Starring the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, and Tommy Lee Jones, biopic Lincoln offers an honest look into the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his fight to end the Civil War and pass the 13th Amendment.
Day-Lewis gives an impeccable performance as the titular character. He truly takes on the persona of this famed American president, with his soft-spoken tone, bantering sense of humor, and the pain and stress he experiences in both his personal and professional lives. Day-Lewis, a native of England, does the arduous task of staying in character through the many different stages of the film. For example, in one scene he has an intense argument with his wife, Mary (Field). It could have been easy for Day-Lewis to let his native accent slip, but he does not. He raises his voice, while still maintaining the soft, American accent.
Day-Lewis gives an impeccable performance as the titular character. He truly takes on the persona of this famed American president, with his soft-spoken tone, bantering sense of humor, and the pain and stress he experiences in both his personal and professional lives. Day-Lewis, a native of England, does the arduous task of staying in character through the many different stages of the film. For example, in one scene he has an intense argument with his wife, Mary (Field). It could have been easy for Day-Lewis to let his native accent slip, but he does not. He raises his voice, while still maintaining the soft, American accent.
Jones is also impressive is his role as Representative Thaddeus Stevens. At first glance, he appears to be a grumpy old man who enjoys making others miserable. Jones pulls this off perfectly. However, as the film progresses, we see that Stevens cannot necessarily be taken at face value. Nevertheless, throughout the movie, he wows with his demonstration of raw emotion. This is especially evident in one scene, when a fellow representative comes into his office to express doubts about voting for the amendment. Jones’ anger is palpable and truly frightening.
Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski also does an incredible job utilizing close-ups, dark lighting, and other unique camera shots. For instance, in many scenes in which Lincoln is speaking, there is a close-up of his face; however, half of his face is almost always shrouded in darkness. This adds to the tone of the movie, particularly to Lincoln’s character, as he faces conflicts both within and without himself. The half-light, half-dark face of Lincoln represents solemnity, pensiveness, and the weight of the world on his shoulders. Kaminski also employs significant camera angles. For example, in one scene, the camera shows the back of Lincoln’s towering figure as he walks into another room, with a voiceover that says, “times like this I’m best alone.” This perfectly reflects the weight of his situation.
Production designer Rick Carter and costume designer Joanna Johnston also male significant contributions to the film. Carter was able to truly recreate Civil War battle scenes, with soldiers engaging in hand-to-hand combat or Lincoln riding through a field of dead and mangled bodies. Likewise, Johnston’s costume designs transported me to 1860s America.
Production designer Rick Carter and costume designer Joanna Johnston also male significant contributions to the film. Carter was able to truly recreate Civil War battle scenes, with soldiers engaging in hand-to-hand combat or Lincoln riding through a field of dead and mangled bodies. Likewise, Johnston’s costume designs transported me to 1860s America.
One of my only complaints about this film is that the story has a large amount of moving parts. This, coupled with the fact that the dialogue reflects the vernacular of the time period, can make it difficult for present-day audience members to completely grasp everything. Although I found myself getting confused at times during the middle of the film, the ending did a wonderful job tying up loose ends and answering lingering questions.
Another problem I had was the length of the film. The run time is 2 hours and 29 minutes, and I feel that it could have been made more concise by cutting it down to 2 hours or a little more.
Overall, this film is well worth watching. The strong acting performances, as well as the videography, set and costume design tell a masterful story that is based on true events within American history.
Check back here next week for more reviews!
Film Grade: A-
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
2/28/18
Sources::
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/09/18/lincoln_s_voice_was_it_as_whiny_as_daniel_day_lewis_s_in_the_lincoln_trailer_.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPK2FA5I6Vg
http://cwmemory.com/2012/11/24/spielbergs-battle-scene/
Another problem I had was the length of the film. The run time is 2 hours and 29 minutes, and I feel that it could have been made more concise by cutting it down to 2 hours or a little more.
Overall, this film is well worth watching. The strong acting performances, as well as the videography, set and costume design tell a masterful story that is based on true events within American history.
Check back here next week for more reviews!
Film Grade: A-
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
2/28/18
Sources::
http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2012/09/18/lincoln_s_voice_was_it_as_whiny_as_daniel_day_lewis_s_in_the_lincoln_trailer_.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPK2FA5I6Vg
http://cwmemory.com/2012/11/24/spielbergs-battle-scene/