Shall We Stop This Bleeding?

Rating: 7/10 (18 November 2012)

After nearly two decades in production limbo, the story of Abraham Lincoln arrives on the big screen courtesy of Steven Spielberg. Lincoln— which could more appropriately be titled The 13th Amendment—shows the trials surmounted by our sixteenth president in ratifying the Constitution in order to abolish slavery. Though the film's focus is chiefly on this particular amendment's passage, the scope of the film is nothing short of magnificent.
Daniel Day-Lewis personifies Lincoln, characterizing him as an imposing figure in stature, but a jovial, soft-spoken leader of an adoring public. Day-Lewis has garnered recent prestige for his grand, ominous roles as Bill the Butcher in Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York, and Daniel Plainview in Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood (Best Actor Nomination, and Win respectively). However, as the titular character in Lincoln, Day-Lewis's methods are subtle and reserved. He does not impose himself upon each scene, but rather observes silently: speaking only when articulation is necessary or a humorous anecdote will rouse his compatriots. Though he expresses less grandeur in this portrayal than previous outings, Day-Lewis is as brilliant playing Abraham Lincoln as ever.
Day-Lewis isn't the only one whose acting abilities should be commemorated though. Lincoln is brimming with astonishing character actors. Tommy Lee Jones embodies Thaddeus Stevens, a stringent abolitionist, and vicious tongued debater. Jones is sure to reap numerous award nominations for his fierce portrayal of the reluctant Stevens. James Spader, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Hawkes play a trio of seedy contractors charged with persuading several Democrats to adopt Mr. Lincoln's cause. The scenes containing this trio are thick with humor, and contain some of the best dialogue in the film. If nothing else comes of this terrific film besides Spader increasing his presence in cinema, it will not be a waste. David Strathairn, Hal Holbrook, and Jackie Earl Haley showcase their impressive talents in this film. Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies) is superbly wretched as Fernando Wood, one of the main opponents to the anti-slavery legislation. Another actor certain to receive some acclaim for her depiction is Sally Field. Field plays Mary Todd Lincoln, the depressed, yet supportive, wife of Lincoln. She shares a few overwrought scenes with Day-Lewis that remind the audience that Abraham is not the only Lincoln being studied here. A particular scene shows her matching barbs with Jones, and winning out against his imposing character. Lincoln is filled with actors whose names may slip your mind presently, but you are sure to recognize in future films.
Spielberg creates an intriguing political drama with Lincoln. He paints a delicate portrait of Abraham Lincoln, but also manages to infuse the film with a pounding political momentum. The script for Lincoln was crafted by Tony Kushner (Angels in America, Munich). Kushner and Spielberg create Congressional hearings that are fascinating to behold. Some of the greatest scenes in this film are void of Lincoln, and concern the fiery debates between members of the House of Representatives. It's as if someone has switched to an exciting presentation of C-SPAN, or an actual meeting of the Houses of Parliament.
Lincoln does have a few brief lifeless moments: the beginning is ridiculously heavy-handed, and the closing segments feel entirely unnecessary. Seated near me during the showing was a young boy; when the credits close after Lincoln has been declared dead, he declared: "I knew he was going to get shot in the head." I couldn't help but chuckle. He highlighted an interesting point though: It feels excessive to include Lincoln's demise. We are all aware of his death, and it isn't handled in an interesting way, but rather shoehorned in at the close. It's almost as though Spielberg, or a studio executive, figured audiences wouldn't know about one of the most infamous assassinations in history. Although for a brief few minutes in the beginning of this film, as well as the close, there is a dry spell; the majority of Lincoln thrives.
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