admin
insinuation the title makes, is not necessarily a biographical film so much as it is a historical analysis of two of the most important events in the history of the United States — the passage of the 13th Amendment and the end of the Civil War.
The movie does not focus on the life of Abraham Lincoln, but rather on his tremendous leadership in the final four months of his presidency.
Spielberg has a tendency to embellish and put forth films that are unbearably sentimental. He exercised great restraint and the final product is all the better as a result.
While a certain degree of Hollywood embellishment is inevitably present, the movie is surprisingly accurate and tells the story of a much different Lincoln from the immaculate hero that we came to admire in our youth. Daniel Day-Lewis, from the opening scene to the film’s poignant conclusion, does a brilliant job channelling the nation’s 16th president. His depiction of Lincoln is accurate, with very little in the way of frills.
Lincoln speaks with a weak, wispy voice, using language that sometimes reveals his humble, backwoods upbringing (although his grammar, for a home-schooled, 19th-century figure, puts most of us to shame).
As it ends up, Lincoln himself was not above dirty political tactics.
He conceals information from Congress and hires lobbyists to win over the support of some racist Democrats. Lincoln does not take this action without a tremendous deal of contemplation, however.
I could not help, but leave the theatre with a great appreciation for Lincoln’s amazing depth of thought and wisdom. At one point in the film, he roams the hallways of the White House at 3am pondering whether or not he should pardon some young deserters. Indeed, he spends much of his time contemplating; his political enemies interpret this as a lack of decisiveness and intelligence on the president’s part. As it ends up, he is much wiser than his enemies could even imagine.
After a while, the political dialogue ceased to be dry and actually became quite stimulating. For a movie based almost entirely on dialogue, it moves along at a surprisingly brisk pace. Perhaps more impressive is that the dialogue, which is not simplified, begins to draw the audience in.
Interestingly enough, the story itself, even largely devoid of frills, becomes intensely emotional.
In spite of the faintest hint of boredom I felt at the beginning of the movie, I became entranced. It was truly an inspiring sight to see the Congress, perhaps more divided than ours today, pass the 13th Amendment. It was inspiring to watch Lincoln at work, knowing that he was a president who was actually capable of working with his opposition. When president Barack Obama travels to John Boehner’s house late at night to discuss compromise, give me a call. He will not, but Lincoln would.
His invaluable leadership and wisdom shines through in the film, which gave me a newfound sense of appreciation for a president I had earlier considered to be overrated.
Then came the ending. I knew how it was going to end, and, going in, I did not care. I did not care because I did not think as highly of Lincoln as most others. Then I saw the movie and it made me aware of Lincoln’s great leadership abilities, of his importance in the history of this nation.
We were blessed with that man’s leadership, and I had considered him overrated. I was ashamed. I was depressed as I saw him leave the White House for the last time.
I was so emotionally attached, and President Lincoln has been dead for almost 150 years. Spielberg has put forth a movie that is truly emotionally engaging, and not because it is sentimental, but rather because it manages to evoke a very pure emotion from the audience.
I was not the only audience member who was truly entranced by the movie. In fact, the audience response to the film’s conclusion might be the most amazing experience I have ever had in a movie theatre. he movie ends with Lincoln reciting a portion of his second inaugural address. And then the screen fades, very slowly, to black. Every single person in the theater sat silent. I may have heard a pin drop. No one stood up. They simply sat, and contemplated.
“Lincoln” is one of the best movies I have seen in years. If Day-Lewis does not win Best Actor, the Academy has been in a year-long coma. If the movie does not win Best Picture, it should surely be runner-up, because it is truly a great American movie.
It serves as a reminder that we all are born with tremendous potential, that we all have a duty to serve our country. .
“Lincoln” has restored my faith in humanity.
President Lincoln once said that he dreamt of a “place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth”. I now know that we will see that day, because I believe there is a Lincoln within all of us.
I never should have doubted Spielberg.
Online Reporter