Unconvinced Brit

Rating: 7/10 (26 January 2013)

Well, I really don't know. This film really didn't move me. Somehow, the impression I'd got of Lincoln the man was more than what Daniel Day Lewis could muster for him. Nice casting for the film but it still struck a wrong note with me. Lewis too often portrayed him as a diminutive hunched and tired of life man. This is a pity because it may be because he was trying to capture the essence of the 19th century president whilst being surrounded by healthy, equivalently tall peers. The voice too is forced and squeaky. This is not commanding and domineering. Lincoln, a giant, immovably straight thinking juggernaut isn't to be found here. Sad, so you'll just have to keep your eyes closed and listen to the dialogue. This is mostly fair enough with the occasional trip into the preposterous. You know the story and know how this ends so you can leave before the end and not miss anything. Shame really that something better couldn't have been made to celebrate the absolutely extraordinary achievements of this unique man.