A Cinematic President: Abraham Lincoln On Film

Kate Kelsall

The towering presence of America’s 16th president Abraham Lincoln is underscored by the number of books and films that have been inspired by his life. In 2012, this influence became evident again when the iconic director Steven Spielberg released his Lincoln biopic, which featured Daniel Day Lewis as the most recent actor to impersonate the great leader.
Spielberg’s celebrated biopic Lincoln film was one of the most eagerly awaited films released in 2012. The excitement was heightened by the long wait since the director and producers decided they would only release the film after the 2012 American Presidential elections to avoid it becoming politicised. The film was based on Team of Rivals by Pulitzer Prize-winner, Doris Kearns Goodwin, which focuses on Lincoln’s decision to fill his Cabinet with his political rivals, three of whom ran against him in the election of 1860. Goodwin examines how Lincoln navigated these strong political personalities to create a dynamic government with which to guide the country during the deepest crisis of its history.

Some of the success of Goodwin’s book arose from the claim that Barack Obama had been inspired by Lincoln’s decision-making; from Time Magazine to the BBC and the New York Times, Obama’s Cabinet selections were framed as a ‘Team of Rivals’ with Hilary Clinton and Joseph Biden chosen as key members of his policy team. Lincoln is, of course, known for presiding over the country during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, and for ending the practice of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation. Comments on the symbolism that links Lincoln, the former U.S. Congressman from Illinois, and Barack Obama, America’s first black president and former Illinois Senator have been inevitable.
Whilst the film will inevitably draw political comparisons, the performance of Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln is central to the film’s success. Lewis is renowned for the intensity of his method acting and the obsessive research he undertakes in order to perfect each role. He has been known to stay in character for the entirety of filming, refusing to leave his wheelchair whilst on set for My Left Foot and living in a hovel during shooting for The Crucible. Whilst a December release may have been timed to avoid becoming ‘political fodder’, it was also conveniently timed to utilise the momentum of award-season speculation, a strategy which paid off as Daniel Day Lewis won a host of awards, including the Oscar for Best Actor.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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