Understandably, in the beginning, I looked into the face of Daniel Day-Lewis and all I could see was.. Daniel Day-Lewis in Abraham Lincoln makeup. But then that changed. The true beauty of this actor is invisible and intangible, and very soon his sense of purpose as Lincoln was unrestrained. Crawling around on the floor, huddling with his kid.. like I once did, contemplative, meditative, except in sweet & presidential daddy mode. The first time I closed my eyes to hear Lincoln speak the Truth, seconds or minutes later I was drifting left.. Am I falling asleep? But yes. Dark and cold were perfect movie theater conditions for taking a nap! But into more darkness and cold for 2+ hours is where Daniel Day-Lewis took Lincoln (and me). So I shivered and closed my eyes to hear the Truth frequently.
Though President Lincoln had 2 inches in height over Lewis, Lincoln's height, countenance and lanky stance.. were perfectly recreated by Lewis (& Spielberg), and I was particularly aware of masterfully studied body language. The actor's ever gently cupped hands, conveying possibly the delicate and even fragile physical and spiritual nature of the President. Crafted, too the placement of cupped hands on knees and those forward leans... reflecting openness and honesty and fatigue during trying times of running the country in the mud and blood of using war to abolish slavery.
Abraham Lincoln was one of the most profound humans on the planet in his time, and now. And every antiquated scene in this movie gave that very impression, inspired by what I call -calm and untheatrical Lewis-Lincoln moments, the telling of the stories and the lessons in law.. on avoiding the dangerous direction America could be heading towards without a 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Made sense to me! And the best part? I was convinced to like Abraham Lincoln when I hadn't much before.
I know I probably haven't said anything that would inspire someone who hasn't seen Lincoln to go see it. I'm just another die hard Daniel Day-Lewis fan contributing to his net worth. But go see the movie and make him and Steven Spielberg richer. Expect to see Sally Fields as Sybil and James Spader as a dishoveled Alan Shore. Although there's nothing about the movie that's particularly big and bright (except for Daniel Day-Lewis), there's no one in it outrageously beautiful (except for Daniel Day-Lewis). But it is ferociously sublime (all because of Daniel Day-Lewis). And I would see it again. And stay awake next time.
I didn't watch the Oscar's last night, and I just Googled to find out the Lewis-Lincoln outcome. Of course: Best Actor in a Leading Role. Understandably.
Go here to SpicyMovieDogs.com for a spicier review of Lincoln and other flicks.
- Jackie Rockwell Writes Going to see Lincoln for sure tomorrow! I think I'll link to yours, Greg. Did you write one?
Anyone can teach you about love... but I can make you good at it!
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2 comments:
Your writing...smh...WOW!
I hear ya! LOL.. Thank you. It would be nice if Dr. Clark, my English professor would read it and accept it as a substitute for the essay I totally didn't know was due last night! Oh well.. it's not in MLA format and I don't think it's 750 words long.
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