Watch: Trailer For The Trailer For Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln,' Starring Daniel Day-Lewis

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by Oliver Lyttelton
September 10, 2012 4:30 PM
17 Comments

If either candidate wants to win our votes in November, there's one very simple way to our hearts: amending the constitution to ban the use of trailers for trailers. A recent and insidious invention of Hollywood marketing departments, we can see the appeal from their point of view -- they get all the eyes keen for a first look at footage, but also get to drag out the anticipation and buzz for an extra few days. It's become increasingly commonplace over the last year (to the extent that even a smallish picture like "Looper" does it, and the latest to do so is Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," starring Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th President of these United States.

Now we know what you're thinking, and we'd be inclined to agree -- it does just seem too soon to be rebooting "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter." But it's too late now, as the film is on the way. Very little is revealed here, bar an impressive Civil War battle, the back of Daniel Day-Lewis' head, and the Gettysburg Address -- read, interestingly, by David Oyelowo's character. But it wouldn't be a teaser for a teaser if it gave away all the goods right away, surely?

If you want to know when you can see the whole thing, it premieres at 7pm EST on Thursday, during a Google+ hangout with Spielberg and one of his cast members, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. This is an appropriate marketing move, since Google+, like Abraham Lincoln, has been dead for some time. Assuming this "Inception"-like nesting doll marketing technique reaches a conclusion at some stage, "Lincoln" will open in limited release on November 9th, before going wide on November 16th. [The Film Stage]

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More: Lincoln, Steven Spielberg, Film Trailers, David Oyelowo

17 Comments

| Reply
Bakunin | September 10, 2012 9:45 PMReply

Production values will no doubt be superb, but in terms of writing it will be hard to top the kind of blunt honesty and political wit of "Gore Vidal's Lincoln," although Daniel Day will no doubt surpass Sam Waterston.
cattt | September 11, 2012 6:56 AM

This is written by Tony Kushner, so there's probably plenty of political wit. Also Day-Lewis picks his scrupts very carefully. Then again, it's Spielberg so there's a good chance that it'll be too sentimental for my tastes.
Real | September 10, 2012 6:40 PMReply

The commentary in this article and the reply section for this has been most entertaining.
mass | September 10, 2012 6:16 PMReply

I don't know, I don't think this will be the academy award winner everyone thinks it's going to be. Then again if the Academy can even nominate a piece of crap movie like War Horse- which probably only got nominated because it was by Steven Spielberg ( I can't think of any other reasons the Academy would nominate such a cliche predictable film) which is baffiling that the Academy would even put that shit in the same ranks as Network, Taxi Driver, The Maltese Falcon, The Godfather, Ben Hur etc etc- if they keep like they've been, then maybe this WILL win BP, regardless of how good it is. I can't help but think "The Master" will be the Picture that actually deserves it. "Lincoln" will be the picture everyone thinks will win it. And that "Argo" will be the picture that actually DOES win it. In a classic Oscar fashion of "wtf!? where the fuck!?"
Mike | September 10, 2012 11:05 PM

Here's the thing, you can't judge art by awards anyway, the unfortunate thing is the prestige power the Oscar label has on those that don't really follow film. But Spielberg doesn't need to do anything to cater to anyone, he's gotten all the accolades, financial and cultural success anyone could want, so he does whatever he wants now. He saw merit in telling a story of how war effects families aimed at young audiences, of course War Horse would be schmaltzy but that was the audience he had in mind. And with this, this is a project he's spent nearly a decade developing and something that's very clearly dear to his heart, awards didn't make him make this movie. Tom Hooper & Les Miserables on the other hand... Also, if you've seen The Master, great, otherwise I hope you'll go in watching a film with an open mind instead of pre-raving it (or in Lincoln's case pre-loathing it) because it's Paul Thomas Anderson & the critical elite lapped it up (I say this as someone who's very much looking forward to seeing it, but I can't stand how pre-planned people's opinions seem sometime.)
AS | September 10, 2012 6:55 PM

Ever since the inception of the Academy Awards, garbage films have been nominated almost every year. This is nothing new. As of now, I'd say Lincoln is the top contender and I fully expect it to sweep the awards.
[A] | September 10, 2012 5:50 PMReply

"it does just seem too soon to be rebooting Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" â alright, that was ok.
hg | September 10, 2012 5:38 PMReply

wow never thought i'd say this but ben walker's delivery of the address i think was better delivered and more powerful lol
sp | September 10, 2012 5:52 PM

HG, Ben Walker is a talented actor ( and a triple threat talent). He was classically trained at Julliard. I have seen Ben act on stage. Trust me, he is real deal.
KT | September 10, 2012 5:16 PMReply

... "A Live Google Hangout"... ?
Real | September 10, 2012 6:35 PM

I know...WTF!
Michael M. | September 10, 2012 4:58 PMReply

Seems like the teaser footage discards overt sentimentalism in favor of resilience, and hopeful ambiance. There's not alot of Narrative cohesiveness, although the subsequent trailer will reveal a significant portion, albeit your not already familiarized with Lincoln's legacy (Sad). Daniel Day Lewis is/has been locked an Academy nomination for his portrayal since it's initial announcement. Although; I really don't differ from that speculation. Those Medium and Tracking shots featuring Lewis in a contemplative, passive and ruminative disposition, evoke that distinct solemnity that surrounded Lincoln's life. Cant wait to see how his performance stands against this year's current roster.
JON | September 10, 2012 4:57 PMReply

Eff that. Gonna go hang with the Oogieloves gang instead.
hank | September 10, 2012 4:51 PMReply

well. the sappy overly-sentimental music in this spot is already a good indication of how annoying this movie is going to be.
Zack | September 10, 2012 5:23 PM

Well, come on, it's a historical biopic by Spielberg. It's not gonna have Neutral Milk Hotel on the soundtrack.
Mitt Romney | September 10, 2012 4:39 PMReply

Are you being serious about that first part? Because I will totally do that shit if you want me to.
Real | September 10, 2012 6:33 PM

LMAO!