Lincoln

Arguably one of the finest of the American presidents, Abraham Lincoln is quite the iconic figure of the Civil War. And here I am, having sat through a movie about the great president. I guess I can only say that I have emerged thinking about the struggles behind the 13th Amendment, and with some skepticism as to the character as portrayed in the film.

Lincoln is set in the Civil War period, and focuses primarily on the struggle the President had to get enough support to pass the Amendment. Throughout the film, I was struck by the well read and considered intellect of Mr President, and his sharp tongued "sidekick" Thaddeus. Thaddeus's unrelenting delivery of sarcastic wit arguably stole the show whenever they showed up.

I guess the first thing that struck me as odd was how Lincoln seemed to lack his trademark Kentucky accent. His understanding and application of classical philosophy also seemed slightly strange considering his background. Of course, I have no doubt as to his well read though unschooled status, but I am somehow doubtful as to whether that was how usual mannerism. I also pondered if he really did spend the final stretch of the Civil War fighting for the Amendment.

That said, the movie was not bad in and of itself, and actually presented a perspective that focused more on the internal politics of getting a controversial Amendment passed, instead of the usual focus on the Civil War. I appreciated that. Overall I'd say the film deserves a 7/10.