(Thanks to the BlogDad for picking up the tab for this!)
The great Steven S. makes two kinds of movies...
Fun filled actioners like "Indiana Jones" and "ET," and "important films" like "Shindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan."
"Lincoln" lands in the latter category.
By no means an action film.
A few scenes mirror his work from "Private Ryan." Horrifying scenes of the true carnage of war.
But, mostly, a whole lot of talk.
But, what brilliant talk it was!
The film reminds us that, not only was Abraham Lincoln something of a tragic character in our history, he dealt with much of the tragedy in his life with humor and wit.
The film also reminds us that there was a time when the Republican party were the good guys, the liberals (even while calling themselves "conservatives." Because they actually were) and, even, radicals. A party that would not recognize today's Republican party, the reactionary, obstructionist party of Mitch McConnell, Scott Cantor, Fox "News," Grover Norquist and Rush Limbaugh.
Daniel Day Lewis' performance as Lincoln is sublime!
Tommy Lee Jones, an actor known for playing grumpy old men, delivers his grumpiest old man performance, ever. With relish.
FotB Sally Field delivers as Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln. ("One D was good enough for God. The Todds needed two." -- A. Lincoln)
The film's cast of hundreds seemed to employ every actor in Hollywood, from "Animal House" and "Rizzoli & Isles" star Bruce McGill to action bad ass David Strathairn. From "The Dark Knight Rises" "Robin," Joseph Gordon-Levitt to movie and TV weirdo Jackie Earl Haley. James Spader, Hal Holbrook to FotB Gregory Itzen are all on board.
The only people who seemed to not be included are Sarah Silverman and Carrot Top.
And, oh, what make-up and hair work!
As a member of the I.A.T.S.E. Local 706, "Lincoln" gets my vote for the Oscar for make-up, if I was actually an Oscar voter! (Which, I am not.)
If you get the chance to see this movie, take it! The Blog highly recommends it!
I had the honor and privilege to work on this film and am so proud to have done so... there was a moment when we were between scenes and DDL was there in all his "Lincoln" gear just walking with his hands behind his back.. As you know he is a "method" actor.. Well for that brief moment among the background and set dressing and seeing Mr. Lincoln walking I was transported back in time. It was truly magical! He WAS Lincoln!!!! Although my time was brief on the film it was memorable and I will never forget it
ReplyDeleteT, I knew you worked on one of this year's Lincoln projects! Pleased to learn it was this one and not the Vampire Hunter one! So happy you had that experience! Mrs. Blog and I are great fans of D Day's work! This was an amazing film. Be proud of your work on it! Love you!
DeleteI wanted to see this anyway because of Spielberg, now I REALLY want to see it. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteDo see it! It is a wonderful movie!
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