Lincoln premiered in Africa

Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln

Attended the premier of Lincoln in Johannesburg a few nights ago, it was an interesting take on him during the last 4 months of his life. It did not focus on his eventual death, though he did; the movie was about his genius political manoeuvring for the assurance success of the 13th Amendment into the Constitution. 

We were finally introduced to Lydia Smith, the companon to Sen. Thaddeus Stevens at the very end of the movie. Lee Pace did a good job as the fiery Fernando Wood, former New York Mayor and, a Democrat Congressman. Hal Holbrook won an Emmy back in 1976 for his portrayal of Lincoln in a miniseries, did a wonderful job as the old and distinguished Statemen, Preston Blair. The abolitionist Congressman, John Mitchell Ashley came to life brilliantly; thanks to stage and charater actor, David Costabile. One funny thing to mention was the appeareance of James Spader (yes, that very one from 16 Candles), as a Lobbyist William Bilbo; he embodied that sleazy Washington lobbyist we all want to avoid at parties well. 

I can see Oscars for Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens from Pennsylvania, even Hal Holbrook as Preston Blair the founder of the republican party and, the director – Steven Spielberg. And, the amazing writing of Tony Kushner made the whole movie a cinematic experience, it will a travesty if he were denied the golden statuette.