Lincoln
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Dreamworks Pictures
Steven Spielberg is once again the mastermind behind another historical film. Instead of taking place during one of the World Wars, however, he has tackled the American Civil War and Abraham Lincoln’s desire to end it through the Emancipation Proclamation. The film takes place a month before the proclamation is passed and dives into the event in great detail.
The most impeccable part of the movie is, without a doubt, its cast. This ensemble cast consists of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones and the phenomenal Daniel Day-Lewis, all of whom deliver beyond expectation. Joseph Gordon-Levitt in particular deserves high praise because he is a younger actor being paired with some of the best in the business. He does not fail in comparison and while his part may be small, he still leaves an impression on his audience.
Both Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones also portray their historical figures effectively. Field carries herself in a classy yet dominating way and gives a performance worthy of another Oscar nomination (we really like her!). Tommy Lee Jones gives an equally appropriate performance. Even though Jones tends to play similar characters in his movies, his performance in Lincoln is a powerful one.
The icing on the cake, of course, is the amazing Daniel Day-Lewis. He gives a breathtaking performance beyond compare. Even if the audience has no interest in history or other aspects of the movie, watching him is worth the price of admission. He tackles the role of such a historically important figure and brings him to life again beautifully. Day-Lewis has outdone himself once more.
Another outstanding feature in the film is its costume design and makeup. The makeup artist completely morphed Daniel Day-Lewis’s appearance to match Lincoln’s. He is barely recognizable after his transformation into Abraham Lincoln. The costumes are equally spectacular. Every character from the soldiers to the supreme men at court were all dressed in historically accurate clothing, which helped pull the audience back into the 1800s.
Despite all of the flawless aspects of the film, its musical score is its weak link in the chain. Ironically, John Williams does not live up to his 40-plus Oscar nominations and five wins. The music is not bad, but doesn’t stand out or carry the film like Williams usually does. He only produced a mediocre score.
Although the film is slightly too long for its content, but the skeleton of the film is what pulls it through. A noteworthy aspect to the film is that Spielberg still manages to hook his audience with anticipation despite the audience knowing how the film will end. The film focuses heavily on the historical aspects rather than making Lincoln look like a hero. It emphasizes Lincoln’s desire to end the war and his belief that the Emancipation Proclamation would do just that. Given its direction, cast and other devices its audience will enjoy every minute of it. The film will hopefully be a strong contender this year at the Oscars.
