Friday, May 24, 2013

June Film Discussion: Lincoln

  June Film Discussion
Watch and Discuss 
Lincoln
This month we will discuss Steven Spielberg's Lincoln. The film hosts an all-star cast including Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Sally Field. Lincoln won two Academy Awards and was nominated for another ten! This critically acclaimed film will be a treat for movie fans and history buffs alike and offers plenty to talk about.

As the Civil War continues to rage, America's president (2012 Best Actor winner Daniel Day-Lewis) struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves. This film chronicles the president's term in office between 1861 and 1865 as he dealt with personal demons and politics during the Civil War.

Lincoln is rated PG-13 for brief strong language, some images of carnage, and scenes of war violence.


Watch & Discuss
This month, the Film Society will engage in discussions about the themes of this movie.  The enjoyment of the films we watch can be enhanced by thinking more deeply about them and participating in discussions both online and at our monthly meeting.  Everyone is invited to participate in these discussions with us. Please join us and engage in thoughtful discussion about this film right here.

Questions for Discussion
Please leave your comments regarding these questions and any thoughts about the movie you'd like to discuss or share in the Comment Box below.
1. How is the Lincoln marriage portrayed in the film? How do Lincoln and Mary Todd's personalities differ?
2. How does the film portray Lincoln's racial views and his perspective of slavery? Do those views change over the course of the film?
3. How are Lincoln's views of faith portrayed in the film?
4. Lincoln is admired as a historical hero by many, well beyond academic circles. Does the film help support this historical perception of the president or does it offer a new perspective?

References

Image Credits
http://www.parentalguide.org/assets/rating_pg13.gif

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