Lincoln
One of several supporting players in Steven Spielberg’s 2012 period drama, Tommy Lee Jones role is no less important. American president Abraham Lincoln, during the final throes of the American Civil War, seeks to enable an anti-slavery bill to pass through congress.
However he faces a race against time trying to procure enough for votes before the war comes to an end. Jones plays Thaddeus Stevens, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, whose testimony at the time of the final vote is intended to strengthen Lincoln’s position.
Jones does not have a great amount of time on-screen, but when he does appear, he is at his best. Eloquent, charismatic, and truly magnetic, he rules the screen with his great presence, and pitch perfect delivery.
Jones is clearly having a great time, grandstanding without hamming it up, a perfectly measured performance. Jones was rewarded with another Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.
