Lincoln (2012)

[AndyHall]

Finally saw it..... great movie!! I read Team of Rivals when it came out. I can't figure out why the move makers stated that it was based in part on that book over and above all the other historical info on the subject.

Spielberg had long wanted to do something on Lincoln, and optioned Team of Rivals long before it was finished. So the "based in part on" credit was contractually locked from the beginning, before Spielberg and his team even began shaping the movie and its focus. It was only later that he and Kushner settled on the very narrow subject of the passage of the 13th Amendment in the House of Representatives, which only spans a few pages in Goodwin's book. But by that point, he could have made some silly movie about Lincoln hunting vampires* and it would still have to be billed as "based in part" on Goodwin's book.

If the movie inspires viewers to read Team of Rivals, or Donald's Lincoln biography, or Foner's Fiery Trial, or (especially) Vorenberg's Final Freedom, these are all good things.

* A ridiculous hypothetical, of course. No one would actually make such a film.

 

[101combatvet]

If the movie inspires viewers to read Team of Rivals, or Donald's Lincoln biography, or Foner's Fiery Trial, or (especially) Vorenberg's Final Freedom, these are all good things.

 

[BillO]

I decided to go see Zero Dark Thirty instead. I figured I'd rather watch Osama get popped rather than Lincoln.

 

[K Hale]

I decided to go see Zero Dark Thirty instead. I figured I'd rather watch Osama get popped rather than Lincoln.

Well, I would hope so! I always figured you were a closet Unionist.

 

[KLSDAD]

Spielberg had long wanted to do something on Lincoln, and optioned Team of Rivals long before it was finished. So the "based in part on" credit was contractually locked from the beginning, before Spielberg and his team even began shaping the movie and its focus. It was only later that he and Kushner settled on the very narrow subject of the passage of the 13th Amendment in the House of Representatives, which only spans a few pages in Goodwin's book.

If the movie inspires viewers to read Team of Rivals, or Donald's Lincoln biography, or Foner's Fiery Trial, or (especially) Vorenberg's Final Freedom, these are all good things.

Thanks Andy, the mystery is solved!

On another subject ....I got a kick out of Alexander Stephens' asking whether they could get back in the Union in time to defeat the 13th Amendment. I'd be surprised if he was that straightforward about his motives..... but I've been surprised before.

 

[K Hale]

Thanks Andy, the mystery is solved!

On another subject ....I got a kick out of Alexander Stephens' asking whether they could get back in the Union in time to defeat the 13th Amendment. I'd be surprised if he was that straightforward about his motives..... but I've been surprised before.

I think he sensed it was a (no pun intended) lost cause even as he asked it. He seemed completely resigned when Lincoln pointed out the number of soon-to-be-ex-Confederate states that would ratify. Stephens' reaction seemed to basically say, "Arkansas and Louisiana. Yeah, yeah, I know. Hey, can't blame me for trying..."

 

[BillO]

Well, I would hope so! I always figured you were a closet Unionist.

No, just pragmatic. If Lincoln was to be taken out that was entirely the wrong time to do it.

 

[K Hale]

No, just pragmatic. If Lincoln was to be taken out that was entirely the wrong time to do it.

There would have been no right time. Stay classy.

 

[KLSDAD]

I think he sensed it was a (no pun intended) lost cause even as he asked it. He seemed completely resigned when Lincoln pointed out the number of soon-to-be-ex-Confederate states that would ratify. Stephens' reaction seemed to basically say, "Arkansas and Louisiana. Yeah, yeah, I know. Hey, can't blame me for trying..."

Right... if that is exactly or close to what he said. I was actually getting a kick out of the "artistic license" that I assumed was being taken.

 

[matthew mckeon]

Interesting line about living in a post slavery South. "We won't know ourselves." Slavery wasn't just money, but a way of life. Lincoln's reply. "By giving up the freedom to oppress others, perhaps you will discover new freedoms." Nice.

 

[Battalion]

Interesting line about living in a post slavery South. "We won't know ourselves." Slavery wasn't just money, but a way of life. Lincoln's reply. "By giving up the freedom to oppress others, perhaps you will discover new freedoms." Nice.

One of several (fictional) 'feel good' moments for Union romanticists.

 

[K Hale]

Must say, I've never heard giving up slavery described as a "feel-good" moment before.

 

[unionblue]

One of several (fictional) 'feel good' moments for Union romanticists.

And yet, many of the actual, historical events pictured in the movie, do have a 'feel good' quality about them.

Sincerely,
Unionblue
PS It is just a movie.

 

[UKMarkw]

Saw it last night and whilst I am no expert on American politics I thought the film , the subject and the acting were first class.
DDL brought Lincoln to life for me, it is how I imagined he would be in manner and deed. An excellent film and a travesty awaits if the Oscar goes anywhere else

 

[skeeter74]

I saw the movie and liked it (though I would've preferred something more broad in scope). I'll admit that the movie did lead me to read "Team of Rivals." I just finished it today, and it was easily one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read.

 

[David Knight]

finally found time to go and watch this film. Only released a few weeks ago in UK.

All I will say is that in 2 hours 30 minutes i never once looked at my watch.

Even with some of the obvious flaws referred to in this thread as a film it was brilliant and some of the JOKES/Put downs were worth the admission alone. Much funnier than most so called comedy films.

DDL won a BAFTA for lead actor and if he doesn't get the Oscar I really want to see that performance. Also interesting to see that for once the British actor wasn't the baddie.

 

[wondering]

So after two months I finally rustle up a Friday night date to go see Lincoln. Well I'll be darned, Lincoln isn't running anymore in a single movie house in this town (dozens of theaters, guess they weren't getting the sales ~ bring in the Bruce Willis movie, boys!). Aarrgh, had to go see The Hobbit instead (still not a bad film). Needless to say didn't get past first base. Guess I got to wait for the DVD now.

 

[David Knight]

So after two months I finally rustle up a Friday night date to go see Lincoln. Well I'll be darned, Lincoln isn't running anymore in a single movie house in this town (dozens of theaters, guess they weren't getting the sales ~ bring in the Bruce Willis movie, boys!). Aarrgh, had to go see The Hobbit instead (still not a bad film). Needless to say didn't get past first base. Guess I got to wait for the DVD now.

I had to travel some way to find a cinema showing Lincoln.. the local multiplex wasn't all Bruce and Les Miserable!

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

Lincoln is apparently out on DVD and Blu-Ray already; grabbed a copy at the grocery store. Oddly, the self-serve checkout held me for an age check. I told the clerk responding that it had been a long time since I'd been carded for a movie...

 

[K Hale]

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confederate reaction to lincoln movie

I wasn't aware dead people reacted to films. Do we have an official statement from Davis yet?