Joseph Gordon-Levitt played the role of Robert Lincoln well, but I felt his character seemed somewhat under-developed. I personally felt that the relationship between father and son could have been explored more extensively to enhance the realism, but at the same time I understand that it was necessarily shortened in order to afford more screen time to other, more pertinent issues. This is no affront to Gordon-Levitt’s skills as an actor, as I feel he did an excellent job overall with the amount of screentime he was given.
Finally, Tommy Lee Jones deserves high praise for his portrayal of Thaddeus Stevens. Despite being cast as a character likely unknown to all except the dedicated AP U.S. History students, his performance was one of the most memorable. His character was down-to-earth, sarcastic, witty and at the same time emotionally relatable and almost heartwarming. His many one liners while in Congress provided comic relief during the long-winded stretches of pure political dialogue. While the character may have been obscure to some, Jones’ portrayal was certainly unforgettable.
Whether you are a history buff or a common moviegoer, Lincoln is definitely worth checking out. While the runtime of 150 minutes may seem daunting to those less interested in the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, keep in mind that those two and a half hours fly by whether you like politics or not. From scenes of spousal dispute, father-son disfunction, Congressional antics, and heated debate, there is something for everyone in this movie.
- Overall, this film is a prime example of cinematic excellence, with stellar performances from immensely talented actors. While some scenes can drag on a bit, I was never once uninterested in what I was watching. Spielberg and Kushner created a historical film unlike any I have seen, and for this I give Lincoln a 9/10.
