Friday, April 03, 2015

Lincoln

LincolnThe Gist: President Lincoln struggles, even with some in his own cabinet, on the best way (or even on whether) to end slavery in America while the Civil War ravages the country.

Spielberg’s masterful biographical portrayal of one of America’s most famous and beloved presidents showcases amazing production design, costumes, makeup, and cinematography.  A beautiful score by John Williams tops it off, although it’s the performances that really make the movie.

Chiefly, Lincoln wouldn’t be as good if it weren’t for Daniel Day-Lewis’ portrayal, so heartfelt, both gentle and fierce.  Day-Lewis garnered his third Best Actor Oscar for the role and deservedly so.

On that note, how come no one was complaining that Day-Lewis had already won twice and it would be unfair or inappropriate to hand him another Oscar?  After all, just the previous year Meryl Streep was finally handed her long-awaited third statuette for her turn in The Iron Lady, but not before a big controversy about whether or not Oscar statuettes should be “hoarded” by some individuals.  This all smells of misogyny if you ask me.

The Bottom Line: Lincoln is a very good biographical movie about a timeless historical figure made with the utmost care by one of our most accomplished directors and showcasing the talents of one of our greatest actors.

Grade: 8

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