1st watched 1/19/2009 - 4 out of 10 (Dir-D.W. Griffith): OK film about Abraham Lincoln's life is definitely a good piece of history for America but not a great movie. One of the two D.W. Griffith talkies in existence is definitely grand in scale for it's time and uplifting from an American standpoint. The problem is that it almost comes across too much like it's stamped with an American label. Lincoln's faults are not really well explored and he's portrayed as a savior to the country(the union must be preserved!! was his favorite saying) -- without question. Walter Huston's portrayal is good but the makeup is better especially in the later years. This is a technically well made film and Griffith does some good montage sequences to bring us from scene to scene but watching this movie is almost like reading a history book. Granted, Lincoln is a treasured part of America, but still a human being in my book. This was made during a time when we wanted our heroes full-proof unlike today where we like to see all sides of individuals. Therefore, the movie doesn't age well. Sure this is a good bit of history that can be viewed in a classroom but not enjoyed in a movie house. Again, maybe our enlightened age just dampers the viewing, but I have to say it how I see it.
Review of Abraham Lincoln
