Lincoln (film)

Lincoln (film)
source
Name	Lincoln
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Steven Spielberg
Producer	Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Kristie Macosko Krieger
Writer	Tony Kushner
Based on	The papers of Abraham Lincoln, biographies of Abraham Lincoln and Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Starring	Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Tommy Lee Jones
Music	John Williams
Cinematography	Janusz Kamiński
Editing	Michael Kahn
Studio	Amblin Entertainment, DreamWorks Pictures, Participant Media
Distributor	20th Century Fox
Released	November 9, 2012 (New York City premiere); November 16, 2012 (United States)
Runtime	150 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$65 million
Gross	$275.3 million

Lincoln (film) is a 2012 American historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Tony Kushner, chronicling the final months of Abraham Lincoln's presidency during the American Civil War. The film focuses on Lincoln's efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution while balancing war strategy and cabinet politics. It features an ensemble cast led by Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln and examines themes of leadership, reconciliation, and emancipation.

Plot

The narrative follows President Abraham Lincoln during January 1865 as he seeks to secure passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery while continuing prosecution of the American Civil War. Lincoln consults with members of his cabinet, negotiates with Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives, and deals with military matters involving generals such as Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman. Subplots involve Lincoln's relationship with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, his friendship with William H. Seward, and the moral and political tensions surrounding emancipation and reconciliation between North and South. The film culminates in the House vote on the Thirteenth Amendment and reflects on Lincoln's legacy amid ongoing conflict in places like Richmond, Virginia and battlefields tied to campaigns in Virginia and Appomattox Campaign.

Cast

The cast includes portrayals of historical figures: Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln, David Strathairn as William H. Seward, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Robert Todd Lincoln, James Spader as Wade Hampton, and Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens. Supporting actors depict politicians and military figures such as Edwin Stanton (portrayed by Bruce McGill), Salmon P. Chase (portrayed by Jackie Earle Haley), members of Lincoln's cabinet including Gideon Welles and Caleb Blood Smith, lawmakers like George Yeaman and Fernando Wood, and military officers associated with the Union command. Other actors portray journalists, lobbyists, abolitionists, and soldiers connected to the political and military milieu of 1865.

Production

Development began when Steven Spielberg acquired film rights to Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals and collaborated with playwright Tony Kushner. Pre-production involved research at archives such as the Library of Congress and consultations with historians including Doris Kearns Goodwin and Harold Holzer. Filming took place on location in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia plantations, and sets constructed to represent Washington, D.C. in the 1860s. Janusz Kamiński served as director of photography, with production design drawing on period artifacts from institutions like the Smithsonian Institution. Costume design and makeup used references from portraits, Mathew Brady photographs, and period newspapers to recreate figures including Lincoln, Mary Todd, and members of Congress. The score was composed by John Williams and the film was edited by Michael Kahn, employing techniques to evoke the era's tone and emphasize dramatic negotiation scenes.

Historical accuracy

The film incorporates documented events such as Lincoln's push for the Thirteenth Amendment and interactions with figures like William H. Seward and Thaddeus Stevens. Historians including Doris Kearns Goodwin and Harold Holzer noted fidelity to primary sources while some commentators debated dramatized elements involving backroom negotiations and characterizations of politicians such as Fernando Wood and Wade Hampton. The depiction of Lincoln's demeanor and speech patterns drew on accounts by contemporaries including Gideon Welles and John Hay. Military events are referenced with figures like Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman but the film concentrates on legislative struggle rather than battlefield chronology.

Release and box office

The film premiered in New York City and opened wide in the United States in November 2012, distributed by 20th Century Fox. It earned strong box office receipts for a historical drama, grossing over $275 million worldwide against a production budget estimated at $65 million. International markets such as United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Brazil contributed to global totals. The film's release strategy included screenings at film festivals and awards-season campaigns involving institutions like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Reception

Critics praised the film's direction by Steven Spielberg, screenplay by Tony Kushner, and performances, particularly Daniel Day-Lewis's portrayal of Abraham Lincoln and Tommy Lee Jones's turn as Thaddeus Stevens. Reviews in outlets referencing critics and cultural commentators highlighted the film's exploration of politics, legal maneuvering in the United States House of Representatives, and period detail with comparisons to earlier Lincoln portrayals by actors such as Henry Fonda and Walter Huston. Some historians debated interpretive choices; public reaction included discussions in media such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and television programs on PBS and CNN.

Awards and nominations

The film received multiple accolades, including nominations and wins from the Academy Awards, where Daniel Day-Lewis won Best Actor and the film won awards for areas including production. It earned honors from the Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and recognition at critics' circles and guild events including the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America. Institutions such as the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute also included the film in annual best-of lists.

Category:2012 films Category:Films directed by Steven Spielberg