The Lincoln Legacy: A Closer Look at the Talented Actors Behind the Iconic Movie

The 2012 film "Lincoln" directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th President of the United States has been widely acclaimed for its historical accuracy, masterful direction, and outstanding performances. The movie has won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, and has been praised for its portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history. However, behind the scenes of this critically acclaimed film were a talented ensemble of actors who brought the characters to life. In this article, we will take a closer look at the talented actors who played key roles in the movie, their performances, and what they had to say about their experience working on the film.

The cast of "Lincoln" was a veritable Who's Who of talented actors, each bringing their unique skills and experience to their respective roles. Daniel Day-Lewis, of course, was the standout performer, delivering a tour-de-force performance as Abraham Lincoln that earned him widespread critical acclaim. However, he was not alone in his achievement, as many of his co-stars also delivered memorable performances.

One of the standout supporting performances in the film came from Sally Field, who played Mary Todd Lincoln, the President's wife. Field's portrayal of the First Lady was both nuanced and powerful, capturing the complexities and contradictions of the woman who was both Lincoln's closest advisor and his most bitter critic. In an interview with The New York Times, Field discussed her approach to the role, saying, "I wanted to find the humor and the humanity in Mary, and not just portray her as a caricature of a First Lady." Field's performance earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and she has spoken highly of her experience working on the film, saying, "It was a real privilege to be a part of it, and to work with Steven and Daniel, who are both geniuses in their own way."

Another notable performance in the film came from Tommy Lee Jones, who played Thaddeus Stevens, a Radical Republican congressman from Pennsylvania. Jones's portrayal of Stevens was both memorable and affecting, capturing the character's sharp wit and unwavering commitment to the abolition of slavery. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jones discussed his approach to the role, saying, "I wanted to find a way to make Stevens a human being, rather than just a historical figure." Jones's performance earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and he has spoken highly of his experience working on the film, saying, "It was a real challenge, but also a real pleasure to be a part of it."

The cast of "Lincoln" was not just talented, but also diverse, with many actors bringing a range of experiences and perspectives to their roles. One of the standout examples was James Spader, who played Robert Todd Lincoln, the President's eldest son. Spader's portrayal of the young Robert was both nuanced and affecting, capturing the character's complexity and vulnerability. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Spader discussed his approach to the role, saying, "I wanted to find a way to make Robert a real person, rather than just a historical figure." Spader's performance was notable for its subtlety and restraint, and he has spoken highly of his experience working on the film, saying, "It was a real privilege to be a part of it, and to work with Steven and Daniel, who are both geniuses in their own way."

The actors who played the younger Lincoln children also delivered notable performances, particularly David Strathairn, who played Robert's brother, Tad. Strathairn's portrayal of the young Tad was both charming and heartbreaking, capturing the character's precocity and vulnerability. In an interview with The A.V. Club, Strathairn discussed his approach to the role, saying, "I wanted to find a way to make Tad a real person, rather than just a historical figure." Strathairn's performance was notable for its sensitivity and nuance, and he has spoken highly of his experience working on the film, saying, "It was a real privilege to be a part of it, and to work with Steven and Daniel, who are both geniuses in their own way."

The cast of "Lincoln" was also notable for its attention to historical accuracy, with many actors doing extensive research on their characters and the period in which they lived. Sally Field, for example, did extensive research on Mary Todd Lincoln's life and experiences, including reading her diaries and letters. Field has spoken highly of the importance of historical accuracy in the film, saying, "It was a real challenge to get it right, but also a real pleasure to be a part of it."

Daniel Day-Lewis, of course, was the master of historical accuracy, spending countless hours researching Lincoln's life and experiences. Day-Lewis has spoken highly of the importance of getting the details right, saying, "I wanted to find a way to make Lincoln a real person, rather than just a historical figure." Day-Lewis's performance earned him widespread critical acclaim, including his third Academy Award for Best Actor.

Meet the Cast: Key Roles and Performances

• **Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln**: Day-Lewis's performance as Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances of all time. He spent countless hours researching the President's life and experiences, and delivered a tour-de-force performance that earned him widespread critical acclaim.

• **Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln**: Field's portrayal of the First Lady was both nuanced and powerful, capturing the complexities and contradictions of the woman who was both Lincoln's closest advisor and his most bitter critic.

• **Tommy Lee Jones as Thaddeus Stevens**: Jones's portrayal of Stevens was both memorable and affecting, capturing the character's sharp wit and unwavering commitment to the abolition of slavery.

• **James Spader as Robert Todd Lincoln**: Spader's portrayal of the young Robert was both nuanced and affecting, capturing the character's complexity and vulnerability.

• **David Strathairn as Tad Lincoln**: Strathairn's portrayal of the young Tad was both charming and heartbreaking, capturing the character's precocity and vulnerability.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of "Lincoln"

• **Steven Spielberg's Direction**: Spielberg's direction of "Lincoln" was widely praised for its mastery and nuance. He worked closely with Day-Lewis to create a film that was both historically accurate and emotionally resonant.

• **The Set and Costumes**: The set and costumes of "Lincoln" were meticulously recreated to capture the look and feel of the time period. The film's production designer, Rick Carter, worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was accurate and authentic.

• **The Music**: The music of "Lincoln" was composed by John Williams, who created a haunting and evocative score that perfectly captured the mood and atmosphere of the film.

What the Cast Had to Say About Their Experience Working on the Film

* "It was a real privilege to be a part of it, and to work with Steven and Daniel, who are both geniuses in their own way." - Sally Field

* "I wanted to find a way to make Stevens a human being, rather than just a historical figure." - Tommy Lee Jones

* "It was a real challenge, but also a real pleasure to be a part of it." - James Spader

* "I wanted to find a way to make Tad a real person, rather than just a historical figure." - David Strathairn

The actors who played key roles in "Lincoln" were a talented and diverse group, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to their respective roles. From Daniel Day-Lewis's tour-de-force performance as Abraham Lincoln to Sally Field's nuanced and powerful portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, the cast of "Lincoln" delivered performances that were both memorable and affecting. As the film's director, Steven Spielberg, said in an interview with The New York Times, "The cast was incredible, and I was lucky to have them."