Lincoln

Being a history fan, I jumped at the chance to see Steven Spielberg’s film “Lincoln” and I’m glad I did. I knew it was partly based on Doris Kearns Goodwin’s 2005 book “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln,” which I haven’t read yet but know it’s about the president and three political opponents he chose for his Cabinet. The book details how Lincoln over time was able to win over his administration and turn rivals into allies.

I was curious to see how the film would portray the 16th president, who in the annals of history is often deemed larger than life. Could it even be done? It was hard to imagine it wouldn’t be just another sentimental Hollywood biopic. But I was pleasantly surprised. The screenplay and the performance by Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln are terrific and keep it from falling into those pitfalls. It humanizes Lincoln perhaps more than we’ve seen before on film. He’s not merely the man who makes great speeches and stands aloof in his black top-hat, depressed by the ravages of the Civil War. In the film, he’s a father, husband, storyteller, jokester and a man who meets with his rivals and the common people. He’s under extraordinary stress from different directions but manages to rise to the tasks before him.

Still it’s a film that might not appeal to everyone because it contains a lot of dialogue and not a lot of physical action onscreen. It focuses on just the last few months of Lincoln’s life in 1865 when he’s trying to pass the 13th Amendment, banning slavery, through the House of Representatives. There’s bickering among his Cabinet and fierce division over it between Republicans and Democrats on the Hill. (It reminds one of today’s deep divisions.) Lincoln is taking a huge risk to pass the amendment, which could prolong the war which he wants to end. Despite this, he plunges forward. The film hinges on whether Lincoln’s “team” can get enough votes to pass it. The pressures and ramifications appear enormous. The film’s like watching democracy in motion with both its positives and warts.

For those who like history films, it’s quite an entertaining ride. The cast of Cabinet members, Lincoln’s family, politicians and soldiers is large with exquisite actors playing each role, none better than Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln though. He’s amazing. The costumes and sets are top-notch and breathe life into the Civil War, as if you were there. It’s Spielberg after all.

I did wonder how historically accurate the film is. For instance, did the screenplay rely on actual congressional record or White House transcripts and documents for the dialogue and debate? Or was it improvised for story’s sake? It’s quite amazing how it unfolds. It’s true Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves in 1863, and followed up with his support of the 13th Amendment in 1865 before the war’s end, which he was pushing for as well. It took considerable fortitude to do, and is a good reason why Lincoln is so admired. I plan to check out Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book and others perhaps to find out more. All in all, the film does a great job, giving a vivid account of a pivotal event in U.S. history and is one that should not be missed.