Killing Lincoln

Killing Lincoln is a captivating historical drama film that first premiered on National Geographic Channel in 2013. The film, technically a docu-drama, features a sterling cast headlined by Billy Campbell as President Abraham Lincoln, Jesse Johnson as John Wilkes Booth, and is narrated by the incomparable Tom Hanks.

Based on the novel "Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard, the film focuses on, as the title suggests, the final days of the revered U.S President Abraham Lincoln and the tragic assassination that led to his untimely death. However, it is not just a bland listing of events one after another, but a cinematic and immersive array of the particulates and consequences of the sorrowful 1865 event.

The plot is as riveting as it is well-researched, leaning on the established historical details while creatively filling in the blanks for an engaging viewer experience. Billy Campbell brings alive President Lincoln's character with his compelling performance, embodying his strength, charisma, and wisdom, along with his introverted nature and occasional dry wit. His interactions with other characters, especially his political conversations, are exhilarating and powerfully delivered.

Jesse Johnson plays John Wilkes Booth with a believably intense fanatical verve. He portrays a man consumed by his twisted ideology and unyielding illusions of grandeur. The calculated buildup to the plot execution and the tempestuous aftermath are detailed through his character, offering an intense and unsettling villain character study.

As our guide throughout the film, Tom Hanks provides a soothing yet impactful narration, threading together episodes into a single, cohesive narrative. His voice adds an extra layer of depth, meticulously detailing facts with emotion and suspense, edifying the viewer on the rich history surrounding Lincoln’s assassination.

Moreover, the inclusion of Regen Wilson in key supporting roles contributes significantly to the overall storyline. Wilson's multifaceted performance as a man tangled in a web of conspiracy and treason displays his ability to play complex characters.

In terms of technicalities, the film's production design splendidly recreates the 19th-century setting. From the costumes to the architecture, everything is designed to transport the viewer back in time to post-civil-war USA. The film also makes clever use of maps and graphics that outline the strategic consequences of the assassination. The direction and cinematography, along with the superb audio design, intricately immerse viewers in the heart-rending progression of the tragic event.

Killing Lincoln is a far cry from being a dry, historical recitation. It blends storytelling and factual information in a way that piques curiosity while paying respect to the historical source material. The narrative succeeds at the humanizing historical characters, focusing not only on the apparent events but also on their motivations, beliefs, and emotions, thus creating a deep, psychological portrayal of the figures involved.

However, the movie doesn't shy away from the disturbing aspects of the event. It faithfully portrays the horror of the night at the Ford's Theatre, creating an overwhelming sense of dread that lingers even after the curtains are lowered. It challenges historical preconceptions and unfolds a perspective that reminds us about the tragic loss of a great leader while showcasing the chaotic dark side of a nation torn apart by civil war.

In essence, Killing Lincoln is a compelling exploration of one of America's most devastating historical events. The well-balanced mix of drama and reality that it presents offers an insightful, educational, and thought-provoking viewing experience. Combining stellar performances, detailed historical backgrounds, and masterful storytelling, Killing Lincoln is undoubtedly a film worth watching for fans of history and drama alike.