Lincoln

"The movie Lincoln released in the year 2012, is a Political, Historical, and Dramatic form of art. Taking inspiration from history itself, this intriguing portrait of one of America's greatest Presidents is directorially shouldered by Steven Spielberg – a renowned name in the cinematic universe. Skillfully cast with the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, and David Strathairn, the film transcends the boundaries of biographical storytelling to pay a splendid tribute to Lincoln’s legacy.

Daniel Day-Lewis, an established figure in the realm of performing arts, masterfully slips into the shoes of Abraham Lincoln – the 16th President of the United States, who hurdles against time and reluctant politicians to abolish slavery before the end of the Civil War. Throughout the film, Day-Lewis truly embodies Lincoln, incarnating his charismatic personality and dynamic leadership traits, capturing the man's depths, his wit, his ruminative sadness, and his unusual, captivating power. Through his performance, we see a patient, reflective, sophisticated, and politically astute leader who is keen on accomplishing the unimaginable.

Sally Field fulfills her role as Mary Todd Lincoln, the First Lady of the United States, with definitive vitality. Field's portrayal seamlessly conveys a range of complex emotions, from crushing sadness to burning fury, thereby accentuating the overall depth of her character. Alongside them, David Strathairn as Secretary of State, William Seward, effectively displays political tenacity and savvy necessary for pushing through contentious legislation.

The movie is set against the backdrop of the tumultuous times of the American Civil War. The screenwriter, Tony Kushner, in the adaptation of the novel "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" by Pulitzer winner Doris Kearns Goodwin, manages to capture the essence of this complex era and the balancing act of Lincoln’s leadership. His storytelling beautifully walks the tight rope between personal drama and the political maneuverings that was felt in the White House of the 1860s.

Steven Spielberg directs this film with an aim to not only outline a pivotal period in America's history but to bring forward the man behind the myth. Spielberg's touch is visible in the fine nuances of the storytelling. Every scene reveals a different facet of Lincoln's personality, showcasing both his humanness and the burden of his office. There is a sheer brilliance in the way Spielberg uses imagery, set design, costumes, sound effects, and cinematography. Every frame, every spoken word, seems to have been crafted with meticulous care to depict the harsh realities of the Civil war era and the immense political struggle that involved setting millions of people free.

The film brings together Oscar-winner Janusz Kaminski, Spielberg's longtime collaborator, as the director of photography. Kaminski brings a visually stunning depiction of the era with scenes often bathed in subtle hues creating a striking ambiance. This dramatic masterpiece does not shy away from the scope of John Williams' grand score, nor from smaller heartfelt moments or Lincoln's famous eloquence, altogether portraying a thrilling picture of American political life.

The screenplay is filled with dynamic dialogues that leave you captivated as they contain the power to transport you to the time of Lincoln. The wit, humor, sadness, and tension in the dialogues add to Lincoln's character's complex personality. Moreover, Spielberg’s incredible vision combined with Kushner's powerful dialogues immerses the viewers into an aura of historical resonance, highlighting their relevance in today's world.

The movie is engaging, thought-provoking and uncovers one man's determination to achieve a larger goal while also unraveling his subtle personality traits. This film magnifies Lincoln's political genius and his humanistic approach towards the people he governed. With many subplots simultaneously at play, the movie outlines a comprehensive era in American history, bathed in political struggles, and humanistic triumphs.

Overall, Lincoln serves as a brilliant cinematic endeavor that casts a diligent look at one of the most dynamic leaders the world has ever witnessed. This film offers a fresh perspective on the accomplishments and personal struggles of Lincoln and brings an important era in American history to the silver screen. With Spielberg at the helm and a virtuoso performance by Day-Lewis, Lincoln is a must-watch not only for history buffs but for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cinematic experience."