An Inspiring Look at Both the Congressional System as Well as The Lincoln Legend

Rating: 9/10 (19 December 2017)

The opening shot is a brutal and devastating look at the Civil War. In the rain, men slaughter each other as blood mixes with the mud. In a remarkably bold scene, Spielberg sets the stage for the state of the nation at the advent of the 13th Amendment, without ever having to return to the bloodshed of the War. (Something I am certain he is capable of, see the first 27 minutes of "Saving Private Ryan") The rest of the film is remarkably tame if compared to that first scene, so the drive must be found elsewhere. Similar to the Oscar-bait films of the past few years, "Lincoln" is driven by passive drama through the struggle to pass the 13th Amendment (a common, yet effective film trope) and awe inspiring character work. The ceaselessly perfect Daniel Day-Lewis disappears into the role of Lincoln, with myself during first viewing taking numerous double-takes to see that that was indeed an actor and not a stunningly crafted CGI Lincoln, a la Peter Cushing in last year's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story". Lewis turns in one of his best performances this time around, perfecting the mannerisms and indescribable subtle awkwardness of the legendary president. Yet even Lewis is eclipsed by the scene-stealing role of Thaddeus Stevens played to perfection by an ever belligerent Tommy Lee Jones. Being of a younger audience, this was a dramatic turn from the straight-man comedic of the MIB series, and Jones blended into the role of Stevens. His crass attitude and defiant stature allows Jones to create a gruff, outspoken congressional legend. Filling out the supporting cast are memorable takes on legends like Secretary Seward (David Strathairn), journalist W.N. Bilbo (James Spader) and of course Mary Todd Lincoln (Sally Field). Hal Holbrook as Preston Blair, founder of the Republican Party, was a particularly excellent casting choice. Holbrook had a storied career playing Lincoln and playing the founder of the party Lincoln made famous was a suitable way to round out his career and dance with Lincoln. My one doubt on the casting end was Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Robert Lincoln. While Gordon-Levitt is one of my favorite actors and makes every project he stars in sparkle, he seemed to stand out as Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a film which held great strength in its historical accuracy; with the actors becoming their roles and not standing out as the Hollywood legends they are. That one blemish on such an historically accurate film was made negligent by the astonishing costumes and historical set pieces. The focus on the time period did numbers on the plot which revolved around one off the greatest congressional battles in history. "Lincoln" is one of the most accurate political dramas I've witnessed save "The West Wing". The backroom deals were brilliantly filmed and staged as to always seem exciting. Shots of back alleyways and smokey Senate offices perfectly encapsulated the atmosphere of 1860's Washington. The push and shove of swing votes never seemed trivial and stakes, while rarely seen, were well established and brought high drama in what easily could've been a bland retelling of the story. An especially pleasing subplot that placed extra stakes (and humor!) to the film was the delegation from Richmond. Their constant delay and interactions with General Grant found me chuckling at times and their very existence brought serious twists into the congressional workings in the A-plot. One key player, and personal idol of mine, Salmon P. Chase was completely left out of the story sadly. As a Radical Republican like Stevens and a Cabinet member like Seward, it seems ridiculous he was not included within the story. By and by this is a phenomenal historical film which stunningly exceeds the expectations of a seemingly unstoppable trio. Steven Spielberg, 3-time Oscar Winner Daniel Day-Lewis, and our most legendary president, Abraham Lincoln.