Lincoln - Review

When Steven Spielberg combines with Daniel Day-Lewis on a dramatic biopic about Abraham Lincoln, you expect greatness. While Lincoln isn't perfect, it oozes with greatness. Spielberg performs at his best and Day-Lewis, as usual is near faultless in his recreation of history. The support cast is terrific, particularly Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. Lincoln is perfect for awards, yet it stumbles in its ending and runs a little long.

Having recently been elected, Abraham Lincoln (Day-Lewis) is faced with the task of trying to end the Civil War and his personal ambition to abolish slavery. Working with Secretary of State William Seward (David Strathairn), Lincoln attempts to win over members of House of Representatives to pass the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, a change that will abolish slavery and essentially end the war. He is met with support from Republicans, including the brash Thaddeus Stevens (Lee Jones) and opposition from Democrats. Meanwhile, Lincoln's son Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) returns home from schooling and flags a desire to join the war, met with disapproval from the erratic First Lady Mary-Todd Lincoln (Sally Field). Lincoln is forced to juggle personal and political challenges, while everyone around him questions how much power Lincoln has and needs.

The look and sound (a brilliant score by John Williams) of Lincoln feels of greatness. The script by Tony Kushner has sharp dialogue and fits in powerful scenes and moments rapidly enough during the approximate 150 minute running time to keep interest high. It isn't perfect though, the ending, without trying to give too much away, is unnecessary and rushed. Gordon-Levitt's role of Robert Lincoln is a key one on paper, but becomes lost in the film, along with a role by James Spader. The long list of important characters is hard to fit in, and Gordon-Levitt in particular seems useless to the narrative. Lincoln is great though, and Spielberg is fantastic. The opening sequence in particular, slowly revealing Lincoln is breathtaking. Expect Day-Lewis to pocket another Oscar for his role, and Spielberg wont be far off Best Director honours. Field is also a worthy candidate in a movie that promises greatness and delivers.

8.2 out of 10 - Great.

It was important to the history of the United States that Lincoln was inspiring and well made. Lincoln pulls it all off.