Lincoln (2012)

“Do you think we choose the times into which we are born? Or do we fit the times we are born into?” This is a question that was brought up by one of our greatest presidents in his recent biopic, Lincoln.

Lincoln is about, of course, Abraham Lincoln (played by Daniel Day-Lewis). It takes place before and during his second term in office; the last four months of his life, as he works to bring the Thirteenth Amendment passed by the House of Representatives. With a movie about a governmental process you expect it to be boring, but it is really entertaining. Spielberg really puts his mark on this subject, without being too preachy.

There are two different types of acting performances: those who perform their role and perform it well and ones where the actor completely disappears into the roles, to the point where you believe he or she is the character they are playing. Daniel Day-Lewis gives a great example of the latter. Halfway through the film, I reminded myself, “Hey, that’s Daniel Day-Lewis”.

 It tough to play a role like this since Lincoln has become such an integral part of American history. Day-Lewis gave Lincoln the personality, the temperament and the depth I would have expected from out Sixteenth President.

Not only does Day-Lewis give an impressive performance, but so does Sally Fields, who plays Mary Todd Lincoln. She plays the First Lady with such force and sympathy. Tommy Lee Jones is just as memorable as the lead abolitionist, Thaddeus Stevens.

Through probably not ranking up there with Spielberg greats, like Jaws (1975) or Schindler’s List (1993), Lincoln does deserve the acclaim it is currently receiving. The film is sweeping biopic and is unexpectedly entertaining. I had expected to see it earn something around Oscar time.

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