History is often written by the victors. If the losers
are worthy adversaries then they receive recognition too. The Second
World War had many winners and losers with both marking their place in
history. One of the ‘winners’ being British Prime Minister Winston
Churchill, whose stoic presence galvanized a nation. ‘Darkest Hour’
explores the early months of Britain’s leader. Showing his strengths and
weaknesses in equal measure, the war-time leader’s struggles are starkly revealed
in an engaging film.
Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) faces a dire threat.
Beginning his Prime Ministership of Great Britain in 1940, he leads a country
at war. Battling the German Nazi invasion and doubters in his own
cabinet, it’s Churchill’s task to unite a quickly fracturing nation and
political party. With his wife Clementine (Kristin Scott Thomas) and King
George (Ben Mendelsohn) looking on, Churchill is determined to become the
leader his country needs in times of great crisis.
‘Darkest Hour’ gives much for Gary Oldman to sink his acting
teeth into. A consummate performer, he successfully embodies Churchill’s
determined strength. Whilst occasionally you feel you’re watching Oldman
and not the role he’s playing, he provides enough emotional weight to a multi-faceted
person. He is ably supported by Scott Thomas and Mendelsohn who give
excellent performances. They could have been given more to do however as
‘Darkest Hour’ rests a little too much on Oldman’s shoulders despite his solid
performance.
Joe Wright directs with a steady assurance making this
history lesson absorbing. Unlike other Churchill biopics, ‘Darkest Hour’
explores the domestic political drama of his early reign rather than the plight
of those on the battlefields. This enables a better understanding of
Churchill’s actions and why he fought resolutely against the scourge of
advancing evil. The script’s factual and fictional elements are
reasonably blended well even if the latter veers towards fanciful
sentimentality negating some authenticity.
Although having occasional ‘flag-waving nationalism’ which becomes
a bit irritating, ‘Darkest Hour’ has much to commend. It differentiates
itself from similar movies and has a great lead in Oldman. ‘Darkest Hour’
gives better insight into the Churchill enigma whose refusal to surrender to
destructive forces is a lesson politicians of all persuasions still should
learn.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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