Saving Lincoln

Saving Lincoln is an unique take on that time period, with authentic photographs of the buildings and people from that era, gave it an unique sense of connection, kinda puts the actors and the viewer back in time, Tom Amandes take on Lincoln was comical, to the point when watching it, I couldn't imagine this Lincoln being elected President, sometimes he reminded me of the Gov on the Benson sitcom, I had never heard of Ward Hill Lamon before, so there were no expectations of this character, we all know how the story turns out, was just looking for some unknown filler to the pvt life of the President, It's a good one time watch, fast paced and well acted.

A very different angle on a popular figure in history: that of a self-appointed bodyguard. What hits you first is the unique look of the film. Hard to describe, clearly CG but surreal black and white backgrounds project the foreground subjects almost into your lap! When Lincoln makes an address, the stylized crowds come across as evocative, almost haunting. Again, you have to see it to experience it. On the down side, actors did not look much like their historical counterparts but did act well. Also, Lincoln wasn't tall enough! There is clearly some license taken with Abe's statements but probably to work them into the story. I found the length of time one had to stand still for pictures back then excruciating, if accurate. I thought Tom Amandes' interpretation of the Gettysburg Address one of the best in film.

I was moved by this film. As someone who has lived in the DC area my entire life, has visited Ford's Theater on numerous occasions, and has been to Gettysburg, Antietam, and other civil war battlefields more times than I can remember, I felt that seeing Tom Amandes' portrayal of Lincoln this evening brought me closer to understanding Lincoln the man than I have ever been. Amandes' Lincoln was not overplayed, but real and genuine. Litvak was bold in creating his Lincoln as a man of faith and emotion, natural charisma and strength. Lincoln's melancholy made him more endearing, not distant. Penelope Ann Miller's Mary Todd was also genuine, a person of real emotion, not the disconnected and distant caricature that she has been portrayed in previous films. Lea Coco was masterful in walking the line between obsessive, monomaniacal protector and best friend of the most indispensable man of his time. No spoiler here, but Coco's finest hour came towards the end of the film in my opinion, when he as Lamon visibly let down his guard for the first time, no longer able to protect his friend. What an amazing piece of art this film is. Seeing the actual images of Civil War soldiers in the hospital behind Lincoln in one scene tapped an emotional well in me as I realized that these were real people, real faces of the men who fought and died for their country, and for this I must say that the Cinecollage method that Litvak has brought to life is a treasure that is capable of connecting us with our history in a way that is unique and of deep value. I applaud the creator and cast for the wonderful film and eagerly await the opportunity to see it again.

They tried to do something groundbreaking, but it didn't quite work. It is a shame, because the story is interesting. Lamon looked suspiciously like he borrowed his clothes from some old tv western.

While this film was no doubt overshadowed by the theatrical release of Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln", it's attempts at telling a story are admirable, with a rather modest performance by Tom Amandes as the 16th president, which serves as the true highlight of the film. Lea Coco plays the role of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln's self-appointed bodyguard, and merely plays second fiddle to Amandes while brandishing a Southern accent. Perhaps the biggest thing that stands out in the film is its reliance on a green screen for setting and background, which, due to the film's modest budget, is impossible to hide. However, the film succeeds in demonstrating the friendship between Lincoln and Lamon.