Spielberg's Lincoln

I saw the new movie by Steven Spielberg, 'Lincoln.'  Terrific movie!

The best portrayal of Lincoln on film thus far has been Raymond Massey in Abe Lincoln Goes to Illinois.

It is to Daniel Day Lewis' credit that he so inhabits the role that he is to Lincoln what Usain Bolt is to sprinting - world class and a sight to behold!

I might even go so far as to say this might be Daniel Day Lewis' career defining role.  Just as when we say Al Pacino we think Michael Corleone, or when we say Ben Kingsley, we think Gandhi.  I think Daniel Day Lewis' will henceforth be Lincoln.

A treat indeed!

I followed-up the Spielberg movie over the weekend and in a 36 hour span, watched the following movies that in my opinion constitute the 'Lincoln Saga:'

- Young Mr Lincoln by John Ford with Henry Fonda

-  Abe Lincoln in Illinois played by Raymond Massey (who originally essayed Lincoln on Broadway)

- Gore Vidal's Lincoln played by Sam Waterston and Mary Tyler Moore; the latter being an exquisite Mary Todd Lincoln

- Finally the PBS documentary voiced by Jason Robards.

It was  fun to have wikipedia by my side looking up sundry characters (e.g. Lincoln's vain brother-in-law).

Each time I watch, I try to pick one salient turning point in the saga, and this time the Springfield farewell address stood out for me.  This address was given after Lincoln just won the election defeating Senator Stephen Douglas.  Lincoln was headed to DC with a gigantic task at hand, as big as Washington's - yet he offers a simple thanks to his friends an neighbors - all in an impromptu speech!

Remarkable!!

Here is the text:

"Friends, no one who has never been placed in a like position can understand my feelings at this hour, nor the oppressive sadness I feel at this parting. For more than a quarter of a century I have lived among you, and during all that time I have received nothing but kindness at your hands. Here I have lived from my youth until now I am an old man. Here the most cherished ties of earth were assumed. Here all my children were born and here one of them lies buried. To you, dear friends, I owe all that I have, all that I am. All the strange checkered past seems to crowd now upon my mind.

To-day I leave you. I go to assume a task more difficult than that which devolved upon Washington. Unless the great God who assisted him shall be with andaid me I must fail; but if the same omniscient mind and mighty arm that directed and protected him shall guide and support me I shall not fail -- I shall succeed. Let us all pray that the God of our fathers may not forsake us now. To Him I commend you all. Permit me to ask that with equal sincerity and faith you will invoke His wisdom and guidance for me. With these words I must leave you -- for how long I know not. Friends, one and all, I must now bid you an affectionate farewell."