Review of Lincoln (2012) by Tyler M — 05 Jun 2014

This movie chronicles the last little bit of the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he tries to end the Civil War and abolish slavery. Despite the fact that he's the president, it's going to be tough to convince everyone to do that.

This is, in my mind, the best film of the year. Better than Argo. It is a perfect example of having an unorthodox method of entertainment, that in the long run works out really well. By what I mean is that Steven Spielberg, perhaps my favourite movie director still alive, directs it, but it's not "Spielbergian," by which if you look at his repertoire, this one would seem more likely to me directed by another director. But with that, this is in my ten favourite Spielberg films ever.

Daniel Day-Lewis is phenomenal! He has the power to stand up for the right stuff with a commanding voice, but underneath he shows a more of an excessable side. One of which that he has a sense of humor and a warmth we would normally not see in people of high authority. Lincoln's stories he tells have a love/hate relationship with the other characters in the movie, but they still draw you in. Lincoln is regal and stoic, but he is also kindly. It's the best performance thus far in the decade. There's one particular scene where Tommy Lee Jones is electrying! Another great performance from another great actor. Sally Field is less so on the totem pole, but she is still a delight.

The supporting actors, which is a vast menagerie of actors all are great in their scenes, including David Straitharn, Hal Holbrook, Jackie Earle Haley, John Hawkes, Tim Blake Nelson and James Spader, who provides some comic relief in an otherwise dramatic movie.

Some people may say two and a half hours of speeches bores the audience eventually. Well, yeah it would. But this is Spielberg, remember. And a lot of the actors who play these arguments have interesting voices and faces and personalities, so it's dynamite watching certain people spar off with Mr. President. Besides, I would rather watch two and a half hours of speeches than three and a half hours of nonstop singing. *hint hint*.

All the technical aspects are great! And all done by Spielberg mainstays. Legend John Williams lovely score, along with Janusz Kaminski's great camerawork and Michael Kahn's nice editing. Rick Carter has some great sets and Joanna Johnston has great costumes.

With brilliant acting, dynamic scenes, great score, wonderful technical aspects but some scenes in the middle a little lacking, Lincoln is an excellent example of how a movie based on a thing we all know and seem new and relevant. It's not perfect, heaven forbid a movie should be perfect! But what this movie has to offer is too irresistable to past up, even if you just want to see DDL's third Oscar-winning performance.

**** out of ****.

FINAL VERDICT: 96%.