Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Tommy Lee Jones
Running Time: 150 mins
Certificate: 12A
Synopsis: As the American Civil War continues to devastate, the president prepares to fight his own battle with members of his cabinet, in order to achieve the emancipation of slaves.
A collaboration of this magnitude, between two of the industry’s most revered and accomplished contributors, Spielberg and Day-Lewis, was always going to face hype and scrutiny. However, LINCOLN triumphs in more ways than one. Not only does it tell a dense and important story, but it manages to satirise the ridiculous moral compass possessed by many people of the time, without losing respect for the subject matter. This in turn allows for more well-rounded performances, which Spielberg undoubtedly procures from his formidable cast.
Day-Lewis has received criticism from American fans and critics about the high register he gives to Lincoln’s voice, but he has been backed by historians, and it is immediately clear when he appears on-screen that he has immersed himself fully in the role. Demeanour, walk, accent, lilt, pitch and pace of speech, you name it; he is Abraham Lincoln. When he gathers his cabinet around and tells them an anecdote, you can’t help but let him lure you in. In fact, this entire review could be superlatives and adulation for Day-Lewis, but Field’s turn as Lincoln’s long-suffering wife, Mary Todd, is another worthy of praise.
In her first co-leading role in almost six years, you might be forgiven for thinking Field may have lost a fraction of her big screen presence, but this is far from the case. She breathes fire into Mary Todd Lincoln, and this constant energy makes for tense drama in all of her scenes; especially those in which she talks with her husband alone.
LINCOLN is dialogue-heavy but concise, as it must be to allow for such an extensive story, and as a result, there are few action sequences, instead the details of the American Civil War are primarily dealt with through exposition. Spielberg focuses on the intricacies of character interaction, dialogue and performance, and this is where almost all pivotal plot points are reached, to great effect. Not even the infamous assassination of Lincoln is seen directly, which cleverly manipulates the viewer into taking away thoughts about his life, rather than his gruesome demise.
As long as you don’t expect lots of epic battle scenes, you will not be disappointed, because the dramatic pay-off and beauty of LINCOLN lies with its subtle direction, thoughtful performances, dynamic dialogue, and humour.
LINCOLN is due for release in cinemas across the UK 25th January.
