Hagiographic, but Day-Lewis is predictably excellent

Rating: 8/10 (19 April 2016)

Americian opposition to slavery in the south was initially mainly founded on the fears of northerners of economic competition, rather than lofty thoughts about the rights of man. As a politician, Abraham Lincoln had to broker compromise with many factions to win power, stay in power and (after a refusal to compromise led to civil war) to ultimately lead the country on a path back to peace. As ever when compromise has to be made, one can question whether the decision has been made for the best. Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' explores some of these questions but in a not altogether satisfactory manner: the President we meet in this film is unquestionably both good and wise at all times. One would learn more respect for Lincoln in a story which at least offered us alternative narratives, ones in which Lincoln's behaviour or motives could be faulted. That said, Daniel Day Lewis is (somewhat predictably) excellent in the lead role, although it's not the first film I've seen him dominate while the rest of the cast genuflects. For a long movie, it's bravely talk-y, and as someone with a strong interest in politics, I liked the film. What it doesn't really do is explain why anyone else (whether abolitionist or confederate) was ever opposed to him.
A final point: to convey Lincoln's death (he was shot in a theatre) with a scene which shows news of his assassination being conveyed to another theatre seems a decision so strange I find it impossible to understand.