A small great film

Rating: 7/10 (29 January 2013)

It's an enjoyable movie. But it stays at that.
Now I am putting down these words with immense fear. Rarely do I walk out of a widely-acclaimed film unsatisfied. Most of time, I find the critics' praises and the moviegoers' lauds very reasonable. When it happens that I don't, I always question myself: "Did I miss something?"
And I've been asking myself that over and over after Lincoln. I've read reviews. And my conclusion and perception has not changed. It's an incredible film, and an unbelievably small film.
Lincoln had the look of a truly grandeur historic piece. With an incredible cast led by Daniel Day Lewis in front of the camera, and an all the more fantastic crew behind with Spielberg at its head, Lincoln, from its birth, seems destined to become not only a film about history, but also a film that will stay in history and become a part of history.
But it hasn't. Despite Daniel Day Lewis' brilliant portrayal, Lincoln isn't a deep look into a great man's life; the story lacks the necessary complexity. It may be an effort at completely accurately recreate history, but that's left for historians to decide.
It isn't a pensive and analytical look at politics either. Some will say that it is, and that Lincoln has presented the dilemma a great politician faces: should one do the little evil for the greater good? President Lincoln, as portrayed here, has tried all means possible to pull votes onto his amendment, aka, the right thing. Some will say that this is Spielberg's message, that when facing such dilemma, just go for the frigging greater good.
I find that hard to believe. At least, if that were his intention, it was not very well conveyed. Those segments - when Lincoln was pulling votes, that is - were presented in such a playful tone (with such playful tune by John Williams) that I cannot draw any serious thinking out of it. According the film, it is all but a game. The ending vote segment especially. Yes, yes, it was all very moving and full of tension when each vote was counted and the amendment was finally past.
'Tis all a game, where one (or a couple) man's diligence, discretion, and intelligence rightfully trampled over other noble politicians' laziness, carelessness, ruthlessness, and stupidity. 'Tis all a game, where the fate of the people hangs in the hands of our not-so-decorous politicians. Where are the people, by the way, in this historic film (except for the beginning)?
To be fair, Lincoln has its great filmmaking. The one thing that has lingered in my mind is its breathtaking visual presentation. Every scene is so well lit and framed that sometimes I find myself wondering if I am watching a Aleksandr-Sokurov-directed film, or a Gordon-Willis-shot film. But of course not; it's Spielberg and Kaminski's great works. Equally brilliant are the art direction and John Williams music.
Sadly, despite both the cast and the crew's efforts in achieving the film's amazing looks and feels, the story just isn't right. It was fascinating in the watching, but once I started thinking about it, its magic stopped. It's a great small movie only for entertainment.