Stephen Speilberg’s Lincoln focuses on the last few months of Lincoln’s life. Specifically, it tells the story of the passing of the 13th Amendment. If you think our country is divided now, it was more divisive in 1865. And, as the story of 13th Amendment unwinds, there’s the Civil War impinging on every scene in the movie. Daniel Day-Lewis IS Lincoln in this movie. But, for my money, the performance of Tommy Lee Jones as Radical Republican Congressional leader Thaddeus Stevens is luminous. Tommy Lee Jones steals every scene he’s in. My only quibble about Lincoln centers around all of subplots: Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln’s relationship, Lincoln’s relationship with his sons, Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward (played superbly by David Strathairn), and the comic relief of James Spader as Democratic Party operative William N. Bilboe threaten to overwhelm the already long 150 minutes. I’m guessing Lincoln will be a big winner at Oscar time. GRADE: A-
Tonight!
I’m eager to read your review of LINCOLN, Patti. Phil will love the political machinations.
Haven’t seen it yet but as soon as Jackie’s knee feels a little better we will…along with SKYFALL.
Both SKYFALL and LINCOLN are well worth seeing, Jeff. I hope Jackie’s knee gets better soon!
We’re considering seeing this in the theater, a big deal for us. It’s not yet playing at the multiplex we go to, but will be in another week.
Going to a Big Screen will be worth it in the case of LINCOLN, Rick. LINCOLN can be very moving at times, especially the battle scenes.
Dr. Kelley just wanted to say i cannot agree with you more about the actors that they had picked to play the parts. Tommy lee Jones first and formost was my favorite, I never would have guessed the part where he is in bed (loved it). Daniel Day Lewis was outstanding, it was like home movies that were just put together. You are right on target when you say Oscar time Danile Day-Lwesi for best actor, Tommy Lee Jones for best supporting actor and you might not agree but i really did like Sally Field.
Glad we agree on most aspects of LINCOLN, Jason. My reservations about Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln center around her age. Mary Todd Lincoln was 10 years YOUNGER than Lincoln. Sally Field is 10 years OLDER than Lincoln is at the time this movie is set. Field gave a fine performance, but she just didn’t look right on the screen for me. A minor quibble, however.
I liked it a lot but didn’t love it. I thought it curious that he bathed Lincoln in a blue light, which made him seem like a wax figure. Maybe too much reverence for your subject is a bad thing–both on the part of DDL and SS. But the story was a good one and TLJ stole every scene he was in for sure. A lot of good supporting actors although maybe some lesser known actors would have been a better idea. Sally has too much baggage for me to believe her in this part. Her acting was fine-but you can’t divorce yourself from Norma Rae, Sybil, The Flying Nun, Gidget.
And I really wish they had ended it before the assassination.
I agree entirely with your critique, Patti. LINCOLN is an overstuffed sausage. They just tried to stuff too much material into 150 minutes. You’re right about ending the film before the assassination. That would have been more effective than the flashback ending.