Saturday, February 09, 2013

Review of the Week: Lincoln

Posted by Katina at 8:00 PM

Lincoln (M)

ABRAHAM Lincoln is the president of the moment, this the second film of the season following Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. He is a revered man in his homeland, something audiences appreciate. But of all the depictions of him, in film and otherwise, this one has been most looked forward to by critics, fans and those voting on the golden statues.
Twelve years of research into the days preluding the United States vote to abolish slavery would feel well worth it to Steven Spielberg. His love of history is shown on film in the most extravagant of ways, often leaving nothing behind. While criticism comes form those pointing out minor historical inaccuracies, many were altered in the name of artistic licence.

Abraham Lincoln himself is most comforting. The 16th President of the United States (Daniel Day-Lewis) has been voted in to his second term as leader during a Civil War four years in. The sentiment is that the battle is nearing its end, and his cabinet plead for peace negotiations, particularly Secretary of State William H Seward (David Strathairn).

History tells us that Lincoln was a man sure of what he wanted even if he took the slower path to get it. Patience was a virtue for this president, sure that the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery from their constitution would pass. Work had to be done to get there though; Lincoln faced multiple challenges.


The story follows the bid to get both the Radical Republican votes and Democrat votes from politicians who had lost their seats badly. Monetary bribes were shunted in favour of job offers, Lincoln reluctant to get his hands too dirty.
Complications in the office, which also include the option of a peace negotiation initiated by the influential Preston Blair (Hal Holbrook), play havoc with Lincoln’s private life. His wife Molly (Sally Field) is by his side but echoes the frustration of the people with the drawn-out fighting. It comes to the fore as eldest son Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) returns home defiantly planning to join the Union Army.
Spielberg lets the cameras roll slowly over two-and-a-half hours to give us every detail, amplifying the demeanour of the great man. His knowledge of the law, entertaining (if not relevant) stories and devotion to young son Tad (Gulliver McGrath) are all utilised. There’s no blood, and barely a physical battle in sight. The real battle here is of Lincoln’s emotions.
Day-Lewis is outstanding, able to project conflict of the mind convincingly. But Spielberg gets the best from a wonderful ensemble that has taken to the project easily. Tommy Lee Jones is a particular standout as Radical Republican Congressional leader Thaddeus Stevens.
For many, this will be seen as a film of historical importance. For those who don’t know Lincoln’s influence on the United States, this is the sort of film that will inspire you to find out more. Spielberg usually has that effect on people with his work.

Rating: 4/5
*Published in the Daily Liberal (Dubbo), Western Advocate (Bathurst), Parkes Champion Post and Midstate Observer (Orange) from Saturday 9/2/2013

***
Network (1976)
 
THE CUTTHROAT world of television journalism hasn’t changed much from what it was to now. Even in a world of immediacy with the likes of the internet, it’s always been about the revenue. American news networks are in a constant battle for their wide-reaching audience and are often depicted as ruthless in their efforts.
 
When the (fictional) Union Broadcasting System is lagging behind other major news outlets, long-time presenter Howard Beale (Peter Finch) is given the cut. His on-air farewell is a surprise to the network as the usually dignified man breaks down.
 
His downward spiral is recognised by producer Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway), and the network in turn exploits his preaching rants about the media industry to stellar ratings. Meanwhile, her plan to introduce terrorism to serial television also has bigwig Frank Hackett (Robert Duvall) in a spin.
 
Sidney Lumet captures something that remains extremely relevant in the uncertainty of the industry. But it’s Finch as the deranged Howard that is most chilling, as he becomes a former shadow of himself. Watching his exploitation is not only uncomfortable but speaks enormously of a thing we call ‘reality’, a precursor for viewing habits around the world.

*Published in the Mailbox Shopper (Dubbo) on Wednesday 6/2/2013.

MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEWS? See what I thought of Silver Linings Playbook and Chinatown.

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

0 Comments:

Post a Comment



Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)