Daniel Day-Lewis is a man who divides opinions. While most agree that he is an excellent actor, his method approach and his bohemian persona are liable to annoy some as much as they enthral others.

For your consideration is the first picture of him in full regalia on the set of Lincoln, a film directed by Stephen Spielberg that will be out in the US this November, coinciding with the climax of the 2012 presidential race.

From first impressions DDL looks to be portraying the 16th US President as a handsome old codger, who has both a face and upper torso, as well as some hands. It is also interesting that this movie is launching in the same year that this particular president was portrayed as a slayer of the supernatural in the eminently silly Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

You can of course expect Spielberg’s Lincoln to be a far more sombre, historically accurate affair. And DDL’s attention to detail will be a boon in this role, as long as you can stomach the man behind the top hat and sideburns.