Lincoln

Lincoln

                The plot of this film revolves around President Abraham Lincoln during the specific time near the end of the civil war.  We experience the stress and personal hardships or one of our country’s biggest historical figures as he fights to pass the 13^th amendment.   Personal, political and moral objections rise to hinder the constitutional amendment to free America’s slaves and Lincoln must personally address and conquer each.

                President Lincoln in portrayed by the incomparable Daniel Day-Lewis, and he is likely to gain another Oscar nomination this year.  His voice, demeanor and carriage match that of Lincoln with the subtlety and artistry we have come to expect from the two-time Oscar winner.  We also see Sally Field as Lincoln’s wife, Mary, David Straithairn as his Secretary of State, William Seward, and Tommy Lee Jones as the Senator Thaddeus Stevens.  The cast of supporting characters will reveal dozens of familiar faces as well.

                Because the film is directed by Steven Spielberg, it is spectacularly well made and emotionally powerful.  Also the viewer can be assured that it is very historically accurate.  Many of the dialogs in this film are real documented quotes from the characters that speak them.  If you are a fan of biopics, period/historical drama, Lincoln the man, or Performance-driven films then this is the movie for you.  Spielberg will likely pull lots more Oscar noms this year with Lincoln and if you like to watch the awards, this film will get you well on your way to having a vested interest in the outcomes.

                Personally, while I enjoyed this movie, and thought it was incredibly well-made, I am not super excited by it.  This film possesses the characteristic flawlessness of a Spielberg film and will likely reveal a lot of longevity.  I can see kids in high school watching this when they learn about Lincoln, the 13tha amendment or the civil war.  However, this film does not bring anything new to the world of film as art and does not challenge the viewer as much as I prefer.  That being said, this is a well-made entertaining film and I do recommend it.  If you are interested in it for Oscar season, you will likely have to see it in the theater since it is not likely to be out on DVD in time, if not then it would be just as enjoyable sitting on your couch as a noisy theater, so I would suggest waiting for RedBox.