Lincoln

Rating: 10/10 (18 December 2012)

Lincoln, is a film that works on several different levels much to my delight. As a film about a famous historical figure, a drama and an involving character study as well. Because most people will have probably learned about Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation in history class and many other details about Lincoln, some of this story will seem familiar because of facts we have learned over the years from textbooks and grade school and high school classes. However the film offers a lot more about Lincoln, that I had ever contemplated, or basically knew before going into the film. The film basically does focus on Lincoln, as he is in his second term as president and the civil wars has been going on for a couple of years now. Henceforth the decision to abolish slavery and put an end to the civil war. Historically, I do not know all the little minor details and things that some historians, may, or may not have a problem with. Being a Canadian, I only know so much American history and I felt that I walked away from this film having learned more and appreciated more than I did going in. Whether this was because the film was carefully researched and displayed the facts and evidence carefully, or because it was a well put together and powerful film, or perhaps both that satisfied both my film critique of the film, but also gave me food for thought and helped fill in some of the background of American history that I had only ever had a basic concept of before. Having said that let me share with you some of the things that I did not know about and thought the film tenderly and affectionately brought to the screen. Abraham Lincoln, is seen here not as an overly complex, or difficult character to figure out, but I really liked that about the film. He is seen as a calm and soft spoken man who generally seems to care and have empathy and compassion for those around him. He seems to be slow to anger even though he does have occasional moments of anger and frustration trying to get this bill passed. We see that he loves his wife, but there is some distance between them, perhaps even lost love over an event that we learn in the film has grieved both of their hearts and unfortunately maybe had an affect on their marriage and feelings about one another as well. Then we have quiet scenes where we see Lincoln, playing with his young son and just the respect and love they have for each other. Those scenes I found particularly heartfelt and beautiful. The film does portray Lincoln, in an honored and respected view and going by the film I can completely see why they did that. Here is a man who is president of one of the largest and most powerful countries in the world. He has a lot of responsibility, a lot he has to get done and probably a lot of stress and pressure to deal with. However, he does not brush off his family, or have an arrogance to him, or even a sense of entitlement, or prestige that he thinks he is better than others. He seems to identify with the common man and woman of that time and we see that in the way he talks, behaves and perhaps how he is governing the country. I marveled at Daniel Day Lewis's brilliant performance of the president. It is not just a great performance because he looks and sounds like him. There is so much more to it than that. Just his posture and his soft voice and the fact that he can become so passionate about something and almost be in a rage and then the moments where he is laughing over an amusing story, or anecdote to where he quietly and lovingly plays with his youngest son. There is so much range, depth and emotion in this performance and Lewis makes us believe he is this man and he makes us have respect and love for him not just because he is a good man, but because he makes him believable and relatable. The supporting performances I all really enjoyed as well, particularly Tommy Lee Jones's performance also. The film looks authentic and though it is a slower paced film, I felt it captures the audience's attention because of the performances, the detail to authenticity and because of a story that is filled with engrossing and captivating characters and events and sometimes some great humorous scenes as well. I loved knowing more about Lincoln, both with his presidency and the legacy of his work, but also really appreciated getting to know him with the people that surround him, whether it be his family, co-workers, or people who have, or maybe even didn't vote for him as well. A powerful and affectionate portrayal that is not forced or sappy and emotional, but allows us to care because of these real people whose lives we can identify with before us and the passion and technique that went to bringing it to the screen. One of the best films of 2012.