The Oscar race has just begun, but it's already all but over.

Rating: 10/10 (20 November 2012)

It may be premature to say, but I think the Oscar race is already over.
"Lincoln," Steven Spielberg's latest opus which focuses on the final four months of Abraham Lincoln's life, the focal point being his greatest accomplishment, the abolishment of slavery in the United States in January of 1865 and the end of the Civil War, has every element imaginable to render it possibly unbeatable for a slew of Golden statuettes.
First and foremost, there is Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role. His transformation into America's 16th President is, for lack of a better word, uncanny. I would not for an instant lay claim to knowing very much about the Lincoln in any way, shape or form, but Lewis embodies every detail that I feel I have ever learned about this iconic political figure. From his speech patterns to his physicality, I could not imagine a better performance than what Lewis displays in every single frame he is in. Already a two-time Oscar winner ("My Left Foot" in 1990, "There Will be Blood" in 2008), winning Best Actor in 2013 is truly his award to lose.
And then there is the rest of the cast, each one possibly looking at some recognition by the Academy.
Sally Field, also a two-time Oscar winner for "Norma Rae" in 1980 and again in 1984 for "Places in the Heart" could very well be looking at her third nomination and possibly a win as Mary Todd Lincoln. Her performance as the emotionally tortured and completely supportive wife is absolutely magnificent.
Then there are the supporting players....the members of the House, those who helped Lincoln gain voted to pass the 13th amendment. Tommy Lee Jones, almost guaranteed his fourth Oscar nomination (he won in 1994 for "The Fugitive"), brings his A game as Thaddeus Stevens, one of the most outspoken Republicans from the area who fought tooth and nail for equality and was one of the greatest proponents of the 13th Amendment. David Strathairn, also an Oscar nominee ("Good Night and Good Luck") as William Seward, the Secretary of State who initially fought against the amendment while remaining loyal to his Commander in Chief. Golden Globe nominee James Spader as W.N Bilbo who was sent out to recruit Democratic votes by any means possible. Oscar nominee Hal Holbrook ("Into the Wild") as Preston Blair, one of Lincoln's faithful advisors. Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley ("Little Children") as Alexander Stevens, the vice president to the Confederacy. Even Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Lee Pace, best known for his role in "Pushing Daisies" offers an exceptional turn as Fernando Wood, one of the staunchest opponents to the slavery amendment. Even smaller roles by the likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Lincoln's son and Gloria Reuben as one of Lincoln's attendants are more than worthy of noting and praise. John Hawkes is also featured in this film in an excellent performance, but he will be overlooked here, as he will already be looking at a Best Actor nomination for his role in "The Sessions." Then there is the writing. Written by the magnificent Tony Kushner, who is not only yet another Oscar nominee for his script for "Munich" but who also wrote the near-perfect Emmy-winning "Angels in America," Kushner's script plays out in brilliant fashion, not only capturing the language and the feel of the era, but also manages to capture the audience while giving what could have been a long-winded history lesson thanks to a perfect blend of drama and humour.
All this under the direction of Spielberg (do I bother mentioning his Oscars, too?)? "Lincoln" is nothing short of a historical masterpiece.
It was fascinating to watch the debate on slavery wage on in the House, hearing people's fear that the abolishment of slavery could lead to blacks and women being able to vote and, oh the horror, possibly enter politics! And to think that all this was done by those crazy, "radical" Republicans. Who would have thought that a hundred years later, the tables would have completely turned on these parties with the Democrats being the party who fights for equality and the mere thought of denying women and ANY minority the right to vote would be ludicrous.
And yet, the needless debate of allowing two men or two women to marry rages on in the United States.
Let's hope Mr. Obama may find a way to be a modern-day Lincoln.