawkes...Robert Latham

Jackie Earle Haley...Alexander Stephens

Bruce McGill...Edwin Stanton

Tim Blake Nelson...Richard Schell

Joseph Cross...John Hay

Jared Harris...Ulysses S. Grant


Abraham Lincoln is unquestionably one of American history's most polarizing figures. No matter what side of the fence you stand on that last statement. The fact remains that it's a fact. Plain and simple. The problem with history in general is that it's very hard to prove or disprove what took place during that time.

It reminds me of two sayings that have stuck with me when it comes to history.

1) History is written by the winners.

The second one comes from the film The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance starring Jimmy Stewart.

2) When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.

That one's my favorite because it's the truest expression and explanation of history. We've all heard stories about historical figures or events that were "tweaked" to improve or weaken the strength of the story and the people involved.

No historical dignitary is immune to this practice. Including one of this countries most famous president's. From the accounts of his height to him slaying vampires. Honest Abe has become a form of pop culture. OK, I was kidding about the vampires. My point is that thanks to three people. Steven Spielberg, Tony Kushner and Daniel Day Lewis.

We all have a movie about Lincoln worth watching.

Plot

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. 

So what is is about this film that makes it watchable? Three words.

Daniel Day Lewis.

Of course you all should have seen that coming.

The two-time Oscar winner is known as one of the most selective actors in the film industry, having starred in only five films since 1997, with as many as five years between roles. Does this carry any specific meaning? Yes and no. The bigger point to make is because of Lewis' picky nature, if he does decide to be in your film you are going to get the absolute best out of him. That will automatically give your project some serious credibility. Now I'm not suggesting that he's the only actor that goes the extra mile when performing or taking roles. I am saying that a man who's as talented as he is surely in the highest demand and to be in the position to just sit back and have scripts handed to you is a power that very few in the business carry. It's a power that he deserves to have after turning in some of the finest performances in recent memory.

I'm still scared to death of Daniel Plainview and the man doesn't exist.

As he's done with all of his roles, Lewis completely and absolutely immerses himself in the character. The man truly was Abraham Lincoln in almost every conceivable detail. From his deliberate gait, to the slight hunched over posture to his imposing stature when he does stand at attention. It's as close as you can get to the real man. But the finest part of Lewis performance came from his ability to express impeccable patience in the face of adversity. Adversity that came at him from all fronts. His administration, his family and the dueling parties.

The scene that best exhibits this is one of the many meetings Lincoln has with his people and representatives of the Democratic party. After letting the warring parties go back and forth Lincoln finally loses it and makes his point in as forceful a manner as you could get without flipping over the table in the room. He reminds everyone that even though he needs bi partisan support to get the 13th amendment passed that he's still the commander in chief. He does that with one simple line that resonated through me as he uttered it.

"I'm the president of the United States, clothed in immense power!"

Awesome.

Of course none of this is possible without the support and performances of the rest of the cast. On both sides of the argument, both parties make cases for their support or opposition of the 13th. This is what ultimately drives the film. Lincoln can only do so much here. The momentum of the film is carried through the "fighting" government bodies. What made this movie so good was the feeling of a running clock. Lincoln wanted and needed the amendment to be passed by a certain date. I won't say why but if you remember your history you know the reason. That hustle to get it done was felt throughout the film that at times gets very slow.

Slow in this case doesn't necessarily mean dragging. We're not talking about that horrendous vampire hunter film. Apart from some quick scenes of the civil war going on, there was no action in this film. The true action in Lincoln came from the infighting between political parties and the back alley games that are played to gain or lose favor with swing voters. If the film drags at all, you could make the case that it does when the characters make speeches. The dialogue in Lincoln gets preachy at times. Lincoln among other high profile men pontificate when making their points. It felt like a bit of over kill at some spots but you forget about that when seeing the performance behind the monologue.

If there's a gripe to be had concerning the plot. I would say it's the lack of attention to some other sub plots that play through the main story. This is mainly focus at the mini drama surrounding Lincoln and his family. He has a crisis of conscience when dealing with his oldest son wanting to join the army. The dynamic runs it's course but it feels short changed while the debate over the 13th amendment rages on.

This was a tricky path because Spielberg's latest batch of films all had that one draggy stretch in them that brought down the film's overall stock. Lincoln isn't exempt but it felt like it was. Perhaps it was the subject matter or the time period but it didn't have the same sensation. Another aspect of the film that I really enjoyed was the music or lack of to be more exact. John Williams is one of the best composers in this industry. Having said that Spielberg tends to let his music drive through scenes that in my opinion don't need them. I can't explain why that is other than personal preference but in this case the score was very limited and it did the film a major service. The energy and emotion of some of the scenes that were score less were so compelling that I shutter to think how they would have sounded with Williams' orchestral tones flowing through it.

Bottom line, I liked Lincoln a lot more than I expected to. It's surely in line for Oscar consideration. Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor are most likely candidates. Normally I would go ahead and anoint Lewis as the Best Actor winner but it's way too early to make that call. H's probably the front runner right now but we all know there's a hidden gem out there that could unseat the favorite. It was a fabulous performance but not the best of his career. He's already had that with Daniel Plainview.

Regardless, this was a film worth watching for Lewis' performance and the sweeping story that surrounded him throughout. Spielberg went back to some of his old school tricks that made him the film maker he is today and it paid off big time here.

On the 5 star scale. Lincoln gets 4 stars with a "Worth Every Penny!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is Red Dawn.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"