Spielberg's Lincoln

[Linda Anderson]

We saw "Lincoln" today at the matinee. The theater was packed with mostly older people. There were a few who seemed quite old who probably do not go to many movies, if any. I didn't see too many young people but my son enjoyed watching the political wheeling and dealing. My husband said it reminded him of "The West Wing." As we were leaving, the usher, an older gentleman, engaged us in a conversation about how Lincoln had aged in office, how Lincoln had saved the Union, etc. He seemed quite moved by Lincoln the man although he had only seen bits and pieces of the movie.

Watching it is a very intense experience that resonates long after the movie is over, especially for those of us who have devoted our time to studying the Civil War era. The acting is wonderful, especially by Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones. David Strathairn is also great as Seward, "Lincoln's right hand man," who is with him every step of the way. There is so much going on that I'm looking forward to watching it again when it comes out on DVD.

After everyone has a chance to see the movie, I'd like to know what you think of how Spielberg chose to end it.