Lincoln

*****
Dir. Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg's latest film is both an excellent portrayal of Abraham Lincoln as a genuinely down-to-Earth historical figure, as well as a remarkable political drama. Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's novel Team of Rivals, with the screenplay by Tony Kushner, this picture is yet another edition to Spielberg's long list of masterpieces.

Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Lincoln, with the film focusing on his last days as President and the extensive debate regarding the 13th Amendment. With his primary supporters being Secretary of State William Seward (David Straithairn) and Representative Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones), these abolitionists will stop at nothing to get the bill passed. Tim Blake Nelson and John Hawkes play their chief negotiators, and Jared Harris also has a fair amount of screen time as Ulysses S. Grant. Then there's none other than Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as their son Robert to top off the blockbuster cast.

It's rare that a film like this delves into the politics of the story so extensively and effectively. Spielberg uses the atmosphere of bickering Representatives and Senators to parallel the anguish of the Civil War which rages on as they mindlessly argue. Over the span of two and a half hours, the setting is primarily contained within the White House and the courtroom. With Kushner's script demonstrating such rich dialogue, the manner in which it plays out provides the basis for the film's significance.

For once, Lincoln isn't made out to be some kind of chosen one figure destined to bring justice to a plagued society, but as a man of dignity and humility who was right for the job. Day-Lewis' portrayal of him is believable to say the least, as he willfully presents both the good attributes and flaws of the character. He masters both Lincoln's intentions and motivations, while also exemplifying his various mannerisms and somewhat subtle characteristics. He poises himself slightly hunchbacked, uses parables to get his ideas across, and has that soft voice which makes him so distinguishable. There's no doubt he'll  be in the running for an Oscar.

Needless to say, the supporting roles were equally well casted. Jones and Straithairn embrace the distorted aspects of the time period to display the conflicted spirits of their characters. I also loved how Gordon-Levitt utilized the tensions between Robert and his father in his performance. The young actor is certainly making a name for himself, and this role was very well suited for him. Field's portrayal of Mary also really drove the story, using her part in all this to reflect the manifestation of women's role during this time.

While the pacing is rather slow, this film is nonetheless a stirring portrait of a man who many Americans think they know. If Spielberg's goal was to bring history to life like never before, he certainly accomplished that objective.