MOVIE REVIEW - "LINCOLN"

 

This is the 13th Steven Spielberg movie I've seen. True, most of the ones I saw were the typical summer blockbusters with this and "Schindler's List" being the only Oscar season historical films I've seen. But I find it one of the most unique and unforgetable. 

First, I left feeling like I just had a history lesson. In High School history, the 13th through 15th amendments were covered basically in a paragraph, leaving me to think these passed post-Civil War. In watching this movie, I realized that it passed Congress as the Civil War was ending, before the Southern states were able to block it. The movie made it clear that Lincoln was trying to end two things (slavery and the War) at the same time without sabotaging the other. 

Second, while there were plenty of characters that could be labeled antagonists, there wasn't anyone who would be designated as a villain, in my opinion. 

Daniel Day-Lewis deservedly won an Oscar, but he had a cast of peers to work with including Sally Fields and Tommy Lee Jones, both of which earned at the least the Oscar nominations they received.

Again, not a typical Spielberg movie. But one I feel better off having watched.

PRE-OSCAR LOOK AT MOVIES THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON ME, PART 11 OF 12: JURASSIC PARK

 I mentioned a couple of days ago my favorite actor is Ben Kingsley, and my all-time favorite movie was Chariots. I will admit there's no actress I can say is definitively my favorite, but what is my favorite movie theme? And who's my favorite director? 

Some might guess it might be Vangelis, because of the title of "Chariots of Fire". Good guess. Actually, my second music composition is "Eric's Theme" from Chariots. Others would say, "He's mentioning this while talking about Jurassic Park - there's a connection. Yep, my favorite theme is from "Jurassic Park" by John Williams.

And yes, Spielberg is my favorite director. This movie is an example. For example, one thing I like about Spielberg is how he introduces key characters. In this movie, the first appearances of John Hammond (played by Richard Attanborough, who directed Ghandi), the first braichiosaurus, and the T-Rex. 

Another person mentioned how masterful the suspense was between Dr. Alan Grant and the two kids were climbing a usually electric fence when the power was off and Ellie Sattler restoring power to the park, including the fence the others were climbing. (Apology for the mild spoiler).

I mentioned JFK made an impact but was not a favorite. Jurassic Park definitely is one of my favorite movies.