Lincoln
we have just returned from seeing the new Steven Spielberg film, "Lincoln." It has a superb cast - Daniel-Day Lewis, David Straithaim, Sally Field, Hal Holbrook, James Spader, Tommy Lee Jones. It is based to a large degree on the book Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, with the script written by playwright Tony Kushner. It is about politics, about character, about history, focusing on the first few months of 1865 and the attempt to pass the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery through the House of Representatives. The acting was seamless, and it is likely to receive at least three and maybe more Oscar nominations for acting, as well as for best picture, cinematography, screenplay, music, and directing. Daniel Day-Lewis does not act Lincoln, he becomes Lincoln, in mannerisms, facial expressions, vocal expressions, etc. It is as fine an acting performance on the screen as I can remember seeing. And yet he does not dominate the film - the performances fit together seamlessly.
It seemed very timely to see it now, so soon after the election. The issue of race is a major focus of the film, as the issue of race played a major role in our recent politics, especially in the just concluded political campaigns.
Do yourself a favor.
See the film as soon as you can.
Then, maybe you will want to see it again, as we intend to.
You will not be sorry.
It seemed very timely to see it now, so soon after the election. The issue of race is a major focus of the film, as the issue of race played a major role in our recent politics, especially in the just concluded political campaigns.
Do yourself a favor.
See the film as soon as you can.
Then, maybe you will want to see it again, as we intend to.
You will not be sorry.
A few election statistics from Charles M. Blow
are offered in his Saturday New York Times column, Election Data Dive, which you might find of interest.
For example, He tells us that of the 25 state Obama won (not including FL, not yet called by the Times, exit polls were done in 22 (also not in DC), of the 24 won by Romney, only 8 had exit polls.
A sample of some data:
For example, He tells us that of the 25 state Obama won (not including FL, not yet called by the Times, exit polls were done in 22 (also not in DC), of the 24 won by Romney, only 8 had exit polls.
A sample of some data:
• Romney won nine of the 11 states that were once in the Confederacy.• Romney also won eight of the 10 states with the lowest population density: Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Nebraska and Utah. Obama won New Mexico and Nevada. (Hello. Hello. Hello. Is there an echo in here?)
• Romney’s biggest margin of victory came in Utah, home of the Mormon Church. Utah was one of three states in which Romney won every county. The other two were West Virginia and Oklahoma.