As I reviewed the excellent scene-by-scene breakdown (thanks again, Paul G), I was struck again by the profound narrative choice: To focus this story around a single event -- the passage of the amendment to abolish slavery. It's an example of what is known as a "snapshot bio," using a compressed time-frame as a lens through which to interpret an historical character, in this case Abraham Lincoln. This project was in development with Spielberg for years. There were many, many drafts, some of which, I seem to recall, were more of the traditional biopic. But we seem to be seeing less of those expansive stories and more of these shorter time-frame movies. Why? I think a couple of things. First, snapshot bios are easier to write in the sense you don't have to deal with all those time ellipses, jumping from this period of time to that to cover an entire human lifetime. As a result, easier to generate and sustain pace without all those time transition. Second, they are easier and likely less expensive to shoot because production doesn't have to make wardrobe, sets, etc match up to multiple time periods. Plus can use the same sets. Third, and this I believe is the big one, I don't think younger audiences are inclined to watch the story of a character's lifetime. They would rather watch a compressed time frame because it's easier to consume and likely more entertaining. In the case of Lincoln, the choice is made all the more intelligent by the fact that if there is ANY American figure the general population knows a lot about in terms of their life, it's Lincoln. So by focusing on this single event, Spielberg and crew could zero in on the psychological nature of the man caught up in his own private 'civil war' with Congress. What did you think when you read the scene-by-scene breakdown? What are your general thoughts about the movie?

Good observations, Scott. And a major reason I asked for the opportunity to analyze this film. I would also point out the choices made by Kushner in contrast to the choices that might have been made had a historian attempted to render a script out of Lincoln's biography. Many historians would argue that Lincoln's struggle to be re-elected in 1864 had more tension, more uncertainty, more at stake than his struggle to pass the 13th Amendment. (Looking backwards 150+ years later, one might presume his election was a done deal, but it was anything but.) In other words, the 1864 election had all the essential ingredients for a compelling historical drama. But Kushner (and Spielberg) opted to focus on the climactic event of the war and of Lincoln's life, the political struggle for the transcendent principle over which the war was fought: freedom.

That is such a great point and one which is so obvious, we might look beyond it: Why, indeed, didn't Spielberg and Kushner opt to take on the 1864 Presidential campaign which would have not only had all the ins, outs, ups and downs of the election itself, but a chance to feature the War -- fighting, explosions, conflict between generals and the President, etc. The choice to focus on the 13th Amendment by default makes this story a character study. It is as much an investigation of human psychology as it is of legislative tactics. Lincoln, his wife, his son, a few key confidantes, and a handful of congressmen, each of whom has their own emotional, psychological and attitudinal arc. Except perhaps Lincoln who stands as a propulsive force of nature, unswayed by any opinion, convinced of the correctness of his position. We see this grand moment in our nation's history played out on small individual scales, each player on their stage and the bigger stage, grappling with this most contentious issue with the ghost of the Civil War and recent re-election looming over the drama... along with our foreknowledge of what none of the players knew, that in a few days, the President would be dead. BTW, Paul, apologies for not running this series the week of the 15th, commemorating Lincoln's assassination. I know you had suggested that and I had thought it was a swell idea, but honestly I just plumb forgot. Hopefully we're still pretty close to the event that there is some spillover in our collective consciousness into this week's proceedings.

Fantastic breakdown, Paul. Even though I might have wished to see the other version that covered more of his life, I enjoyed this movie. For me, the real strength -- the balancing act of injecting humor and lighter moments with the heavy emotional/social themes.

jem, so true. The humor in Lincoln is a great example of how even the darkest dramas need a certain amount of levity from time to time, not only to give the audience a chance to laugh, but also reveal character. The fact Lincoln loved a good joke and had a sense of humor made it a natural for his character.