A great movie for a great man

Rating: 9/10 (21 January 2013)

From the opening scene to the final monologue I was astonished at this masterpiece of a film. Spielberg has done it yet again, but let's get something straight here, this isn't a Saving Private Ryan crazy action, edge of your seat Civil War movie. This is a dialogue driven drama on one of the greatest men our history has ever seen, and his emotional and internal struggle to change the course of American history forever. Now, moving on...
Daniel Day-Lewis. Wow. I can't say enough for his performance as Lincoln, from his emotional, heartfelt monologues to his comical stories, he was absolutely magnificent. Every time he was on screen I found myself wanting to just hear him speak or go off on a rant or say another one of his poetic monologues. I've heard complaints from people that his voice wasn't deep enough and that took away from their experience watching him. I thought his higher pitched take on Lincoln's voice was a.) more accurate, and b.) more fittingly portrayed how Lincoln wasn't this intimidating, fear striking leader, but more of a gentle, humble, and respecting giant of a man. In all his interactions with the other characters, this is outstandingly portrayed by Mr. Day-Lewis. It would be an absolute shame if he doesn't win the Oscar for this.
Sally Field as Mrs. Lincoln was quite amazing herself. Her range from a strong wife and mother to a low, outrageously depressed woman is acted spot on. You could see the pain in her eyes as well as the effort to hide it as well.
Joseph Gordon Levitt, though in a minor role, also had his moments of greatness in the movie as well. Overall, there wasn't a single actor who lagged behind the others, and this made Day-Lewis's performance all the more mesmerizing.
John William's score was subtle yet excellent, though I must say there were many important and impacting scenes without his score at all, which I found interesting yet incredible as well, which just shows how rich the dialogue is and how the music of their words are all the audience needs.
The sets and the wardrobe were so good they became simply second nature, which is what I believe to be an accomplishment when you are transported to another time, and it achieves it finely. The look of it all with the photo worthy shots had sort of a dark-esque dreamy look to it, reminding me of something of a new dawn approaching. Something I found appropriate for the film.
The story was executed brilliantly, as it is no easy feat to make a memorable climax to which everyone in the audience knows the ending to. We all very well know how this movie ends, but the film shows the path, the toll, the hardships it took to get there. And as in many things, it is not the destination that matters, but the path it took to get there, and such is the case with this great movie for a great man.