Film Review: Lincoln

Director: Steven Spielberg

A 2012 American historical drama about the final four months of Abraham Lincoln's life, it is based on the book 'Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln' by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The main focus is Lincoln's attempts to have the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution passed by the United States House of Representatives. The thirteenth amendment was to outlaw slavery in America as a previous proclamation did little to help the freedom of many slaves throughout the country.

The acting in the movie is absolutely superb, Daniel Day Lewis has once again proven that he is one of best actors in the business with his method acting style. He is a joy to watch and is probably rightly sweeping up the awards at the moment. Sally Field as the First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln is also excellent playing a fragile lady whilst being one of the most outspoken women of the time.

Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day Lewis)

Overall the film is difficult to stay interested in throughout it's entirety, there are some interesting discussions and stunning set-pieces but the plot doesn't have much in it to surprise you at all. The whole piece lacks refinement at time and just doesn't have the flair that you expect from a Spielberg picture, which even in his recent films which I have disliked, has still been evident. The role of the blacks and minorities in abolition of slavery is greatly simplified to suit the cause of Lincoln the great President which is also a a great opportunity missed.

I've been a critic of his in recent years but unfortunately this film feels like a vehicle purely to garner award nominations. It feels like a yearly attempt for Spielberg to create a film that is incredibly likeable for the Oscar crowd without it being a particularly well-written or engaging film. It feels like a film with great potential where many opportunities to create a masterpiece for the ages was squandered.

1.5/4 superb acting is let down by an unengaging and cumbersome plot