Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • November 28, 2012 Day-Lewis stars as Lincoln, politician and president by Dennis Seuling “Lincoln,” directed by Steven Spielberg and starring a mesmerizing Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role, covers the last four months of Lincoln’s life, a time when he was trying to persuade the House of Representatives to vote for the 13th amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery. As the film unfolds, the Civil War is in its final days. Lincoln, who has assumed considerable wartime powers, is unsure whether his 1863 executive order known as the Emancipation Proclamation will hold up legally once the war is over. The movie primarily deals with Lincoln’s efforts to secure the votes necessary for passage. These efforts range from promising government jobs in exchange for votes, cajoling reluctant representatives and lecturing others, relying upon his cabinet, particularly Secretary of State William Seward (David Strathairn), to monitor the ever-changing climate in the House, and hiring the aggressive W.N. Bilbo (James Spader) to use his sometimes questionable methods to round up votes. In addition to this protracted political fight, there is turmoil in Lincoln’s private life. He and wife Mary Todd (Sally Field) lost a son two years earlier and the emotional toll still lingers. Eldest son Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is eager to join the Union Army, but his parents are dead set against it, fearing he will become yet another casualty of war. Lincoln understands the young man’s patriotic impulse and must deal with his adamant wife about letting Robert enlist. “Lincoln” is a long picture with a minimum of action. A brief battle scene early on gives way to the drama of men making deals, speculating on how the country will fare once the war ends, and posturing on the floor of the House. Through all of this, Lincoln remains calm, focused, and determined that the amendment will be passed. Day-Lewis’ Lincoln is very human -- a simple man in an extraordinary position who understands the delicate balance of playing politics, sees issues from multiple perspectives, and favors amusing, earthy anecdotes. This president is not an impulsive man, and charts a carefully thought-out path to his goal. Day-Lewis is easily the movie’s best attribute. He imbues Lincoln with stature, humor, leadership, and determination. The makeup helps to make his transformation into Lincoln believable. Those who look at the famous Matthew Brady portraits of Lincoln will marvel at the similarity between the president and the actor. The real Lincoln was more gaunt and looked far more careworn, but Day-Lewis makes up for the physical shortcoming with a powerful portrayal of a man under pressure from his political opponents, uncertainty about what will happen when the war is over, and an outspoken wife who is protective of her surviving children. Field is the real surprise in “Lincoln.” Field, who gained 20 pounds for the role of Mary, is equal to her screen husband in power. She is physically tiny, particularly in contrast to Day-Lewis’ six-foot plus frame, yet she dominates the screen in all of the scenes in which she appears. Hardly a shrinking violet, she speaks her mind to all, friends and foes alike. At a White House function, for instance, she is quick to tell it like it is to Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Daniel Day-Lewis stars in ‘Lincoln.’ Jones), a man with a history of criticizing the president. Field gives a well-tempered performance, and she manages to make the big, fancy period gowns and hats look right at home on her tiny frame. Other performances of merit are turned in by Jackie Earle Haley as Vice President of the Confederacy Alexander Stephens, Bruce McGill as Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, Hal Holbrook as political wheeler-dealer Preston Blair, and Jared Harris as Ulysses S. Grant. Rated PG-13, “Lincoln” is the kind of picture that attracts critical praise and Oscar nominations, but may not prove to be a blockbuster. Perhaps in deference to its subject matter, the tone is somber. Spielberg’s specialty -- action -- is minimal, and the reliance on dialogue often gives the impression of a filmed stage play rather than a truly cinematic effort. However, “Lincoln” is definitely a movie that should be on your “to see” list.