‘Flix Flick: Lincoln

There was little doubt this past Oscar season that Daniel Day-Lewis would earn his third Academy Award, for his role as Abraham Lincoln in the Steven Spielberg-directed film. After renting the film this past weekend, I would safely say that “little doubt” should’ve been replaced by “no doubt.”

Day-Lewis, of British and Irish origin, is completely believable as the 16th American President, due in major part to Day-Lewis’ peerless acting ability, and the transformative hair and makeup work by Leo Corey Castellano and Mia Kovero. Spielberg and his longtime cinematographer, Janusz Kaminski shoot Day-Lewis a lot from the side; this way the audience can take in the iconic profile of Lincoln, as well as to marvel at how right Castellano and Kovero got it.

The screenwriter, Tony Kushner (Angels in America) also deserves praise as well. Long monologue blocks showcase the brilliance of Day-Lewis as the determined (honest Abe) Lincoln. Bouts of a lighthearted personality trait also creep in, lending to the understanding that Lincoln, of course, was more than what you’d imagine, more than the imposing figure sitting high atop at the Lincoln Memorial. A joke early in the film about his hair and his barber offers a moment of joy to two Union soldiers.

With the film focusing primarily on the Civil War, Lincoln’s last four months, and the passing of the 13th Amendment through the House of Representatives, it’s obvious he already had a lot with which to contend. Yet it’s Lincoln as husband to strong, yet equally fragile Mary Todd, and father to young Tad and defiantly brave Robert that are presented as well. The toll of it all is shown frequently, as Lincoln tends to hold his head down, best shown toward the end of the film when Lincoln speaks to (Union) General Grant while they both sit on a front porch. Grant comments that Lincoln looks as if he’s aged 10 years in the last year. Lincoln simply responds, “Some weariness has bit at my bones.” The camera holds on Lincoln’s face, a face that has seen too much, both in his home and out on the battlefield.

Spielberg’s vision and effort, as always, are to be commended, yet one addition would’ve made viewing the film much easier. I would’ve appreciated nameplate graphics, quickly detailing the first appearances of the plethora of fast-talking advisors, hires and active assistants that constantly surround Lincoln. In addition, several House representatives get a lot of screen time, each shouting their impassioned position regarding the Amendment. So, is that congressman a “good guy” or a “bad guy,” and from what state is he? Spielberg provides this treatment to setting and time frame, as well as to some Confederate officials, but this would’ve been welcome throughout.

Easy to distinguish, Tommy Lee Jones, as Thaddeus Stevens, most certainly earned his Academy-Award nomination. He surely would’ve won if there was the category: Outstanding Achievement in Insult Delivery by a Congressman, or Outstanding Donning of a Brunette Wig by an Elder Statesman. Sally Field also stands out as Mary Todd Lincoln. Field’s best scene: an enraged, consumed Mary kneels down on the floor during an argument with her husband over her fear of Robert enlisting in the war. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer; 50/50; The Dark Knight Rises) as Robert holds his own with Day-Lewis, in particular during a scene where Lincoln and Robert visit a veterans’ hospital.

Lincoln is obviously worth the rental. It allows the viewer to watch one of the greatest film actors portray one of the most important American Presidents—no doubt. It also allows the viewer to ponder the significance of the 13th Amendment. A particular character, introduced toward the end of the film, slowly reads its two sections out loud, giving us all the chance to hear how such a concise block of text ended up changing the lives of millions—and millions thereafter. BSo