Sunday, February 18, 2018


DARKEST HOUR   4.0***

        Gary Oldman lives and breathes Winston Churchill and his charisma carries the entire movie. This was such a monumental time in Churchill's life, yet it took place over less than two weeks. At first glance, one might think that the title was referring to England's darkest hour, but the film reveals  that it is actually showing Churchill's darkest hour, where he was riddled with self-doubt as well as opposition from people who should have been his allies. Despite his belief that surrendering to Hitler would only make things worse, people were dying day after day and almost the entire British Army was surrounded by the Germans at Dunkirk. It seemed that the only option that wouldn't result in annihilation was to negotiate with the tyrant. In the end though, it wasn't the pressure of politicians or concern over his reputation that caused Churchill to choose to keep fighting against overwhelming odds. It was the opinions of ordinary people. Which brings me to my favorite scene in the movie. I don't know if it's historically accurate or not, but the scene on the subway train shows us what a kind-hearted, funny, likeable and humble guy Churchill was. He joked around with normal people while also asking for their advice.  

It's almost incomprehensible to consider that one man could have such a singular impact, not only on the direction of his country but on that of the entire world. Just consider, had Churchill not stood fast (and he did have his moments of doubt), England would eventually have succumbed to Hitler's tyranny, and virtually the whole of Europe might be speaking German today

Gary Oldman's portrayal is one for the ages; if you compare his regular features to those of the man he represents here, it's virtually impossible to tell it's the same actor. His transformation into the British wartime Prime Minister is simply remarkable and, in my opinion, will earn him Best Actor honors at the Oscars (can be compared to Danie day Lewis’ astounding portrayal of Lincoln)

Overall, this is a well-constructed, finely focused narrative that gives the audience a sweeping glimpse of the man himself, both guarded before the sting of his political enemies and vulnerable in the friendlier confines of his home or office. Interesting to pair this with another Best Picture nominee: “Dunkirk” as the two explore the same military event from two different perspectives.


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