Daniel Day-Lewis

Steven Spielberg’s ‘Lincoln’ brings history to life in an outstanding film

Daniel Day-Lewis is 'Lincoln'
Daniel Day-Lewis is ‘Lincoln’

[rating=4]Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Straithairn, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Hal Holbrook, Gloria Reuben, Bruce McGill, Tim Blake Nelson, Jackie Earle Haley and Jared Harris
Director(s): Steven Spielberg
Writer(s): Tony Kushner, taken partially from the book by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln is a narrowly focused look at a critical portion of Abraham Lincoln’s tenure as President of the United States. It is an examination of the events that took place in the aftermath of Lincoln’s re-election in November of 1864 until the House of Representatives passed the 13th Amendment in January of 1865.

Yes, it goes on for a short bit afterward, up until Lincoln’s death by assassin in April of 1865, but the critical matter is what takes place during those very turbulent months until the vote.

Read moreSteven Spielberg’s ‘Lincoln’ brings history to life in an outstanding film

Daniel Day-Lewis is brilliant in ‘My Left Foot’

[rating=3]Starring: Daniel Day Lewis, Ray McAnally, Brenda Fricker, Fiona Shaw, Adrian Dubar, Ruth McCabe, Cyril Cusack, Hugh O’Connor
Director(s): Jim Sheridan
Writer(s): Screenplay by Shane Connaughton, Jim Sheridan; Based upon the novel by Christy Brown

Daniel Day-Lewis in 'My Left Foot'
Daniel Day-Lewis in ‘My Left Foot’

In 1989 the United States was introduced to Irish cinema with My Left Foot, starring Daniel Day Lewis and directed by Jim Sheridan (no relation, although I met him once in a bar in the Village here in NewYork City). Lewis walked away with the Oscar for Best Actor that year, surprising many. His co-star, Brenda Fricker, also took home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar that year.

I remember being surprised by the film when I first saw it in theaters that year. My mother had dragged me to it, because being 14 and stubborn, I had no interest in a film that didn’t have aliens, explosions, humor or nudity. But like many times in my life, I left the film feeling moved. My Left Foot is inspiring and touching, moving and emotional, and serves as a prime example that anything is possible.

Read moreDaniel Day-Lewis is brilliant in ‘My Left Foot’

Q&A with Daniel Day-Lewis & Catherine Keener

Daniel Day-Lewis and Camilla Belle in 'The Ballad of Jack & Rose'
Daniel Day-Lewis and Camilla Belle in ‘The Ballad of Jack & Rose’

As I said in the Q&A with Camilla Belle and Rebecca Miller, I recently had the chance to participate in a roundtable session regarding the film, The Ballad of Jack and Rose, which opens today. Everyone was so kind, and after the interviews with them we had the opportunity to talk with Daniel Day-Lewis and Catherine Keener, two of the film’s stars.

Read moreQ&A with Daniel Day-Lewis & Catherine Keener