Expanding into more theaters this weekend is Steven Spielberg’s Best Picture nomination shoo-in, Lincoln.  The period piece is less a cut-and-dry biopic of America’s 16th President, played brilliantly by Daniel Day-Lewis, and more of an examination of the burdens placed on Lincoln to keep a nation from falling apart while abolishing slavery and attempting to hold his personal life together. Lincoln also stars Tommy Lee Jones, James Spader, David Strathairn, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lee Pace and Hal Holbrook.  For more on the film, here's three clips, Dave's review, a great trailer, and all our previous coverage.At the recent Los Angeles press day I got to speak with Joseph Gordon-Levitt.  He talked about what was it like to collaborate with Steven Spielberg, whether anything surprised him while researching his role (he plays one of Lincoln's sons), what it was like to work with Daniel Day-Lewis and what he was like off camera, his directorial debut Don Jon's Addiction (which I think is premiering at Sundance in January), what it was like to host SNL for the second time, and more.  Hit the jump to watch.Joseph Gordon-Levitt:

  • Who came up with the Magic Mike opening of SNL
  • Was it an immediate yes when he was offered a role in Lincoln
  • What was it like to collaborate with Steven Spielberg
  • Did anything surprise him when researching his role and the period
  • What was it like to work with Daniel Day Lewis and what was he like off camera
  • Talks about his directorial debut Don Jon's Addiction
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