Discover Spielberg’s Masterpiece: ‘Lincoln’ Now Streaming on Hulu – Don’t Miss It!

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Steven Spielberg started shaping his illustrious career half a century ago with the groundbreaking blockbuster “Jaws” in 1975. Over 36 feature films (and still counting), Spielberg has seamlessly blended popular appeal and artistic filmmaking, tackling a diverse range of subjects – from the grandiose sci-fi adventures like “Minority Report” and “War of the Worlds,” to intimate historical dramas such as “The Color Purple” and “Amistad.” The 21st century has seen technological advancements, yet Spielberg produced a movie that stands among his finest works, and arguably one of the best films of the past two decades: the remarkable “Lincoln,” released in 2012.

Over the past few decades, Spielberg has diversified his creative efforts, venturing into CGI-focused projects like “The Adventures of Tintin” and “Ready Player One,” as well as semi-autobiographical films such as “The Fabelmans.” Nevertheless, it’s a film that delves into the behind-the-scenes negotiations leading to the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in America, that showcases his most impressive work yet. This captivating film is supported by an exceptional performance from one of the greatest actors currently active.

Now that it’s available on Hulu, people who didn’t see it 13 years ago get a second opportunity to learn about the sacrifices made to secure freedoms that are often overlooked as commonplace.

‘Lincoln’s Messy Politics

During the protracted Civil War, the eradication of slavery in America was by no means a certainty. Lincoln openly discusses the narrow odds they faced for Abraham Lincoln and his allies, who devoted much of the film to persuading fellow legislators to support the constitutional amendment that would terminate slavery. It’s worth noting that abolition wasn’t widely supported by many Americans during that era, even among those who disapproved of slavery in principle. Many representatives were hesitant to vote yes due to concerns about the potential repercussions, as it could potentially lead to their defeat in the following election.

The movie portrays Abraham Lincoln as a complex character, someone deeply committed to ending slavery and not hesitating to leverage his presidential authority to do so. Towards the end of the film, with the Confederates having been defeated and preparing to surrender in Washington, Lincoln delays their surrender until he can pass the amendment. Allowing the war to cease would also weaken public backing for abolition, and Lincoln is prepared to extend the conflict slightly to accomplish his objectives.

In contemporary times, one might easily defend the means as justified by the ends, however, the movie Lincoln underscores that his reputation took a significant hit during this period, both within Washington and among the American public. The portrayal of Lincoln in Spielberg’s film is a principled individual who firmly believes he is doing what’s right, regardless of the path taken to achieve it. The movie doesn’t exactly de-idealize the image of Lincoln that popular culture has built, but rather, it offers a more detailed and complex portrayal of a figure often remembered in broad strokes.

Why ‘Lincoln’ Is a Modern Classic

In this rendition, we can say:

Lincoln, directed by Spielberg, showcases his artistic prowess at its zenith, assembling decades of expertise into a single masterpiece. The movie boasts breathtaking visuals, with Janusz Kaminski’s frequent collaborations capturing 1860s Washington in a warm, golden glow, harmonizing beautifully with Joanna Johnston’s meticulous costume designs. Moreover, this is the first collaboration between Spielberg and Tony Kushner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who later penned West Side Story and The Fabelmans for the director. Kushner’s skillful way with words brings the film’s contentious congressional scenes to life, as representatives exchange sharp wit that exposes the dramatic essence of American politics.

This movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring standout performances from actors such as James Spader, John Hawkes, David Strathairn, Hal Holbrook, Tommy Lee Jones, and many others who frequently take on smaller roles. Actors like David Oyelowo and Colman Domingo, who are destined for greatness, make brief appearances in the film. Sally Field was rightfully nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, a role that showcased her emotional depth as she grappled with the ongoing sorrow of losing their son Willy. A particularly intense scene showcases a heated debate between Abe and Mary regarding whether to allow their other son, Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), to enlist, potentially putting him in harm’s way.

Absolutely, the success of the movie largely depends on a stellar Lincoln portrayal, and in this case, Lincoln is an exceptional union of role and actor. Daniel Day-Lewis earned his historic third best actor Oscar for this part, a victory that was practically predictable for those who watched the film. His performance is as naturally brilliant as Spielberg’s, embodying Lincoln with a subtle yet profound stillness that maintains him even during his most explosive scenes. Day-Lewis, known to appear in only one more film after this, 2017’s Phantom Thread, before retiring, serves as a testament to the good fortune of cinema. However, it was announced last year that he will soon reappear on screens in his son Ronan’s film Anemone, which is wonderful news indeed.

In many political tales, the struggle is often depicted as a battle between good versus evil, with those who remain steadfast believing they are on the right path. However, Lincoln offers a different perspective, suggesting that such a conflict is much more intricate. Even noble causes like ending slavery are entangled in the complexities of politics and power. This was true in 1865, and it remains relevant today. Yet, history has shown us that this doesn’t diminish the importance or validity of the cause.

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2025-04-06 02:02