Lincoln

 

Lincoln 2012

• Director: Stephen Spielberg
• Seen by this director: many
• Based on the book: no
• Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and a slew of other familiar faces.
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Daniel Day Lewis – many.
• Sally Fields – many  
• Why? The subject
• Seen: 5April 2024 

       In 1863 US President Abraham Lincoln signed the Proclamation of Emancipation, freeing all slaves in the states waging war against the United States. In 1865 he proposed an amendment to the constitution forbidding slavery. It was controversial. He and his colleagues used different kinds of pressure against various congressmen to get it passed.

       If the film had started with this explanation, shortening it by an hour or so, it would have been so much better. As it is, the first hour or so is boring, confusing, plodding to the point that I almost DNF. It does pick up during the vote and there are some moments of emotional drama, but it is far from the Oscar nominee I expect. It was, simply, a disappointment. 

3* of 5