As Biopics go, they sometimes can drag a movie down with the sheer weight of its details and facts. Lincoln, the movie, easily evades the problem by focusing on one thing - his struggles and the struggles of the people around him to get the 13th Amendment passed in the House of Representatives, which abolished slavery. The movie takes place during the raging civil war which engulfed the USA during the period. It chronicles the steps Abraham Lincoln had to take so that the amendment could be passed, which had a huge opposition. As an Indian who has very little knowledge of American history, the movie held my interest throughout.
Apparently, Spielberg had researched for the movie for about twelve years. The hard work shows on the screen as it reeks of authentic reproduction and factual correctness. The attention to detail is immense. From Lincoln's executive mansion to his ticking clock, everything was where it was supposed to be. The cinematography is a little wanting at times. It is not bad per se, in fact it is good. But it does not stand out. The dull palette overall does convey the right emotions.
What really carries the movie are the performances by the talented cast of Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt(He seems to be everywhere these days) and the like. The stand out performance is of course that of Abraham Lincoln by Daniel Day-Lewis. He makes you believe he is the President of the United States and commands the screen with his performance. One could see the work he has put into fulfilling the role. The fact that he had won the Oscar for his performance before I watched the movie had set my expectations a little high. He lived up to the expectation in every scene. From the first scene where he is talking to his fellow soldiers to the last sequence where he is with his son, you couldn't fault with his acting. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has a subdued role in the movie, playing as Robert Lincoln, who enrolls in the army against his father's wishes. He isn't provided with much screen time to show his acting prowess. Tommy Lee Jones as Thadeus Stevens and David Strathairn as William Seward also have done an impeccable job. I loved the portrayal of Stevens by Tommy Lee Jones. It has been understated, but he was also nominated for best supporting actor. Overall, the support cast don't let down the movie, they elevate it.
The movie takes its own sweet time to tell its story. The movie builds on Lincoln's increasing ambition in seeing the amendment that abolishes slavery passed. He is shown to be an understanding human and an astute politician. The slow pace of the build up to the end might put off some people, but I believe it is worth the time it takes. It takes time to portray the gathering of support for the bill. I loved getting to know the Democrats and Republicans and their views of the time. Lincoln's personal life is also shed some light. Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln, does a slightly overacted portrayal of the wife who is in a miserable state because of the loss of their son three years ago. The friction in the relationship arch is well established. By the end, the moderate tension it builds in passing the amendment is commendable, but by no means the best work of Steven Spielberg. It concludes with the inevitable assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
I loved the movie for it's entertaining and slow burn foray into history. Even if you don't know American history, it won't matter as the movie provides more than enough entertainment and story build up. If you are prone to yawning due to slow paced movies, I would recommend you see elsewhere. Otherwise, it is worth a watch. Movies are not known for historical accuracy, but this movie might interest those who have an eye for it.
