Lincoln

This movie was based loosely on the book "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I listened to all 36 CDs of Goodwin's book, and it was very interesting.

The movie only covers a few months, and therefore only a small portion of the book. However, I enjoyed how the screenplay worked in nuances of Lincoln's personality (which was consistent with descriptions in the book). For example, his love of stories/anecdotes, and his tendency to give his small boys whatever attention they asked for. Also, we can see that his marriage was certainly rocky, but not without love and affection.

The movie concentrated on the Cabinet's approach to basically buy votes to pass the 13th Amendment. Although his reputation was as "honest Abe", Abe felt that this particular legislation was worth almost any underhanded approach. I believe the movie was accurate in its portrayal of the somewhat-sleazy Bilbo, but I cannot recall any mention of this person in Goodwin's book.

I thought it was in good taste to skip Lincoln's actual assassination, instead focusing on his son's reaction.

The Gettysburg address was quoted at the beginning by soldiers visiting with Lincoln. This was a creative way to include his famous words. After the wonderful line "Now he belongs to the Ages", we see Lincoln giving his 2nd inaugural address, which was also an amazing tapestry of words.

Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his performance as Lincoln. Honestly, I'm not sure I agree. I was not all that impressed with his impersonation of this amazing man.