Lincoln

This film finally came to theaters! And I got to see it with tons of other people.
The Civil War has been going on for nearly four years, many families have lost their sons, husbands, fathers and brothers. Naturally, the president, Abraham Lincoln (the magnificent Daniel Day-Lewis) wants the war to end, but he also wants to abolish slavery and will go to almost any length to get the necessary votes so the amendment can pass before the war ends. He enlists the help of Biblo (James Spader), whose name fits his character well, Latham (John Hawkes) and Schell (Tim Blake Nelson, finally in movies again). These men go around to all the democrats who will be out of a job in a few months and tell them that if they support the bill, then they will be given a job. Many fall into this trap, though others need more convincing. And the New York representative, Fernando Wood (Lee Pace), is completely against the whole thing. On the other side, occasionally belittling and making fun of his fellow representatives, while other times, brewing in his own thoughts, is Thaddeus Stevens, representing my home state of Pennsylvania (Tommy Lee Jones). Later, Jones provides one of the few surprises in the film. It certainly shocked me, but you learn why he truly supported freeing the slaves.
On the home front, things are probably even more interesting. Mary "Molly" Todd Lincoln (a brilliant Sally Field) is a bundle of nerves, still devastated over her son Willy's death. She also has a fantastic breakdown scene where she yells at her husband for not locking her up in the mental hospital when he had the chance. There is also their youngest son, Tad (Gulliver McGarth) who constantly demands and receives his father's attention. Lincoln is quite devoted to his youngest son. The same cannot really be said for his eldest, Robert Todd Lincoln (the underused Joseph Gordon-Levitt). Upon Robert's arrival for a party, his father is busy secretly meeting with Preston Blair (Hal Holbrook), who will meet with some southern officers and try and work on negotiating for peace. Though Lincoln shakes hands with Robert, he almost scolds him and tells him that he will talk to him later. I guess family doesn't come first. Later, in another extremely powerful scene, Robert tells his father that no matter how many hospitals he visits, he must serve in the army. There is no reason why he should be exempt from fighting just because his father is the president. He even talks back to his father, saying the only reason he is not fighting is because Abraham won't stand up to his wife. Robert receives a smack as a reward. However, Robert does join the army, but as Lincoln explains to his wife that he will never see combat, working as a messenger under Grant (Jared Harris).
The plot plays out, ending as everyone expects, with the amendment passing, the war ending and tragically, Lincoln being assassinated. There are some interesting moments along the way, with one representive suggesting that after blacks get the right to vote, what would be the next step? Women being allowed to vote? Ironically, women would get the right to vote, before the southern African Americans truly would.
The performances are what make the film. Daniel Day-Lewis will deservingly receive another Oscar nomination for embodying the 16th president. He physically looks like him and creates a voice all his own. He also walks with a permanent crease in his back. When he gives his son, Tad, a piggy bank ride, I was worried that his back wouldn't be able to support the weight. But it did. He also is most happy when he is telling stories of times long ago, including his one case of an old lady accused of murdering her husband. His stories are just fascinating. Sally Field is a bundle of nerves as the fragile first lady, sometimes literally shaking as she listens to her husband's dreams. I'm glad Sally Field fought for the role as much as she did. David Strathairn, as the secretary William Seward, is also quite good, though not as good as Tommy Lee Jones, who loves being cruel to the other representatives. It is the only fun thing he gets to do in the day. James Spader adds some necessary comic relief as Biblo. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is also brilliant as the eldest son, determined to show the world that he is not a coward. He deserves more credit than he has been receiving for this role.
Overall, the film is long and confusing, with tons of characters, who often don't receive an introduction, but the cast is packed with talent, every inch of it. The cinematography is also great, with minimal lighting, just as it would have been, with only candles for light. This film is definitely one of the year's bests, though I liked Argo more. Grade: A