The image of President Abraham Lincoln is usually that of a tall man with a booming voice.
But in the new movie “Lincoln,” which opens Friday, audiences will see that familiar image, but they’re going to hear something different.
Time magazine’s critic said that Day-Lewis speaks in a “thin, reedy” voice, while CBS News said the his voice was “scratchy and not what audiences had come to expect.”
Film fans also discussed the 55-year-old actor’s vocal choices via Twitter.
“I’ve always imagined Lincoln’s voice as deep and resonant to match his place in history,” said one.
“This Abraham Lincoln you’re making a movie on – please, choose someone with a stronger voice,” Tweeted another.
Other comments included: “Is it me or does Abe Lincoln sound a lot like Mr Burns?” and “I refuse to believe that’s how he sounded.”
Lincoln has been portrayed by actors such as Gregory Peck, Hal Holbrook and Jason Robards, but they always used a stentorian tone.
However, Day-Lewis is known for delving deep into the roles he plays. He spent a year researching the role and remained in character throughout filming. Co-star Sally Field said he even sent text messages in the style of Lincoln.
The Oscar-winning actor said the voice materialized “in my mind’s ear.”
He added, “If I hear a voice, I tend to believe that I hear it for good reason.”
The director recalled: “It was like Mission: Impossible – I didn’t know what was going to explode first, the envelope or me.
“I turned on the tape recorder and I have to say, without hesitation, that my eyes welled up. Abraham Lincoln was talking to me.”
