Who would have ever thought someone could pull of the face, voice, actions and just about everything else of our 16th president so well? Yes-after this year's atrociously boring Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter-audiences now get a true historical drama about this great man. Daniel Day Lewis plays him now and nails it. The rest of the cast disappear into their roles as well but Lewis is the one who makes this film as thrilling as it is.
The film follows Lincoln as he attempts to ratify the 13th amendment-therefore abolishing slavery and ending a 4 year war. His secretary, William Seward (David Strathairn) backs him up as do three other men (James Spader, Tim Blake Nelson and John Hawkes.) The plot having to do with these three men is the most entertaining part of the film although as a whole-the film is endlessly fascinating and entertaining. Lincoln's son-Robert (Joseph Gordon Levitt) wants to go fight in this war but his father advises against it. Of course-as is pointed out by Lincoln in the film-he, unlike most father has the power to assure that his son does not fight in the war. We also have Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones)-who gives Lincoln much support and Lincoln's wife-Mary Todd (Sally Field) who sees the love everyone displays to Lincoln.
Everything about the film works exquisitely. There is not a bad performance in the film. Spader-perhaps because he was on the unbearable season of "The Office" especially impresses here. He could have easily made his character too goofy and over the top. Instead-he shows what a talented actor can do with a potentially meaty role. Levitt and Field both hit the family dynamic very close to home and Jones is perfect as a man just trying to do right by his country. As well, Nelson, Hawkes and Strathairn among others are fascinating to watch in their respective roles. The film also makes politics intense once more. I am the last person to ever want to talk politics but I'd be lying if I said this film did not makes politics interesting for me. The film is funny, exciting, sad, touching and entertaining all at once and every scene is beautifully shot by director Steven Spielberg. Yes-after last year's mediocre films The Adventures Of Tin Tin and War Horse-Spielberg is back with what is bound to be another timeless classic.
What I am trying to say here is go see Lincoln. It is an unbelievably entertaining, fascinating piece of American cinema and an excellent addition to the historical drama cannon. There is not a more flawless film out in theaters right now and there should be an Oscar win coming Lewis's way.
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language)
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