Let me just say, first and foremost, that Daniel Day-Lewis is such an amazing and talented actor! His portrayal of Lincoln - not as some myth or some virtual divinity - but as a real man, is truly amazing. You really get a feel for the times, better than you do in history books that idolize such historical figures and mythologize the times. Instead of feeling like these were monumental events that seemed preordained, you get to appreciate the feel of what it must have been like. The uncertainty, the resentment of many, and the realities of the game of politics, which seemed not altogether unlike what we see in politics today. There were real political concerns and realities, and dealing with them was as much a part of the decisions and events of the day as they tend to be now. That is a lesson sometimes lost in the history books, which too often tend to focus on events, and lionize the figures. Lincoln has been turned into an American hero of such stature, that it is hard to sometimes imagine him as a real man. This movie helps to balance that out a bit, and Daniel Day-Lewis proves capable of such an enormous task as playing the real man behind the myth, and making him seem truly human. You feel you are actually there at times, watching the real Lincoln.
Perhaps my expectations were other, but my expectations were that this would have been more biographical, rather than focusing on a very specific time frame, and a very specific focus - namely, the passage of the thirteenth amendment, which was far from predetermined. In fact, Lincoln took a huge political risk in getting this amendment - which was to abolish slavery in these United States once and for all - passed by the House and to finally become the law of the land. In a very real sense, this movie focuses on what very well may be the greatest triumph of Lincoln's life - abolishing slavery. This movie visits precisely how that happened.
This movie takes place during the first months of 1865- the last year of Lincoln's life. The Civil War still roars on, although it is clear by now that the South is reeling, and on the verge of either collapse or capitulation. Yet, one of the major factors about this proposed amendment to abolish slavery is that the Southern leaders want the amendment itself abolished as one of the conditions - really the major condition - of ending the war and rejoining the union. Lincoln, however, remains unmoved, and having won re-election, he is looking for this amendment to put the death knell on the divisive issue of slavery, once and for all. It will end here, and Lincoln is impatient to end the controversy once and for all. He cannot wait any longer to get the amendment passed and finally abolish slavery. He sees his best opportunity not just to pass the amendment, but to do so with bipartisan support. To that end, he actively, aggressively seeks the support of outgoing Democrats who have been soundly beaten in the 1864 election and will no longer be in Congress, in order to do it. Others in his administration, particularly Secretary of State Seward, urge Lincoln to wait until the new Congress takes office, since there will be more Republicans, and the amendment should pass through easily enough. But Lincoln's determination to pass it with bipartisan support is unwavering, and takes many by surprise. So, there is a definite time limit to accomplish what President Lincoln wants to accomplish. We know about his wisdom and resolve in fighting the Civil War, but this movie focuses on his wisdom and resolve - no less tough - to play his hand in the political battlefield. Much like with the war, he has no shortage of those who doubt him. Yet, also much like the war, he proves his detractors wrong in the end.
"Lincoln" has some graphic battle scenes, mostly relegated to the opening scenes, but with some other suggestive scenes of the impact and violence of the war. Yet, for the most part, this movie does not focus so much on the actual war itself, much less individual battles. It is a movie more about political maneuvering rather than military maneuvering. So any fans of strictly military movies expecting considerable action (and I know some people like this) might think twice about seeing this movie. It appeals more to the cerebral than a sense of adventure or explosiveness.
Daniel Day-Lewis is brilliant as Abraham Lincoln, and Sally Field is wonderful as Mary Todd Lincoln. Funny thing, but the real Mary Todd Lincoln was ten years younger than her husband, while Sally Field is actually ten years older than Day-Lewis. But she pushed hard for the role, and was able to get it. She plays the part brilliantly, and seems convincing as a much younger wife.
Lincoln did not do it all alone, of course. Much of the gritty work on the field, so to speak, was done by Congressman Thaddeus Stevens (played quite capably by Tommy Lee Jones), who utilizes his strong oratorical skills to argue in favor of the amendment, and to mock and essentially defeat opponents of the proposed amendment. I also liked Hal Holbrook as Francis Preston Blair, the founder and leader of the Republican party. A strong cast, all in all.
On my commute yesterday morning, I was listening to the radio (NPR), and they had on a special guest, historian Ronald White, who reviewed the movie, and also did a little fact-checking. For the most part, the movie is, according to him, a fairly accurate portrayal of events as they happened, with some minor exceptions. Daniel Day-Lewis, who Mr. White said had studied Lincoln intensely in preparation for this role, did an exceptional job in getting the essence of Lincoln, the man. He got the walk right (a bit awkward), as well as the voice, which was not deep and resonating, but actually a bit high - a fact that I actually knew beforehand, although I cannot remember exactly why I knew it or when I heard it. All in all, though, the movie seemed to get his stamp of approval.
All in all, it is a solid movie that will appeal particularly to fans of history, fans of Abraham Lincoln, and Civil War buffs. Anyone interested in civil rights, for that matter, as well. It is a good movie overall that will definitely appeal to a wide audience. One thing that I should point out, however, is that I keep hearing that is is a great family movie for the holidays. But I doubt that this is exactly a family movie, because the subject matter, though not violent, will probably be a bit much for kids, who will likely feel lost quickly, or find it boring (sorry, just trying to be truthful). Just keep in mind the length of the movie, at around two and a half hours, and use your best judgment.
No comments:
Post a Comment