The Better Angels

The Better Angels, directed by A.J. Edwards, is a 2014 American historical drama that explores the formative years of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Set against the poignant backdrop of sweeping landscapes and the humble origins of rural 19th century Indiana, the movie artfully connects Lincoln's early life to his eventual greatness. In The Better Angels, Edwards offers viewers a visually engaging and emotionally reflective depiction of Abraham Lincoln's childhood, highlighted by nuanced performances from Jason Clarke, Diane Kruger, and Brit Marling.

Jason Clarke plays Tom Lincoln, the hardworking father of the future President. Clarke portrays Tom as a man of limited means and lettering, yet enrichened with a rich, strong ethos that helps shape this young Abraham's values and moral compass. Tom’s presence in Abraham’s life, while stark and filled with harsh lessons about life and survival, is essential in molding the resilience and strength that would later characterize Lincoln’s political career and presidency.

Diane Kruger and Brit Marling play the influential roles of Lincoln's mother and stepmother, respectively. Kruger presents a compelling picture of Nancy Lincoln, who recognizes her son’s potential and fiercely fights the circumstances to feed his curiosity and fuel his imagination. A stark contrast to her comes in the form of Lincoln's stepmother, Sarah, portrayed seamlessly by Brit Marling. Marling’s character is no less influential in Lincoln's life, serving as a beacon of hope and a source of love and affection after his mother's untimely passing.

In the central role of a young Abraham Lincoln, newcomer Braydon Denney impresses with a quiet, introspective performance. He does not attempt to mimic the Great Emancipator as we know him from history. Instead, he provides an intelligent and sensitive portrayal of a boy on the cusp of manhood, awakening to the world around him, and finding his footing in it.

The Better Angels is more than just a biopic of one of America's most iconic figures. It is a parlance of subtle performances, enchanting cinematography, and a subdued but powerful visual and narrative poetry. The film captures the beauty and austerity of frontier life embedding it in the stark black and white palate, which serves as a metaphor for good and evil, struggle and triumph, despair and hope.

The film contrasts the squalor and harshness of frontier life with the tranquility and aloofness of the vast forested landscapes, drawing parallels with Lincoln’s struggle against poverty and his quest for knowledge. The quiet, contemplative moments in the film give the audience a chance to absorb and appreciate the grandeur of life in the wilderness and the incessant human struggle to tame it. The Better Angels is a profound exploration of hardships and struggles, and how these experiences can shape and mould a person, in this case, the young Abraham Lincoln.

Director A.J Edwards, who previously worked as an editor and second-unit director on several of Terrence Malick's films, seamlessly marries his mentor's penchant for capturing the convergence of the natural world and human emotion with his unique directorial vision. His narrative style leans towards a silent exposition of emotions, allowing the characters and their circumstances to drive the story, reinforcing the film’s overall aesthetic and poignancy.

One particular feature of The Better Angels is its minimal use of dialogue. Edwards relies heavily on the expressive power of silence, encapsulating the raw and unspoken emotions of his characters through their actions, reactions, and in the way they navigate their brutal and unforgiving environment.

From stirring performances by the cast to the director's mature handling of the subject material, The Better Angels most certainly leaves a memorable impression. This film is a testament to the power of minimalist storytelling, beautifully showcasing a significantly overlooked chapter of Abraham Lincoln’s life. It provides a unique opportunity to retrospect about the early life of one of history's greatest figures, making it a worthwhile watch.

Overall, The Better Angels offers viewers a thoughtful, introspective exploration of Abraham Lincoln's formative years, leaving them to contemplate how these experiences shaped this 'ordinary' boy into an extraordinary leader. The Better Angels is, in essence, a meticulously crafted film that pushes the boundaries of conventional filmmaking, providing insightful messages about life, struggle, and the enduring human spirit.