Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln focuses on the personal and political life of Abraham Lincoln during the final stages of the Civil War. The grit and the inner strength of the political leader is showcased throughout the drama. Brilliant acting, dialogues and the visual persona of the characters enables the movie to achieve its objective.
The introductory fighting scene in the rain and the bloody
after-war scenes establishes the context of the movie. The black soldier
completing Lincoln’s speech emphasizes the trust they have placed on Lincoln and
in a way is reminding him of his promise.
There is a good degree of Lincoln’s personal life shown in
the movie, thereby helping the audience in appreciating his holistic personality
and empathizing with him. He derives his strength by confiding in his wife. Lincoln is resolute, visionary, strong-hearted
(ability to support his eldest son’s wish of
becoming a soldier inspite of unbearable grief of already having lost his
youngest son, his conversation with the messenger boys at the piano), composed
under pressure, believes in his judgement (even when his close confidants
question the possibility), a terrific leader and yet a simple man (his walking
style, the general way of talking, amazed at the garnishing brought by the maid
for his wife the day before the reception, sharpening his pencil during a
heated discussion). All these attributes of Lincoln are brought out
convincingly. The humour element is used very well without undermining the
seriousness of the context when trying to fish for supporters of the bill.
In the concluding part of the movie, there are a couple of scenes
conveying so much with no words. The senator removes his wig as if symbolizing the
attainment of his life’s mission and the look on the house assistant when
Lincoln leaves his house one last time, conveying his deep gratitude.
Rating - 4/5
