Never had a convincing image of the living Lincoln in my head until now

Rating: 9/10 (18 November 2012)

I moved to central Illinois, where Lincoln road the judicial circuit, almost 30 years ago. I've been to most of the historical sites and read a fair amount of what Lincoln wrote over the years, much of it impressive and intriguing. What could the real man have been like? Few of those currently in prominence here have even faintly suggest his greatness, so living here is really of little help. The climate is pleasant though we still occasionally experience some mighty winter storms. Crops grow very well but the land is too flat for most. Could any of that have contributed to his unique character?
I've always had trouble imagining Lincoln making his rounds, taking my neighbor's ancestors as clients. I was sure I would die never knowing anything like the truth; for some reason we would forever be denied knowing the man.
I was wrong. Daniel Day-Lewis has somehow managed to bring the man to life, even for me, an admirer with a demanding attitude about any such portrayal. To be sure, he doesn't do it alone. Spielberg has recreated the period with economy and true artistry. The script is unflinchingly intelligent and many of the supporting actors give some of their best performances, ever. It's not perfect, however. I could quibble about two of Spielberg's (I presume) choices in particular, but those perceived errors pale in comparison to the whole of his achievement. It's magnificent and deserving of far more patronage than indicated by its gross receipts.
At its end I was amazed at how quickly it all went by; this is not that easy a movie to absorb. And yet I never once felt it getting tedious or overbearing. In short, I would have to concede, there's no question this is the year's best movie.