Daniel Day-Lewis gives a staggering performance in this wonderful historical drama "Lincoln". As always DDL is captivating on screen and has a presence no other living actor today can match. Just when I think I cannot forgive him for "The Last of the Mohicans" he proves yet again why he is the king of the screen.
The movie recounts President Lincoln's efforts to pass the thirteenth amendment, and all the complications that went with it. I'm usually not a fan of political movies, but this one has a mood, tempo, and style that was very enjoyable for me. The struggle that Lincoln had of passing the amendment was due to the complications of getting it passed in the House of Representatives. This included persuading many house Democrats who were not easily swayed. Some of my favorite moments of the film included James Spader and his band of political "lobbyists". They had the job of turning many of the house of representatives to voting for the amendment. It all sounds very complicated, but I promise, it's all explained very well (in case you're a political dummy like me).
Sally Fields, Tommy Lee Jones, and Joseph Gordon Levitt all give glorious performances, and I think their performances are the overall reason why this movie will do so well. Stephen Spielberg did a fine job with this film, mostly because the camera was exactly where it needed to be. A good example is when the president is waiting to send a telegraph, and wondering if he should send the message he has planned, or to go with his gut instincts and send a completely different message. The camera is in a strange angle and all we can see is the empty telegraph room with the two operators and the president. It is such a powerful moment, and it emphasized the emptiness of the room so well that when the president tells a story it seemed as if he were asking for advice from the two operators.
This film made me believe the power this man had. You felt as if you were in the white house with him at some times. Every character seemed so real and tangible that you were very invested in their situation and problems. I think I prefer movies that make me want to learn more about the history behind them. This movie made me want to learn more about politics in general and President Lincoln in particular.
If Daniel Day-Lewis doesn't go home with an Oscar, I will be very surprised. Overall this movie is a triumph, my only criticism is that some of the points were a bit complicated, and I can foresee many people not being able to get into the film due to that. It can be a bit jumbled, and the characters are hard to keep track of, but I think everyone should give it a chance. I give it four out of four stars.
Andrea gave it three and a half stars because the movie didn't really stick to her like it did to me. She had also taken a class this semester where they studied Lincoln in depth, and I guess it just wasn't living up to her expectations. Don't get her wrong, she loved the movie, just not as much as me. ;)
Wyn's Review:
Andrea's Review:
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