ROTTEN TOMATOES: Sally Field Joins Spielberg's Lincoln

Sally Field Joins Spielberg's Lincoln

Just give it the Best Picture award already.

by Jeff Giles | September 25, 2007

She recently earned some press after speaking out publicly for soldiers' mothers -- and now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Sally Field will play one of this country's most famous wartime moms.

According to a post published this morning, Field is attached to star as Abraham Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, in Steven Spielberg's descriptively titled Lincoln. The biopic, based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, is described in the report as "expected to focus on the 16th president's role in leading the North in the Civil War." Liam Neeson, attached to the project for over two years, is apparently still committed to star as President Lincoln.

Lincoln's script is being written by Pulitzer (and Tony) Award-winning playwright Tony Kushner, so you know it's going to be good -- whenever Spielberg gets around to making it. The Reporter says Spielberg will turn his attention to Lincoln after he completes Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- but it was supposed to be his next project after Munich, too, so you never know.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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(1-20 of 22 posts) | Reply

Baccus83 writes:
on Sep 25 2007 06:41 AM

It's not often that Spielberg does two "serious" films in a row. He'll usually alternate between a "serious" film and a "popcorn" film. At least, that's how it's been for a while.

(Reply to this)

DarthWonka writes:
on Sep 25 2007 06:49 AM

Have their been any big movies about Lincoln? Somebody let me know. I don't think so. I'm greatly looking forward to this.

(Reply to this)

Peyoteboy writes:
on Sep 25 2007 07:05 AM

I gotta say, i used to be a Sally Fields, maybe not fan, but i liked her work. After her inane rant recently though, i am not really planning on seeing any more new films by her. Its a shame though, as this could have been good.

(Reply to this)

Weicher writes:
on Sep 25 2007 07:12 AM

In reply to this comment (#1146778)
The birth of a nation (Griffith); the young Lincoln (Ford), starring Henry Fonda; Lincoln (Griffith, starring Walter Huston)... and I'm sure there must be some more, but these are the flicks that come to my mind right now...

On the other hand, as long as Spielberg directs it, I'll be there.

(Reply to this)

zgberg writes:
on Sep 25 2007 07:20 AM

Weicher, go back to film school :)

(Reply to this)

downwithstarbucks writes:
on Sep 25 2007 08:20 AM

if i based the movies i didn't see on the "inane rants" of the actors involved, i doubt i'd ever be able to see a movie.

(Reply to this)

arendr writes:
on Sep 25 2007 09:03 AM

I've been psyched about this movie for a while, but Sally Field really annoys me. She always plays the same sort of weepy character who gets angry and shouts and cries...

But I won't let that get in the way of my interest in the movie.

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criddic writes:
on Sep 25 2007 10:16 AM

This casting seems a little odd. I don't know if I could accept Field as Mary Todd Lincoln. She's a good actress, but is she really the right person for this role?

Neeson is a respectable choice to play Lincoln. I've seen him in a special stage reading with Holly Hunter (who might be a better choice for Mary) a few years ago.

(Reply to this)

ffamilyguy writes:
on Sep 25 2007 10:41 AM

Steven Speilberg is a movie GENIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Reply to this)

jacketman writes:
on Sep 25 2007 10:56 AM

I think its awesome when people talk about the 'genius' of people, only to make the mistake of spelling the word 'genius' wrong.
And if someone isn't going to see this movie because Sally Field went on a rant once.....I feel sorry for you. Its going to probably be one of those Spielberg classics like most of his historical dramas.

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BootToTheHead writes:
on Sep 25 2007 11:08 AM

Most people forgot the late 80s mini-series "Lincoln" based on Gore Vidal's novel with Sam Waterson as the president. I can't remember the actress who played Mary Todd but the series apparently focused on the First Lady's apparent record of mental illness.

(Reply to this)

Peyoteboy writes:
on Sep 25 2007 12:53 PM

Well, since this is a market driven economy, if you arent willing to vote with your pocketbook, then you will never make a change.

Me, I would like to see actors act and not try and drive political agendas, so when I see something so egregious that I do what I can to send a message. I also wont see another Sean Penn movie. I wont shop at Citgo. I wont see susan Sarandon movies, I won't...

Feel sorry for me all you want, but if no one makes a stand of some principles, then we will just be a rudderless and drifting society (imho of course)

(Reply to this)

BrianInSD writes:
on Sep 25 2007 02:20 PM

I'm sorry but could someone please explain to me what was so offensive about what Sally Field said? Is it because she said "G-Damn"? I could point to any number of more offensive things Fox has broadcast. Or is it because she dared to suggest that war is not a good thing?

(Reply to this)

dracus writes:
on Sep 25 2007 02:49 PM

In reply to this comment (#1146830)
Spielberg is directing Liam Neeson as Lincoln along with Sally Field and now we hear that Eastwood will likely be directing Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela along with Matt Damon and that they both may be released the same year. Hmmm, Mandela or Lincoln? Spielberg or Eastwood? Not so sure about Spielberg getting that Oscar Jeff.

(Reply to this)

Holly Jolly writes:
on Sep 25 2007 05:00 PM

In reply to this comment (#1147299)
Yeah, hopefully neither get it and it goes to someone new.

(Reply to this)

jacketman writes:
on Sep 25 2007 09:10 PM

I just don't get boycotting people.

(Reply to this)

vic40186 writes:
on Sep 25 2007 09:24 PM

I am glad Sally Field is in the film, she's a great actress and she needed a big film to come back to the great leagues. During the last years she had been wasted.

(Reply to this)

CoUcH ToMaToE DoUgIe writes:
on Sep 26 2007 01:37 AM

wow, sally field playing a crazy person... hmmm? well, its a stretch

but i think its believable enough;) i can see it now as she's talking to abe: oh,abe

you REALLLY, REALLY LIKE ME, OH YOU REALLY LIKE ME!!!!" oh, sally i kid and actually

like her as an actress and boy i can't wait to see this film. and by the way anybody

have problem with liam neeson playing arguably the greatest president in this nation's

history? personally,no. but i was just wondering....

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nathanpoitras writes:
on Sep 26 2007 04:38 PM

I'm sure it'll be really good, I'd just rather the story focused on his assassination the search for Booth a la the Manhunt novel. It's an amazing story.

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unbreakable_samurai writes:
on Sep 27 2007 07:32 PM

I've been hoping that this film would get off the ground for years now, so I am damn happy with the news that casting is going on. It's finally on it's way.

(Reply to this)

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