Lincoln De Jure

Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, starring Daniel Day Lewis as the titular character (if I may use the word character) has been critically acclaimed. It has received several nominations and won several awards in several categories. But is the movie that good?

Yes and No. Yes because of some incredible acting and of course, the story; naturally. The incredible acting however is not courtesy of Daniel Day Lewis. That honour goes to Tommy Lee Jones, James Spader and David Strathairn. 

Sally Field’s acting in the film is overrated and in my opinion is not worthy of a best supporting actress nomination. And while Daniel Day Lewis does a good job, I don’t think it is worthy of a best actor nomination either. And the film doesn’t deserve the best musical score nomination either. John Williams is a talented composer but the score here is flat and unmemorable. Personally, I think DDL’s acting in Nine is much better than his acting in Lincoln. Though Lewis shines in some scenes such as the negotiation with the Confederate delegation, the best scenes came from Tommy Lee Jones. Strathairn and Spader also deliver their scenes and dialogue very excellently. 

No offence to Spielberg but the movie is a formulaic recipe for best actor and best picture. In other words, the movie plays to the gallery and for the most part, goes through the motions. I believe what is needed is for people to separate their love for Lincoln the man from the film. So will Lincoln and Daniel Day Lewis win this evening? Probably. After all, Natalie Portman won a best actress award for Black Swan.

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