The Academy voters love director Steven Spielberg and he loves them with equal adoration. This would explain why his many Academy-luring movies have garnered many nominations. ‘Lincoln is the latest to win voters’ praise. Lincoln is full of past Oscar winners in front and behind the camera focussing on a revered American icon. Generally succeeding in being a good movie even with the spectre of Academy-baiting contrivances constantly hovers.
As the bloody Civil War of the 1860’s nears its end, American President Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) aims to fully unite his shattered country. Working to ensure the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution to abolish slavery, his obstacles seems insurmountable. Blind luck and dogged determination become his fabled gifts, and backed by his wife Mary (Sally Field), Lincoln sets out to make his mark on history.
‘Lincoln’ is a movie resting solely on the shoulders of its lead. Day-Lewis succeeds in making his role so compelling. He injects true humanity into such a renowned figure whilst maintaining the commanding authority history has attributed to him. The script mostly avoids turning him into a Christ-like deity by showing his foibles. That he attempted controversial legislation amidst such an anarchic situation is a testament to his stoic determination – something ‘Lincoln’ effectively conveys.
Whilst the lead’s acting is superior, other facets aren’t. The overly long film is very fragmented, often resorting to melodramatic sermonising rather than telling a compelling story. Certain scenes often work against some great sequences although the historical detail shown is always interesting. How the characters learn the art of compromise is well utilised although some of the acting is decidedly poor for such a prestigious production. John Williams once again provides an excellent score and the cinematography drinks in the rich surrounds with aplomb.
‘Lincoln’ has already been a hit during awards season proving Spielberg’s judgement in developing its script was wise. Hopefully he also did it for artistic passion as, despite some flaws, it serves as a decent look at someone unafraid in being humane when his era needed it most.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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