Genre: Drama
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James, Stephen Dillane
Description: In May 1940, the fate of Western Europe hangs on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman), who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean a humiliating defeat for Britain and its empire.
Review: After the audio visual spectacle “Dunkirk”, there is “Darkest Hour”, an opposite in the theaters. The same historical turning point, but a smaller film with a more intimate setting. And director Joe Wright exchanges the harsh realistic atmosphere, for a more melodramatic feel.
Winston Churchill has been portrayed by many actors: Brian Cox, John Lithgow, Timothy Spall, Brendan Gleeson, Michael Gambon and many more. And then there is Gary Oldman, the man who won an Academy Award for his portrayal. Although Oldman doesn’t look at all like Churchill, the make-up artists did a masterful job in transforming him into the former British Prime Minister.
Oldman had to be creative with his voice and body language, to become Churchill. And he does this very well. He mumbles, has a lisp, tramps. It’s hard to see Oldman, and easy to see Churchill. Which means Oldman succeeded. Only when he raises his voice, it’s very clear Oldman. But it’s focused on subtlety, which was very cleverly done by director Joe Wright. And in this subtlety, there is room for Oldman to be eccentric and funny. Oldman’s performance is well balanced.
“Darkest Hour” works a bit too hard sometimes, to win over the audience. But the cinematography is impressive and consistent. As is the make-up and editing.
This is an ‘acting movie’ with a lot of talking, that is good because of its leading actor. Without him, this would be a mediocre and forgettable film.
Rating: 4 / 5
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