Within the decided limits of a Hollywood blockbuster, Steven Spielberg’s movie Lincoln presents a nonheroic version of the 16th president. Though some iconic images are carefully polished—Lincoln as folksy storyteller and as lonely bearer of the ravages of war—the film focuses on Lincoln as wily politician, twisting arms and trading favors.
His immediate goal in the spring of 1864 was to pass the 13th amendment, abolishing slavery. One can’t help wishing that current lawmakers in Washington might see the film and be inspired to cut some deals.
Films about politics often climax with the hero giving a rousing speech in defense of principle. Spielberg’s film climaxes with a politician shrewdly dissembling about principle in order to accomplish an immediate goal.
