Writer: Anthony McCarten
Stars: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas
Rating: 8/10
Like most human beings, I am a massive fan of Gary Oldman. I have been ever since I watched Leon and heard him say the word ‘everyone’. So, I feel pretty confident in saying that this is the best performance of his career. It’s so good that it is bigger than the film itself. That is not to say the film isn’t good, in fact it’s really good, but Gary Oldman is on another level.
It is really difficult to say where Winston Churchill begins and Gary Oldman ends. The prosthetics are fantastic, but it is more than that, it’s his stance, his mannerisms and his presence that Oldman gets right. By the time you reach his big speeches you are fully sold that you are watching Churchill and each word feels like another hole in the enemy’s defences.
So, to the actual film, we join Churchill through one of his toughest of period in office. He is surrounded by enemies – not unlike the British troops stranded at Dunkirk who he is trying to rescue. He is under pressure from all angles; his cabinet, the opposition, the military, the people and the palace. Not an enviable position to be in. And many believe he’s not the man for the job. But what this film does demonstrate is that if Winston had not been in 10 Downing Street in 1940 then the outcome of WWII would have been very different indeed.
And this is the other major part of this film – its historical importance. Generations (like me) who grew up hearing about the war, but not living through it, may not fully comprehend the complexities and scale of it all. Films like these are key to unlocking the key points in time where the future of the world truly hung in the balance.
But instead of throwing loads of bullets, special effects and front line fighting at us – like many other WWII films - the Darkest Hour is all about subtlety, nuances and the tough decisions that had to be made under intense pressure. But don’t let that fool you to think there isn’t any action, there is, but it comes at you in a different way. The discussions in the War Cabinet are as tense as any other war film and even though you know the outcome, you are still on the edge of your seat.
This is a very dialogue heavy film and therefore you need good writing to truly convey the tensions and complexities plus keep the audience engaged – because this is entertainment after all. So just like Churchill said himself, words are power.
I must also mention the fantastic Kristen Scott Thomas. Much more of an understated role than Oldman, but just as significant. When Winston is cornered by those vying for his position, his wife Clemmie (Thomas) is his rock, gently guiding him to be the man she knows he can be and the leader she knows the nation needs.
Finally this a great looking film. The cinematography is beautiful and shows us just how isolating and lonely Churchill’s tenure was. The clever use of darkness to emphasise the gravity of the situation and light to symbolise the glimmers of hope, make the whole film feel more like a painting than a film.
So, in summary – go and watch this film. Revel in the superb display from Oldman, absorb the wealth of history, marvel at the cinematography and be proud that this tiny little island came together, stood firm and never surrendered.
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