Lincoln (2012)

Directed By - Steven Spielberg

Starring - Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones,  David Straitham, Joseph Gordon Levitt

Spielberg's 'Lincoln" is not your everyday biopic. Its not about a man's struggle to reach the ultimate pinnacle of American Politics. Its not about his philosophy and best of all its not preachy. Its the tale of an iconic President's last four months in the White House. What's most striking about the film is its relevance. Its a film about man's vision. His vision for a broader future, his vision for a truly 'United' states of America and in textbook Spielberg style its simple. For people like me (and i am sure there are very few) obsessed with the American Presidency, its just what you needed.

'Lincoln" traces the last four months of the President's term. From mid 1865 to his assassination. A time when America was torn apart by Civil War and one of the biggest challenges - slavery. The film starts of with Lincoln (Day-Lewis) visiting a battalion which comprises of 'colored folks' who seem to be proud of serving the nation despite their inferior status. Lincoln a strong advocate of equality finds the perfect oppurtunity to rid the country of racist issues and proposes to bring forward The 13th Amendment which abolishes slavery. As is the case, Lincoln meets severe criticism not only from the House of representatives but from his cabinet too. What heightens the situation is his wife who has been brought to the brink of insanity owing to the death of her young son and also the pressures of handling the white house in such critical times. Lincoln nevertheless marches forward aided by fellow republican and black-sympathiser Thaddeus Stevens (Jones). Along with his cabinet he shrewdly forges the House towards passing the bill. How he achieves this herculean feat is what the film traces.

Spielberg always does period films well. But with this one he has almost touched the benchmark that he set with cult film Schindler's list. The film flows smoothly, not once boring you and he depicts the inner and outer struggle of Abraham Lincoln with finesse. Spielberg's greatest weapon is his screenplay. Although not about lincoln's complete life story, you feel that its the best summary of the 16th President's life. Spielberg infuses humour and light moments to help show Lincoln's personality. One of the best scenes in the film is one featuring a war room meeting. While the entire room is brimming with tension about a renewed rebel attack, Lincoln starts off on a war joke to lighten the mood. Its classic. Lincoln also features one of the best castings in recent times. from Day-Lewis to Jones everyone fits in like a jigsaw puzzle. The debate scenes are beautifully filmed and avid debaters will find it particularly interesting. For a man who shifted from genres like sci-fi, to socio-dramas to biopic with ease, Lincoln is something top be proud of. Spielberg's genius is once again on display.

Of the cast, Sally field is commendable as the distraught First Lady. David straitham is pitch perfect as Secretary of State Seward. Jones delivers one of his most powerful portrayal's since 'The Fugitive', one could say his like a Robin to Day-Lewis's Batman. Jones is simply breathtaking as the liberal republican and his debating scenes in the parliament are awe inspiring. Talking about 'robin's', Joseph Gordon Levitt too chips in with an able performance. But the film undoubtedly belongs to amazingly versatile Day-Lewis. If you have read up on Lincoln extensively you'll know its a stellar performance. From the voice to crouched demanour to the easy attitude Day- Lewis seems like he was born to the role. Effortless in his execution and measured in potrayal. This should (definitely) fetch him his third Oscar,

In all, LIncoln is an interesting film backed by brilliant performances and most importantly the vision of one of the most visionary directors. Please, please, please dont miss this.

P.S - if you have ever read the Gettysburg Address, you should look forward to Day Lewis' rendition of it.

Rating - 9.4/10