Review of Darkest Hour (2017) by Suraj C — 25 Jan 2018

The Second World War is at its height; the system has fallen and Britain is at its Darkest Hour. Chamberlain has stepped down from the Big Chair, Halifax refuses to take over the reins, and the focus obviously shifts to a man who they believe can win most hearts; a flawed man who's known widely for his strange habits and fitting eloquence, a man who lives upto the reputation he upkeeps-none but one of the greatest Leader-Orators the world has ever had a taste of-Winston Churchill. At the darkest of hours, he takes over the reins, when the country is torn apart by tensions and turmoils; the heading members of the coalition government are against him; it's not by choice they chose him, but due to the lack of a sumptuous alternative. And against their wishes, the Man isn't of the kind who'd give heed to peace-mongers; to win something, you'll have to fight it out he believes. He loves his country and respects its traditions, but his attempts to keep the flag waving high gather wide resentment from among his own colleagues. The Great Leader is presented with an intensified inner conflict, than the outward political drama which is going on. He knows that each of his decisions from now on will count, and not only won't it be a smooth sail, but one demanding more bread than his life indeed!!!

It's such a well known story, with multiple underlying aspects to it. Joe Wright, the man who made 'Atonement', chose to make a movie on this one in particular, because he knew how far elucidative and reverberatory a story he could tell on this one. He has managed to rip of multiple perspectives on the same, besides the Great Man demanding a constant centre stage; the movie focuses on the view points of Clementine Churchill, King George VI, Halifax, Chamberlain, Eliza Nel Churchill's personal secretary, and more importantly that of free citizens, as much as it focuses on The British Bulldog. The word 'Dark' is given paramount importance in the whole method of storytelling; most of the drama happens in dark rooms and unlit alleys, and within the brooding darkness of a perplexed mind, Churchill has always housed. They never liked him from Gallipoli; the film rectifies some common beliefs and misconceptions too. Some of his iconic speeches have been featured in the movie, and the arresting flow of visuals blended with a storming performance by Gary Oldman is sure to oust you out from your seats on intense outbursts. Gave me goosebumps, literally.

Portraying Churchill, Gary Oldman's is an expression par excellence. Besides impersonating Churchill to the maximum possible extent, in appearance, gait as well as strange poses, he has manifested the essential character of the Man under study, to astounding results. He looks like a Churchill in the eyes, in deeds and posture; even in silhouettes!!! As far as an actor is concerned, he must make the rest feel nothing about his acting at all; at least until the movie ends. I never saw a trace of Oldman in this movie; all I saw was Churchill, who I even took to believe could've replaced the real one. Such a profound feat! Brilliance is the word. Churchill was not only a man famous for his leadership, looks and behaviour, but also for his strong words. The modulation that Oldman has brought about, combined with the strict control he has kept, gives us one of this year's countable performances which will make the Big Race soon. As of now, I'll say it's Oldman; have to watch Phantom Thread more to judge on that one completely! At one instance Churchill says at the peak of his screen tension, "You cannot reason with a Tiger when your head is in its mouth." Oldman will make us wonder which side Churchill meant himself to be in; he has both the tiger as well as a fearing doe in his face there!!!

The movie is all about inner conflicts, the mind's darkness; it also brings in unheard details about the Great Man. It shows even the great Winston Churchill had stuttered on many occasions, before presenting some of his iconic pieces. The movie was made the same year we had another Dunkirk movie by Nolan; 'Darkest Hour' presents a whole lot of unseen perspective on Operation Dynamo and Churchill's hardbound decisions. There's even a subtle nod to the hasty 'naming ceremony' of the whole operation. There's another great scene where he makes a call to the Whitehouse, asking for help and reinforcements to defend his country; 'Franklin Roosevelt' on the other end is shown as a helpless voice, while the effective drama is taking place in Churchill's face and his head, not to leave out the darkness enveloping his private recess. The movie starts of where the darkness has just crept inside the Men's souls, wounded with fear and ends off on a resolutive high. It shows the ordeals that the Great Leader had to surpass to reach there, the new channels he had to break open towards it. Instead of focusing on the general victory, it dwells and swings inside a perplexed heart; which had to think a great deal in pain, before making an anyway detrimental decision at this hour, with the least harm assured. The age too wasn't favourable for him; Thanks to Oldman's acting expertise, all these details subtly flow. It also has its funny moments; gives some trivial confirmation on the iconic man's strangest ways. His wits were impeccable, as was his uncontrollable rage!

Joe Wright has done it all in a conventional way, delivering an outright classic. The Drama is so intense, and rich with emotions; and it's as riveting as the peachiest entertainment flick there is, running in town. A very well written screenplay by Anthony McCarten, and a dashing score by Dario Marianelli has rightly contributed to its ebbs and flows. A really well made movie on one of the most adored figures from History, a ripe man who was always young at Heart and eloquent in speech, 'Darkest Hour' is easily a must watch. Quoting Halifax from the end of the movie-"He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle."!!!