Lincoln Lives!

Well, I finally came full circle and finally got to see Lincoln.  I have been anticipating the film for the last few years even when it was in the development stages and Liam Neeson was attached to pot ray Lincoln.  A couple of years ago I visited the Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois and just missed Daniel Day Lewis researching.  Apparently he was walking out the door as I was walking in.  I have always had a knack for somewhat bad timing.

Anyway, did I like the film?  Absolutely!  Steven Spielberg and the crew managed to pull off quite a feat in having history come alive without resorting to crazy embellishments.  History was allowed to speak for itself.  Was it all totally accurate?  Of course not, but the minor inaccuracies do not do much to warrant the film trash.

What we have is a Lincoln that is accessible to us all.  We have Lincoln as a leader, a husband, and a father.  What we see is a vulnerable Lincoln wrapped in a blanket, deep in thought, not the Disneyesque version with the booming baritone voice.  We are able to see Lincoln as an actual human being and not as some "historical figure" devoid of flaws and human emotion.

I think film can be a powerful medium to help in teaching history.  Let's be honest, for the average American, film is the most accessible medium.  I have sometimes been criticized for using movies in my teaching, but I think even bad or inaccurate films can lead to healthy discussion and debate about the importance of the real story.   The Patriot is a perfect example of this.  Yes, it is a very entertaining movie, but can one get beyond the dramatic imagery and special effects to get to the real heart of the actual event?  It is something that I have long shared with my own students.  GO BEYOND and discover the real story rather than what Hollywood dramatizes.  What I have always tried to get across to students is the importance of critically analyzing what they are watching.

I also believe that the true power of films like Lincoln and others is the fact that it might provoke people to actually learn more about the subject.  How great is it that "Team of Rivals" upon which Lincoln is based is currently enjoying renewed popularity?  Perhaps it will also encourage people to visit Springfield as well.

All in all, I believe Lincoln was well worth the wait and will only get better with a repeated viewing.  A second go round will most likely make me appreciate it even more.  Get your tickets!