Lincoln (2012) Movie Review

 In Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," we get a vivid portrayal of Abraham Lincoln as a simple yet incredibly intelligent man from the rural heartlands of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. Despite having little formal education, Lincoln was a voracious reader and largely self-taught. I can still picture him, as described in a childhood book, scribbling calculations on the back of a shovel with charcoal.

While Lincoln may have lacked social polish, he possessed a deep understanding of human nature and a remarkable calmness and confidence, brilliantly brought to life by Daniel Day-Lewis in the film. The movie zooms in on the final months of Lincoln's life, particularly focusing on key events like the passage of the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery, the end of the Civil War, and his tragic assassination.

Lincoln saw slavery as not only morally wrong but also as a strategic move to weaken the financial backbone of the Confederacy. The film showcases the political maneuvering behind the amendment's passage, led by figures like William Seward and Thaddeus Stevens, played convincingly by David Strathairn and Tommy Lee Jones, respectively.

Washington D.C. is depicted as a bustling hub of ambitious politicians, with cinematography that reflects the gritty, backroom nature of politics. The White House is portrayed less as a grand symbol of power and more as a hotspot for deals and negotiations. This vibe aligns with the atmosphere described in Gore Vidal's novel "Lincoln," though the script draws heavily from Doris Kearns Goodwin's "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln."

The film doesn't shy away from depicting Lincoln's use of political tactics, including job offers and pork barrel spending, to secure votes. It highlights the rough-and-tumble nature of politics, reminiscent of the wheeling and dealing that occurred during Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency, as chronicled in another of Goodwin's biographies.

Overall, "Lincoln" isn't just a tribute to a historical icon but a nuanced portrayal of a president who, despite being underestimated by some, wielded power with shrewdness and determination.

Daniel Day-Lewis gives a standout performance as Lincoln in Spielberg's film, capturing the president's weariness and concern for the troops. He portrays Lincoln as soft-spoken and tired, using stories to communicate. Sally Field shines as Mary Todd Lincoln, showing her as more than just a social climber but as a devoted wife and mother, haunted by the loss of one son in the war and fearing for the safety of another, Robert Todd Lincoln, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who rejects his family's privileges.

While there are some battlefield scenes, the film's focus is not on war but on key moments like the Gettysburg Address, delivered with immense impact, and the weaving in of the 13th Amendment's wording seamlessly into the narrative.

The film concludes shortly after Lincoln's assassination, avoiding unnecessary drawn-out scenes. There's a poignant shot of Lincoln walking away after the amendment's passage, signaling the end of an era and leaving the rest to the annals of history.