Steven Spielberg has another Academy award winning effort in “Lincoln,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis in his portrayal of one of America’s most inspiring leaders, Abraham Lincoln.
Using Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” as the foundation for this master- piece, Spielberg keeps his audience spell-bound with an all-star cast of veteran actors who in their own rights give Oscar worthy performances including Sally Field (Forrest Gump, Mrs. Doubtfire) Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive, Men in Black), and David Straithairn (The Firm, Sneakers, A League of Their Own).
Bearing a remarkable resemblance to Lincoln’s stature, Day-Lewis lends credibility to Spielberg’s interpretation of a war-weary president in the final year of the Civil War, dually embroiled in the social and political struggle to abolish slavery.
Day-Lewis embodies the reputation of the political figure that was known as a mysterious, yet charismatic figure that shaped American history.
Lincoln is struggling with huge political and moral pressures at the time – should he end the bloody and divisive four-year civil war that has already cost over 600,000 lives, or make a final push to enact the 13th Amendment to the constitution abolishing slavery, freeing millions.
In the midst of the turmoil arises the man himself: personal and eloquent, quoting Shakespeare and the Bible, explaining his thought processes through the use of anecdotes and youthful memories.
Moments of heartfelt emotion arise as he spends tender moments with his son Tad and pleads with his elder son Robert to not join the war effort. He appears to grow old before our eyes as the stress and emotional upheaval take a heavy toil.
Sally Fields as Mary Todd Lincoln emboldens the audience with her wit and terse interchanges with politicians, yet deftly portrays a long- grieving mother due to the loss of one of the Lincoln’s four sons, Willie, three years earlier. She agonizes at the prospect of losing a second son as Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) joins the soldiers in battle.
Thaddeus Stevens, a crusty, outspoken and fearless abolitionist is artfully played by Tommy Lee Jones, who conceals to the end his primary motivation for the freedom of slaves and elevation in social stature.
Secretary of State Seward (David Strathairn) is the president’s most trusted advisor and confidante. Although sometimes at odds with the president, he skillfully demonstrates a willingness to bend the rules, manipulate people, and use coercion and blackmail in order to meet the president’s agenda.
“Lincoln” is a valuable history lesson in both the states- man and the formulation of a democracy.