Spielberg on Lincoln, Day-Lewis and a lifetime of film

Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg has told Jeremy Vine he has been fascinated by Abraham Lincoln ever since he was a child and always wanted to make a film about him. The entire process, from obtaining the film rights to the finished film, has taken 12 years.

Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show, Spielberg said that Daniel Day-Lewis was reluctant to get involved, saying to Spielberg that he 'couldn't see himself in it'. Steven Spielberg said it was harder persuading Day Lewis to play Lincoln than getting his wife to marry him.

He also spoke about the theme of father-son relationships that permeate his films like Saving Private Ryan, E.T. and Lincoln.