Shashank Jejurikar ’13, A&E Editor
Any modern film can excite us with riveting action scenes and dazzling special effects. And though we are bombarded by an endless string of fun-yet-shallow action flicks, every once in a while a film rises from that predictable and repetitive fog and stands out: a film that engages the viewer through substance rather than flash, through drama and dialogue rather
than set pieces and rousing scores. Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln is that film. Masterful pacing, exemplary acting, and an immersive atmosphere come together to make the movie feel honest and the characters alive. This authenticity lies at the core of Lincoln, elevating it from a well-crafted film to an outstanding one.
The most notable perk of Lincoln is the man himself. Academy-Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis delivers arguably the best performance of his life as Abraham Lincoln. Day-Lewis embodies the essence of the man. Throughout most of the film, Lincoln is depicted as aged and wise, stoic and patient while also witty and cunning. Day-Lewis displays the president’s political skill and intellect in his dealings with both friends and foes, not to mention his knack for storytelling. We see one of America’s most famous and idolized presidents as a human being, introspective and conflicted in his own way. In stark contrast with this toned-down Lincoln is the riled-up and forceful Lincoln that emerges in certain key moments. It is in these moments that the man’s charisma, willpower, and determination come to the forefront. As the film develops, we are shown not only Lincoln the legend, but Lincoln the man. And though no one alive ever knew that man, Daniel Day-Lewis gives the world a very believable representation of what he could have been like.
As great as Daniel Day-Lewis was, the film would have fallen flat if the setting had not been equally as authentic. Fortunately, Spielberg brilliantly recreates 19th century America. Although it is stylized – there is a prevailing gritty and stripped-down tone throughout the film – the set is very realistic. The score, composed by John Williams, complements the progression of the story while at the same time managing not to impose itself or get in the way of the film. In addition to the set and score,Lincoln’s secondary characters play a crucial role in creating a more immersive world. The performances are stellar across the board, most notably Tommy Lee Jones as the steadfast and sarcastic abolitionist congressman Thaddeus Stevens and Sally Field as the complex First Lady. These characters set an important historical backdrop while also adding to the film’s human element.
Though the acting and setting are masterful, Lincoln’s true standout feature is its pacing and composition. Far from a Civil War film, Lincoln is more than anything a political thriller and drama. In fact, an exciting but brief opening
battle scene in which one of the Union’s black regiments battles with the Confederates is the only real action in the movie. More than anything else, this is a story about getting a piece of legislation passed through Congress. Normally, that would be a rather boring premise for a film. However, Lincoln takes the political process to a deeper level, interlacing the plot with themes of freedom and democracy. By lending the piece of legislation in question – the 13th Amendment – a moral tone, Lincoln manages to build a suspense which culminates in a thrilling and satisfying climax. While the film’s dialogue is both concise and clever, its pacing may turn off some viewers. The lack of action coupled with the heavy dialogue could be seen as boring to many. However, the plot and characters keep the film interesting and intriguing. I, for one, was captivated for the full two-and-a-half hours. Anyone who enjoys more intellectually challenging subject matter will be just as riveted.
Lincoln is a fantastic film. Its intricacies – the acting, characters, plot, music, set, pacing – all contribute to its feeling of human realism. Lincoln is a great film and a refreshing change of pace for anyone interested in politics, film, or simply in the mood for a good story.
