Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" - Starring Daniel Day-Lewis

Photo Credit: Touchstone Pictures

A brilliant cast, a brilliant director and a brilliant president, perhaps the best ever, conspire to create one of the year's best films. Lincoln centers around the last four months of the life of the sixteenth president of the United States and is based on the novel Team of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Tony Kushner provides the screenplay, which focuses on Abraham Lincoln's attempt to abolish slavery and end the Civil War that divided the nation.

The soft spoken commander-in-chief is underestimated by some of his political rivals, but he is always the smartest guy in the room. Although the long and bloody Civil War has made him weary and tired, he is intent on ending slavery and the war through a series of political calculations and gambles. He is not afraid to do whatever is necessary to see that the 13th amendment to the constitution is passed. Lincoln relies on his powers of deduction while regaling those around him with stories that relay his point of view in a non-threatening way. His tales are not appreciated by everyone, but those who do listen are captivated by what he has to say and the power of his words. Indeed, Lincoln does not command respect as much as he earns it with his silver tongue.

Lincoln relies on the assistance of three men, William N. Bilboe (James Spader), Colonel Robert Latham (John Hawkes) and Richard Schell (Tim Blake Nelson), to twist the arms of the outgoing congressional Democrats to garner their support for passage of the amendment to abolish slavery. The trio utilize unorthodox methods while Lincoln works behind the scenes and even resorts to deception in order to accomplish his goals, which he firmly believes will save the divided country. Lincoln also has help from Republican leader and abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones), who employs some interesting and effective methods of convincing fellow politicians to see things his way. Stevens is hard as nails while at work, but shows a surprisingly softer side at home. Of course, the outcome of the abolitionist movement and the Civil War is well known, but the struggles associated with them are endlessly fascinating to behold in this two and a half hour epic.

Daniel Day-Lewis is once again able to fully immerse himself into his character. He appears to be very comfortable in Lincoln's skin and is relaxed in his more verbose scenes, where he relays long stories that tie his ideas together in a coherent and convincing way. Day-Lewis should be given credit for making those extended dialogue heavy scenes look easy. Lincoln rarely appears angry and shies away from raising his voice to his fellow politicians, but the same cannot be said for him when dealing with his troubled private life, including his marriage to Mary Todd (Sally Field). Indeed, the emotions come pouring out during scenes where they discuss Mary's emotional problems, the death of one son and the potential danger of losing another son, Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who wants to be a soldier and fight for what he believes is right. Mary is a force to be reckoned with too and has no trouble speaking her mind to powerful political rivals who are not in step with her husband's wishes. They make for a fascinating and formidable duo, despite their personal issues. Lincoln appears distant with his son Robert, while he bestows much attention on his youngest child, Tad (Gulliver McGrath). I am not certain why the distance is there, but Robert is clearly not happy with his father and their troubles boil over at one point, adding to the President's already substantial number of problems.

Steven Spielberg clearly understands how to manage a large cast of talented actors and allow them each to shine by giving them something substantial to undertake. The supporting cast, led by the aforementioned Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones, deliver award worthy work. In addition, James Spader's Bilboe works tirelessly to get the votes necessary for passage of the 13th amendment and also provides some much needed comic relief, while David Strathairn's William Seward, one of Lincoln's closest allies, has no problem being brutally candid with his boss, which is something that Lincoln very much needs. Rounding out the superb cast are Hal Holbrook, John Hawkes (The Sessions), Lee Pace and Jackie Earle Haley.

In addition to the performances, the direction and the screenplay, Lincoln features outstanding costume design, art direction, make-up and expert use of lighting that helps to set the mood for any given scene. The extended run time and verbose nature of many scenes should not deter potential viewers from seeing Lincoln in theaters. The film is well paced, completely authentic and boasts some of the finest acting you will see this year. Overall, a fitting tribute to the legendary Abraham Lincoln.

Indie Spotlight: John Hawkes and Helen Hunt shine in "The Sessions"

Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight

John Hawkes has mastered the art of playing the villain in films such as Winter's Bone and Martha Marcy May Marlene. However, he completely switches gears for his latest role, as poet and polio survivor Mark O'Brien, in the recently released film The Sessions. Based on a true story, O'Brien contracted polio at a young age and essentially lost his mobility, except in his head and face, and he needs the assistance of an iron lung to breathe. As Mark approaches middle age, he decides that he wants to lose his virginity before he dies and initially consults a priest, Father Brendan (William H. Macy), for guidance. Father Brendan, sympathizing with Mark's plight, takes a liberal stance with the request, but clearly has conflicting emotions, which are conveyed perfectly by the always reliable Macy, whose comedic talents are razor sharp.

After falling in love with at least one of his caretakers, the ever charming, positive and intelligent Mark seeks out a sex surrogate, Cheryl Cohen Greene (Helen Hunt), since he is unsure how long he has to live. He does not have the patience to wait any longer and despite feelings of love being reciprocated by other women, they cannot get past their own issues to allow themselves to be fully loved by Mark. The initial meeting between Cheryl and Mark does not go well, mainly because of nerves and their unusual relationship. However, over time Cheryl and Mark become closer than either one of them suspected, which places Cheryl is a difficult situation, because she is a professional and is only able to see Mark for a fixed number of sessions.

It is impossible for those who encounter Mark not to like him. He endears himself to others just by being himself. He is incredibly funny and completely likable. He is also devoid of sentimentality and there is not even a hint that he feels sorry for himself. Mark has made the best of his situation and has lived longer than anyone thought possible, which makes a strong case for the power of the mind to overcome physical illness. Cheryl is impressed with Mark's resolve and finds herself being drawn to him, as she helps him explore his body and discover what feels good. This causes problems for Cheryl, who is married. When her husband, Josh (Adam Arkin), finds a letter, complete with a poem, from Mark, he promptly throws it away, but Cheryl picks through the trash in the middle of the night to find the letter and allow herself to feel something with Mark that she cannot with Josh. Their sessions together become the centerpiece of this film, which will make you laugh one moment and then cry the next.

John Hawkes and Helen Hunt are phenomenal in the respective roles, which should garner award season attention. Of course, Hawkes has the more difficult job, as he is limited to using only his facial features and vocalizations to convey the many emotions that Mark is experiencing for the first time. Nevertheless, Hawkes completely becomes the character and pulls viewers in with little effort. Hunt, who has been absent from film for some time, delivers some of her best work to date, as the patient and caring Cheryl, who tries her best to remain professional at all times. Hunt should also be credited for appearing nude in several scenes, which is very brave for any actor.

Writer/director Ben Lewin's screenplay is also award worthy and constantly walks the tightrope between comedy and drama, with outstanding results. The various emotions that viewers are likely to feel throughout the film are a testament to the genuine nature of the screenplay and to the aforementioned performances, which also feel completely authentic. The fact that the film is based on a true story will make viewers marvel at what someone can do with their life with limited mobility, a positive attitude and a huge heart that is not afraid to be broken.