The Minority Report - "Lincoln" (2012)

The so-called “ploy” of Watching Paint Dry is that we have a college-aged perception on modern movies that come out. Our movie criticism is built on a few college-level courses in film, our unique majors which do not relate to films, and the countless number of other films that we have seen. That being said, Lincoln is a great movie. I do not recommend it if you are going on a date or in the mood for a high-flying adventure. The movie is definitely made for an older generation—its lack of visual stimuli (that is not to say it isn't pretty, because the cinematography is fantastic), for example. This movie was like watching an intriguing, down to Earth old man sit down in various places and tell stories. The intriguing aspect comes from the fact that the old man is President Lincoln in the heat of the debate over the 13th amendment.

I am not going to go over the synopsis of the film, because it is about Lincoln. We all should know the trials and tribulations of Lincoln. If not, go read some things. In fact, this movie is based on the novel Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Goodwin. So, if you know Lincoln and know the history, why should you go see this movie? It is truly the phenomenal acting and excellent writing that make this seem like you are seeing the president in a new light.

Daniel-Day Lewis is Lincoln in this film. There was not a doubt in my mind that this is how the president would be (having never met the man, I cannot fully answer confidently on how Lincoln would act, but still). The film is exceptional in the way it treats the story of the 13^th amendment, its viewing of how American was then, and the depiction of the emotional toll the Civil War had on Americans. This also showcased the emotional strain that leading the country in such a vital time had.

It is hard to not like Lincoln, as it would be almost anti-patriotic to dislike this movie. There are a few items I did not like. Gulliver McGrath’s (playing Lincoln’s youngest son) performance was serviceable, but not the greatest. The ending also did a strange reflection of Lincoln in a flame on his death bed (Spoilers?). Overall this movie is compelling because of the intriguing character of Lincoln and the excellent acting. We will be seeing this movie, not as paint on the wall, but instead winning awards when the season arrives.

By V-Dawg

PS. I am proud of myself for writing this review absent of any Lincoln being shot, hat, or tall jokes/puns.