Released nationwide earlier today on November 16, 2012 -- this biographical war drama was
directed and produced by the always critically and commercially successful Steven Spielberg.
The story of America's 16th president is an immensely fascinating and storied one, but
unfortunately this lengthy 150 minute period film instead focuses on a single month, January
1965.
The drama and history surrounding the 13th amendment to the US Constitution, which sought
to abolish slavery is examined in painstaking detail - with much of this script playing
out like a rejected West Wing script set in the 19th century.
Amounting to little more than talking heads for the duration, the overwrought and endless
exposition in "Lincoln" will turn off many viewers; even if it is expertly delivered
and historically fascinating.
Unfairly labeled and advertised as a Lincoln biopic, this feature hardly comes close.
In the title role, two-time Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis is remarkably convincing
as the soft-spoken, but steadfast war-time president -- the veteran actor entirely disappears
into the role, delivering dozens of inspiring and moving monologues.
Although he's given little to do beyond talking and staring off into the distance, he pulls
off the performance so well, he'll most likely score himself another Oscar nomination.
As first lady, Sally Field is mostly regulated to complaining about her dead son in the few
scenes she appears.
But since we're never introduced to the late William Lincoln, or witness to any semblance
of a relationship within the first family, it's hard to get involved in what is a rather
emotionally empty picture.
Although it's brilliantly directed by Spielberg, and soulfully scored by John Williams: this
disappointing picture sort of listlessly meanders from one scene into the next without much
driving the plot other than the aforementioned focus on the slavery amendment.
The enormous expert-caliber supporting is insulting under-utilized: seasoned actors
like Hal Holbrook, Joseph-Gordon Levitt, Bruce McGill, Gregory Itzin, Jackie Earle Haley,
David Stratham all stand around like background players with little to do or say for most
of the picture.
The notable exceptions are Tommy Lee Jones as the ambitiously uncompromising Thaddeus
Stevens, who is dissatisfied with the amendment because it doesn't go far enough -- and James
Spader as a portly character called upon to procure votes, who's wild delivery and mannerisms
truly let the three-time Emmy-award winner shine.
With a majority of the picture taking place within White House and Capitol building, the
period-accurate costumes, lighting, and locations lend greatly to this picture's authenticity:
even if some occasionally jarring jump-cut style edits took me out of the moment.
A hurried attempt to include Lincoln's assassination at the end of this movie only serves to weaken
the overall purpose of the narrative: up until the 2-hour-mark this film had nothing to do
with Lincoln's personal life: why start now?
Considering the scope and importance of the subject material, and the ridiculously talented
list of people involved: I expected much more here, but I was sadly disappointed.
For it's many faults, dense and lengthy script, and unfocused story though: "Lincoln" is still,
"Intriguing historical politics, little else".
Now let's see what you had to say about this picture in the YouTube comments.
The rate-o-matic for "Lincoln"... a NINE and a FIVE.
Rarely are we so far apart on a feature, but those that saw this movie early commended
the beautiful cinematography, and of course, Daniel's acting - you thought it was awesome.
I too thought the acting and visuals were terrific: but the almost pompous treatment
of such weighty political themes didn't help any: it's only enjoyable as a fascinating
history lesson.
I thought it was alright.