Lincoln (2012)

“Lincoln” is the retelling of Lincoln’s struggle to pass the 13th amendment to the constitution through the house of representatives; banning slavery or involuntary servitude in the USA. A very daunting task, for the radicals, up against the majority of confederates, conservatives, and democrats who did not want the bill passed. He is also dealing with issues within his family; his wife, Mary is suffering from great emotional stress due to her son, Robert’s great urge to join the army. 

The historical accuracy of the film has been commended: ‘... “Lincoln” is that rare thing, good history and great cinema at once.” -Matt Brennan, writing in “The Indie Wire.” James M. Mcpherson, a professor at Princeton University, is a Civil war historian who provided backround for the film; he among others contributed to historical accuracy of the film. He says that he thinks Danial Day-Lewis’s performance as Lincoln is the most realistic he’s seen. 

My favorite scenes in the movie were; when Lincoln says: “Do we choose to be born? Or do we fit into the times we’re born into?” and when Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones) gives his excellent speech defending, under false pretenses, that all men are not created equal; but they are all equal under the law. 

Some things about the movie will probably surprise movie-goers; we think of Lincoln as a very innocent, pure, humble man. But, in the film, he uses profanity and makes a couple dirty/harsh jokes which disconcert and confuse the people he tells; it’s very funny but a little shocking. 

I thought the best performances were by Daniel-Day Lewis as Lincoln, Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens, and Sally Field as his pathetic and emotional but loyal wife. Tommy Lee Jones really brought out the excellence of the screen play; with his snappy retorts and empowering speeches. Daniel-Day Lewis was perfection as Lincoln; from all that we know of him, it was incredibly realistic. Sally Field is very truthful to her role and seems very believable as Lincoln’s wife. Joseph Gordon-Levitt also gives a great performance; as usual, but in a smaller part as Lincoln’s son, Robert who wants and feels an obligation to join the army against his mother’s will and emotional health. 

In the whole, the movie was amazing, and very well structured. The score, by John Williams, undoubtedly helped the believability of the film and the atmosphere. And of course, direction by Steven Spielberg never fails to amaze. He brought out the most noble but also human aspects of Lincoln, in an unusual and impressive way. I loved the movie and thought it was superbly done.

A+ 

Lucy