Lincoln - Review

Reviewed by Ben Oxley

Lincoln

Preview screening, Sydney 6/2/13 

From Dendy Quays to the austerity of American Civil War. This major release, timed to bring revenue from the theatres and accolades in the awards season, promises much. A project that took Spielberg 12 years to realise was greatly anticipated.

So, to the movie. Words are very important to the story. Lincoln was renowned as a teller of stories to model his views and decisions. It is fitting the writer, Tony Kushner, has used much of the narrative drawn from Doris Kearns Goodwin’s well-respected book, “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” 

Backed by the dream team of cinematographer Kaminski, editor Kahn, and composer John Williams, the storytelling is poignant and resonant with a nation growing up. Historical detail is a hallmark of Spielberg’s work, and a huge cast of over 170 are summoned for their characteristic look and sound.  

It is not without flaw, like the man it portrays, but it conveys the cries of freedom in the abolition of slavery. The opening scene has the soldiers recounting the Gettysburg Address to Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis). What a great device. It draws us in from the get-go.

War, abolition of slavery collide with Lincoln’s personal struggle - he lost his own son through illness. This brings an insight into the relationship with his wife played emotively by Sally Field. Strained and morose, she berates Lincoln for his dismissal of her emotional needs. They reconcile these struggles later in the story, after war has ceased and slavery has been ended.

Contrasted with personal life, his relationship with Secretary of State (David Strathairn) is also tense and hindered by miscommunication. There is frustration at Lincoln’s timing of judgement with those who work closely to him. His tales appear to misdirect decisions, but his mind is focussed on bringing resolution.

Perhaps the performance to rival Day-Lewis comes from veteran Tommy Lee Jones (perhaps you need three names to make an onscreen impression). His gruff, overbearing statesman wrestles verbally with politicians, and with Mrs Lincoln, or as she prefers, “Madam President”.

Ultimately this film is about leadership modelled on the servant, even slave status (he cleans his own boots). Day-Lewis’ portrayal champions small players in the drama, the message boy, the office clerk. All have an equality in Lincoln’s eyes to be a part of the history.