My discernation on the lastest war epic film by Steven Spielberg LINCOLN is of a profound admiration for the caliber of its performers. I've never been a fan of Mr Spielberg ever since JURASSIC PARK 3. These last few years, he has delivered entertaining and remarkable historically educational films that excel in epic proportions that center on pure human drama: AMISTAD, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, MUNICH, WAR HORSE to name a few. The epic scale is submersive and riveting; they revolve around the nuclear core that's emotional human conflict.
In my opinion this is where he triumphs unquestionably to the point of exploitation. The emotional prowess is so remarkably overused. It's a manhandling situation where the viewer is told where to feel a sentiment. Most of Spielberg's films share the common factor that's best described as a sentimental manipulation. I'm not saying that cinema doesn't exploit human empathy to establish connections, a rapport with the audience. It's what drives a good script. But in the case of Spielberg, I dare to suggest that he has mastered the art of dictating emotions to the audience. Where and on what scene we're supposed to cheer, cry, hate, feel intensity, etc.
In Lincoln something refreshing and interesting happens; it's as if Spielberg distances himself from the film, and in turn he allows the characters to drive and overtake each scene. Every act feels like an adrenaline rush that's non stop with clever performances from a stellar cast led by SALLY FIELD, TOMMY LEE JONES, DAVID SPADER, and DANIEL D. LEWIS.
Lincoln is a historical piece a-la-SOCIAL NETWORK where the narrative is intense and brilliantly dinamic. We have a piece that could've easily been a heavy convoluted mess due to its huge cast, and the three instead one historical events happening almost at the same time: the american civil war, the abolition of slavery, and the life/death of president Lincoln. Instead, the film focuses on the passing of the 13th amendment and the last moths of Lincoln. It presents us with an intimate and closer perspective, inside the cabinet's conflict at the house of representatives.
We get glimpses of the civil war; and yet it's uncanny how Spielberg, known for his war epics, opted to use a minimalistic approach regarding the proportion of the conflict. He emphasizes on Lincoln's own war to win supporters for his reelection and for the achievement of measures so drastic at that time but needed to end the war once and for all. Perhaps it's just a Spielberg's evasion from having two civil war epics back to back given that his war horse film was released a year before. Or perhaps, Spielberg's attempt was to create a genuily intimate atmosphere: placing the audience so close to Lincoln, his office, his family, his conference table, his arguments, and his never before portrayed humanity.
Day Lewis delivers one of the best performances of the year; he brings the legend back to life, and he breathes freshness to the character with such tactile realism that it's hard to picture the real Lincoln being any different. We see a Lincoln that's more of a conversationist, a seducer of words that charms with anecdotes funny at times, but solid in execution to get a point across. DayLewis's Lincoln is a man of conviction aware of his shortcomings; he's also aware of the immense influence that his tittle rightfully gives him, and he doesn't hesitate to invoke, and abuse it if needed.
Lincoln is a film led by its character driven narrative and mesmerizing performances; Sally Fields gives a sympathetic characterization of Mary Todd Lincoln both hipnotic and rich in its psychological shades. My personal favorite, Tommy Lee Jones delivers one of the best supporting performances of the year as Thaddeus Stevens; he's a force to reckon whenever on screen. Jones gives a jack of all trades feature to his character. From beginning to end, Jones is an unpredictable wild card through and through that never ceases to surprise.
Lincoln is a film that carries well, as a political play field, historic piece, drama, and character driven story; the cast is top notch that reminds us of the versatility and nuclear artistry that establishes Daniel Day Lewis as the best acting performer of the year.
