Bravo, Mr. Kushner. I have admired your work since the epic Angels in America. But you may have outdone yourself with your screenplay for Lincoln.
I just watched Steven Spielberg's latest film, and was not only mind-blown by Daniel Day Lewis' portrayal, I was also captivated by the dialogue and monologues. Lincoln hits movie theaters this weekend, arriving just at the beginning of Oscar season. I will be surprised (and disappointed) if playwright-turned-screen writer Tony Kushner doesn't win for Best Apated Screenplay. Much of the script is derived from A Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin's non-fictional re-telling of Licoln's battle to pass the Thirteenth Amendment. In addition to being the quintessential commander-in-chief, Lincoln is also protrayed as clever story-teller and a loving father, sometimes playing with his son Tad, sometimes worrying over his oldest son Robert, and sometimes grieving for his lost son. It's an endlessly rich character to portray, and I was pleased with the complexity offered by Kushner's script. I am crossing my fingers that he and Spielberg might consider adapting it for the stage.
Have you seen this film? What did you think? Leave a comment and share your thoughts on the acting, directing, and writing.
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