Steven Spielberg is back! I have failed the film fan community by not yet exposing myself to "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011) or "War Horse" (2011). The marketing for both of those films just didn't sell me the idea that those films were going to deliver. From what I had read both films were moderately reviewed films, but I intend on checking out "War Horse" first of the two. Having said that, the last film Steven Spielberg gave to me was "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (2008) which was a huge letdown even though generally reviewed kindly. The film before that was "War of the Worlds" (2005). In my eyes Spielberg was starting to look like he was entering Hollywood's mediocrity. No director has given the number of iconic films Spielberg has, and "Lincoln" has revived Spielberg's image for me. "Lincoln" reminded me that Spielberg is still a giant, no matter how long it's been since I've seen something great from him.
Spielberg has shown he has a special attention to detail. There wasn't a moment in the film I can recall that I felt something was out of place or didn't feel real. Having said that, Daniel Day Lewis delivers again. Most people have only been exposed to the image of Lincoln on American currency, and now they have been given Daniel Day Lewis. Daniel Day Lewis is Lincoln and this was as surreal a life of Lincoln I will possibly ever see. Daniel Day Lewis gave a consistent performance, expressing to me Lincoln's consistently calm, thoughtful, wise, and ambitious personality.
Lighting is special to me and the lighting of the film was superb. Every mood Spielberg wanted to express through lighting in my opinion was successful. I don't have a sure idea yet where "Lincoln" lines up against Spielberg's top films, but there is a sure chance it will be an arm's reach away from "Saving Private Ryan" (1998)
I admire Spielberg for not sacrificing historical truths and allowing the politics play out as they did in history honestly. So many filmmakers would seemingly sacrifice themselves to degrade their opposing political perspective and opinions. In this film, rarely seen in Hollywood, is a built-up Republican Party which set out against all odds with the jump start and direction of Abraham Lincoln. It was interesting to see how Spielberg played out the roles of both parties in their heated debates in the film. There was a sense of authenticity in the film due to the apparent lack of political bias. Instead of selling political or religious ideas, we are sold an honest view of one of the greatest men in the world's history.
The entire cast was fantastic. Tommy Lee Jones pulled out another good one, best since "No Country For Old Men" (2007). Sally Field's best ever performance. The first time I ever cared to watch James Spader and he gave exactly what the character needed to. Who would have known Joseph Gordon-Levitt was going to be the one on the bottom? I felt like he was picking up where Heath Ledger left off in "The Patriot" (2000), a son defying his father to enlist in a civil war era war in order to find honor.
One of the most successful things coming from this movie is something the mass of Americans has already given up on, that American politics are capable of great things. If trying to swim up creek in American politics has consistently been in the best interest of the majority, perhaps we can take something from the film after all. The film made me evaluate motives of each character, what and why they did the things they did, including Lincoln, and the transparency is actually similar to that of today's politicians. Times are different but maybe not the politics. Thanks to "Lincoln", I have been given more to think about. Really does reveal the pettiness in today's politicians regarding ridiculous issues whereas history's icons like Lincoln dealt with monstrous issues.
I don't think Daniel Day-Lewis gave the year's 'Best Performance', nor do I don't think the film is the best of the year. I do think Spielberg should get 'Best Director'. I don't want to take anything away from Daniel Day-Lewis, he delivers huge in each performance, my favorite in "There Will Be Blood" (2007) but this role while intense in the icon portrayed, I didn't feel the range was great. I'm not sure what Daniel Day-Lewis cannot do.
Outside of political conspiracy films, what political film could compare to "Lincoln"? Can't think of anything on the level of "Lincoln". "Lincoln" is an absolute must-see film of 2012, and must-see in theaters! Without Peter Jackson's "Hobbit" released, this is the overall 2nd best film of the year.
"Lincoln"
8 / 10
