"Lincoln" Review

Walking into Alice Tully Hall for the third time in two weeks was far from routine. I have never been to a Disney screening where I did not have to turn in my cell phone at the door. Other studios, far whatever reason, seem to care less. I begrudgingly handed my phone over, jokingly telling the guard "it's an iPhone 5, please don't break it". He didn't laugh. Once inside the Starr Theater my friends and I found our seats. We had prime spots in the tenth row (which sure beat the neck-bending front row seats I had for Life of Pi just one week earlier). The screening was a "secret screening" of a work-in-progress movie, although everybody knew it was "Lincoln". The New York Film Festival had great success with last year's "Hugo" and I can imagine this becoming a new tradition (the first work-in-progress screening was Disney's Beauty and the Beasts). Robert Pena gave a short introduction before welcoming Steven Spielberg to the stage. Spielberg gives his introduction then disappears.

Let's begin. Ahhh, "Lincoln". It should be noted that this IS a work-in-progress film and much may change between it's November opening. The film follows Abraham Lincoln, played brilliantly by Daniel Day-Lewis, and his mission to pass the thirteenth amendment, abolishing slavery. The film dives into the back room deals that were made to get the amendment passed and the striking similarities to today's climate. The cinematography by Janusz Kaminski (Spielberg's go-to guy) is what you would expect, top notch. Costume, sets, editing and a score by John Williams are all on par with what we have come to expect from the most proficient director of all-time. The script, by playwright Tony Kushner, felt more inclined for the stage with the numerous dramatic monologues given by several of the characters. Spielberg even said it felt more theatrical than any project he had done before.

The performances were outstanding across the board. In addition to the aforementioned Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones was a standout in his performance of that one guy who had that one part (I have the memory of a two-year old). Sally Fields played a very convincing Mary "Molly" Todd Lincoln and brought some empathy to a character that is typically looked down upon. Joseph Gordon Levitt's, although very good, portrayal of Lincoln's eldest living son did nothing for me. The character served little purpose than to make the film run longer, and his part could and should be taken out in it's entirety.

Everything from Lincoln's voice to the way he walked was study meticulously. As Spielberg said "this is not your Disneyland Abe Lincoln". He also said "Epcot Center" which was stupid because A) we call it Epcot now and B) Epcot doesn't have an Abe Lincoln, dummy. Mr. Day-Lewis, you can start working on your next Oscar speech now. He seriously nailed it and so did Spielberg. I'm not going to make an Oscar prediction this early but I can tell you this film should be taken seriously in almost every category. The film really centers around the 13th amendment and less on events like the Gettysburg address (it's mentioned once) and the shooting in the Ford Theater (mentioned, but not shown). The film opens briefly on the Civil War but afterwards we never see war footage and it fades into the background. John Hawkes, James Spader (Michael Scott's replacement), and a third man (for the life of me I can't remember his name) became, what I imagined were, the first lobbyist in trying to secure bi-partisan support for the 13th amendment. I loved the scenes with these folks, they provided comic relief in an otherwise very dark movie. It's still all settling in and the excitement that followed the movie (more below if you care to read) made me forget a lot of what happened the preceding 2-3 hours (couldn't be sure since we didn't have cell phones!). What I do know is that if your'e a fan of cinema or history, you must see this movie. 3 1/2 Stars (out of 4).

Following the screening I immediately rushed back to security and got my phone and headed back in for the Q&A. I must've been the only person in the entire theater with a cell phone at this point. After the Q&A finished, Spielberg lingered on stage for a second. Big mistake, Steve. We bum rushed towards the front and immediately requested autographs and handshakes and words of wisdom from the man himself. I secured the first two, but he wouldn't reveal his secret. It was a dream come true just to be at a quasi-World Premiere (was it or wasn't it?) of a Spielberg film and to see him, but to shake his hand and have a mini-conversation?!? Beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you Mr. Spielberg and thank you Film Society of Lincoln Center for giving me this opportunity.