Killing Lincoln

Director: Adrian Moat

Cast: Tom Hanks, Billy Campbell, Jesse Johnson

Genre: Drama 2013

Running time: 96 mins

Rating:★★★★

Based on The New York Times best-selling novel, the film focuses on the events surrounding the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln ( Billy Campbell). While some aspects of the plot to slay Lincoln and cripple the newly forming union are widely known, much more of the history unfolds in this insightful epic account. As actor John Wilkes Booth ( Jesse Johnson) becomes increasingly obsessed with removing Lincoln from office, a secret plot form, and ultimately empowers Booth to carry out an event that will change America forever.

Though, a TV film, it is the fourth film within the last ten years to touch upon the events leading and after the assassination of President Lincoln. Of the first three films, The Conspirator is the only one worth while seeing, but the again it was director by Robert Redford so how can anyone argue the film's brilliancy. Abraham Lincoln, The Vampire Slayer and Lincoln don't even compare to the previously mentioned. A true National Geographic "documentary" with reenactments and narration by Tom Hanks, this TV adaptation is taking the educational truth and entertaining motion picture to a new level. Blurred into a captivating that any age will never want to forget one U.S. emfamous marker in history. It is truly astounding the extent this film goes to be accurate like never I have ever seen or desired to witness. In fact, that's how brilliantly the film has set its stage that the audience feel that they are but a fly witnessing these historic tragedy with no way of being able to intervene John Wilkes Booth's decision. The lighting is not in Hollywood traditional radiance, but in a more accurate candle lighting that would have been appropriate for the period, allowing the audience to feel more of a witness to these events. And though you know what is going to happen, you are unable or have a desire to turn away! Lastly, Billy Campbell is a more captivating Lincoln than Daniel Day-Lewis was.