Stunning, Amazing and superbly crafted history

Rating: 9/10 (2 March 2003)

OK so I'm lame, I finally made it to the theater to see this film.
I was amazed. Scorcese pulls few punches in this historical epic. Daniel Day Lewis gave a truly Oscar worthy performance. I could almost imagine Scorcese wishing he could cast a younger Robert DeNiro (but even he would not have improved on DDL's work)
While I was watching the film I found myself thinking that, were I a history teacher, this film would be required viewing for my students. Of course, without historical perspective, it would be a confusing mess. I had the fortune of just finishing John C. Waugh's excellent "Reelecting Lincoln: The Battle for the 1864 Presidency". {I recommend this book to anyone interested in our nation and the Civil War.} This film takes place in 1864. So I was chock full of historical perspective. I nearly found myself giddy.

When the character Horace Greeley was mentioned I knew what his views were on Lincoln, the Civil War, the Irish and slavery. I felt like I was almost "in" on this film.
Scorcese rightly avoids the Hollywood trap of trying to simply blame the situation on one people, one party or one ethnic group. Instead, he has more than enough blame and scorn to cast about so all are equally stung. This reflects the reality of that historical period.
Let's talk about DiCaprio. I was astonished how good he was in "Catch Me If You Can". This film kicks it up a notch to use the parlance of our times. He was very, very good and I feel he was snubbed by the Academy.

Cameron Diaz. When I first saw her gorgeous face on the screen, I thought "There goes my suspension of disbelief." In a movie where few people looked attractive at least to modern jaded eyes, she was radiant. I have to be honest. She gave her best performance to date in this film and it was one she can be proud of. John C. Reilly was his usual excellent self. Brendan Gleeson and Liam Neeson were superb in small but important roles. Jim Broadbent was so damn good I forgot he was acting and just thought of him as William "Boss" Tweed.
But even with all these star performances, Scorcese is the real star of the show. He manages to bring real emotion to scenes with rhythm and composition and musical choices. He successfully pulls off with scenes that I just don't see other directors even attempting.
If you haven't seen it yet (and I think I must be the last) hurry and catch it on the big screen. Take it from me you'll be glad you did.