Lincoln (2012 film)

Lincoln (2012 film) is a historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Tony Kushner. The film is based on the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin and focuses on the last four months of Abraham Lincoln's life, particularly his efforts to pass the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The film features an ensemble cast, including Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln, and Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens. The film also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Robert Todd Lincoln, James Spader as William N. Bilbo, and Hal Holbrook as Francis Preston Blair.

Plot

The film takes place in January 1865, during the final months of the American Civil War, and follows Abraham Lincoln as he navigates the complexities of passing the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which aims to abolish slavery in the United States. The film depicts Lincoln's relationships with his colleagues, including William Seward, Thaddeus Stevens, and Francis Preston Blair, as well as his interactions with Mary Todd Lincoln and their son Robert Todd Lincoln. The film also explores the political maneuvering and negotiations that take place in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, involving politicians such as George Yeaman, Alexander Coffroth, and James Ashley. The film's narrative is intertwined with historical events, including the Battle of Petersburg and the Second Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln.

Production

The production of the film was a collaborative effort between Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, and Tony Kushner, who worked together to develop the screenplay and assemble the cast. The film was shot on location in Virginia and Illinois, with Janusz Kaminski serving as the cinematographer and Michael Kahn as the editor. The film's score was composed by John Williams, who has collaborated with Spielberg on numerous films, including Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Schindler's List. The film's production design was handled by Rick Carter, who has worked on films such as Forrest Gump, Jurassic Park, and War Horse. The film's costume design was created by Joanna Johnston, who has worked on films such as Saving Private Ryan, Munich, and War of the Worlds.

Cast

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln, and Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens. The cast also includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Robert Todd Lincoln, James Spader as William N. Bilbo, and Hal Holbrook as Francis Preston Blair. Other notable cast members include David Strathairn as William Seward, Bruce McGill as Edwin Stanton, and Gloria Reuben as Elizabeth Keckley. The film's cast also features Michael Stuhlbarg as George Yeaman, Boris McGiver as Alexander Coffroth, and Walton Goggins as Clay Hawkins. The cast's performances were widely praised by critics, with many noting the strong chemistry between the actors and the convincing portrayals of historical figures.

Release

The film was released in the United States on November 9, 2012, and was distributed by DreamWorks Pictures and 20th Century Fox. The film premiered at the AFI Fest in Los Angeles and was later released in New York City and Washington, D.C.. The film received a wide release in the United States on November 16, 2012, and was later released in other countries, including Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 26, 2013, and features several special features, including a behind-the-scenes documentary and a commentary track with Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of the cast, particularly Daniel Day-Lewis's portrayal of Abraham Lincoln. The film holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics noting the film's strong historical accuracy and nuanced characterizations. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $275 million at the box office worldwide. The film received several awards and nominations, including 12 Academy Award nominations and 2 Golden Globe Award wins. The film won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis's performance, as well as the Academy Award for Best Production Design.

Historical_accuracy

The film's historical accuracy was widely praised by critics and historians, with many noting the film's attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. The film's portrayal of Abraham Lincoln and other historical figures was based on extensive research and consultation with historians, including Doris Kearns Goodwin and Harold Holzer. The film's depiction of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution and the American Civil War was also praised for its accuracy, with many noting the film's nuanced portrayal of the complexities and challenges of the time period. However, some historians have noted that the film takes some creative liberties with historical events, including the House of Representatives vote on the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Despite these minor inaccuracies, the film is widely regarded as one of the most historically accurate films about Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. Category:Films about Abraham Lincoln