It is somewhere in the second hour of Steven Speilberg’s latest film “Lincoln” that the characters transcend beyond mere written stage directions. Lincoln is telling one of his many personal anecdotes, the details of which do not matter, to a room filled with military advisors who have just begun bombing a major fort.
Tensions are high, but Lincoln manages to raise his men’s spirits with a long-winded joke. The crowd laughs and Lincoln moves on to another crowd, another job.
“Lincoln” is not a film for everybody. It is far too long, paced very slowly, and generally unexciting. However, seeing the melancholic president slowly, but surely, come to life on the big screen provides its own kind of thrill. Daniel Day-Lewis does a fantastic job in the role, breathing a certain kind of quiet life into one of the most troubled presidents.
Steven Spielberg is known for his directing skills, the major force of which is present in this film. However, he falters in a few key moments. The movie could be 45 minutes shorter and still cover the same material. It moves at a plodding pace that could stand to have some added action.
The movie is not about the Civil War, but rather about the ratification of the 13th Amendment. As such, it makes sense that Spielberg would focus on that and not on the more action elements of the time period. There will no doubt be people who are disappointed by this, having been led to the movie by the action packed trailers.
Finally, the movie ends with a scene that is neither inspiring nor inspired; it is simply drawn-out and boring.
Abraham Lincoln guided the United States through one of its most difficult conflicts. “Lincoln” does its best to capture the essence of this important man through one of his most important struggles. It is not the most engaging film of the year, but it is still a thought-provoking film. However, that is not to imply that this is a film for everybody. Many will be put off by its two and a half hour long run time, plodding pace, and lack of action. For these people, Ford’s Theater would no doubt provide a much better experience.