LINCOLN (“OSCARS CALLING”)

Cast: Daniel Day Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon Lewitt.

Director: Steven Spielberg.

Lincoln is a biopic with a difference mainly because of the sense of humor infused into the script (of a serious subject) by Tony Kushner. The film showcases the last four months of Abraham Lincoln’s life. The theme which is the abolishment of slavery (by passing the 13^th amendment) is stated within the first five minutes of the film.

The highlights of the film are undoubtedly the splendid Oscar worthy performances by Daniel Day Lewis and Tommy Lee Jones and the outstanding dialogues. Daniel portrays the subtlety and outburst, authority and vulnerability of Lincoln with such control and grace that you are left in awe of the man. He keeps narrating stories every now and then to the amusement as well as irritation of his colleagues. Jones literally lives as the fiery Stevens (who wants Racial equality) running down his opponents with his wordplay, supporting Lincoln in spite of their ideological differences. You will burst into laughter at the way he ridicules his opponents. Sally Field as Mrs. Lincoln is ok.

The dialogues of the film are the power of words EXEMPLIFIED, be it Lincoln’s, Stevens’ or those in the courtroom.

The direction is spot on depicting the sensibilities really well along with the BGM creating the proper mood. Cinematography is really nice with the occasional close-ups capturing the subtleties.

One thing that dampens the film, If I may say so, is the unnecessary detailing of the screenplay especially in the first half. It tends to confuse one with little knowledge on American history and it takes some time into the first half to get the viewer engaged. But once the pace picks up towards the end of the first half things get really interesting with lies, trades, lobbying, arm twisting and threats.

I am giving a 3.5/5 for Lincoln. Watch it for the magnificent performances and fiery wordplay.

IMDB Link - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443272/?ref_=sr_2

Rating Scale (Out of 5)

Less than 2                  -           Unwatchable.

2 to 2.25                      -           Below average.

2.5 to 2.75                   -           Average.

3 to 3.25                      -           Good.

3.5 to 3.75                   -           Great.

4 to 4.25                      -           Exceptional.

4.5 and above             -           Extraordinary.