Movie: Darkest Hour

Darkest Hour:  a Winston Churchill movie.  2017 was a year for Churchill, both directly (the excellent “Churchill & Orwell: The Fight for Freedom” written by Thomas E. Ricks) and indirectly (Dunkirk).  Darkest Hour opens in May 1940.  The outlook for Great Britain is bleak.  The Germans are overrunning France and the devastating invasion of Belgium and the Netherlands are close at hand.  Neville Chamberlain’s “peace in our time” program has failed, and despite the ruling Conservative Party’s distrust and fear him, Churchill becomes Prime Minister.  This 125-minute film focuses on the myriad crises facing Britain and Churchill, including the Conservative Party’s obstinate inability to comprehend that one cannot make a deal with Hitler.  The story, written by Anthony McCarten and directed by Joe Wright, is limited to the first few weeks of Churchill’s reign as Prime Minister.  The film lays out Churchill’s many foibles - his self-doubts, his drinking and acerbic behavior – as well as his intense intellect and deep compassionate for those whom he loved.  Gary Oldman as Churchill gives an Oscar worthy performance and “Darkest Hour” is worth seeing just to marvel at Oldman’s presentation.  The talent in this film is not limited to Oldman.  Ben Mendelsohn is excellent as King George, who is portrayed very differently from the character we met in The King’s Speech.  Stephen Dillane as Viscount Halifax and Ronald Pickup as Chamberlain are outstanding.  Although her screen time is limited, Kristin Scott Thomas as Clementine Churchill, is superb, as is Lilly James as Elizabeth Layton, Churchill’s secretary.  Of particular note is the subway scene towards the end of the film showing Churchill interacting with average British citizens.  Contrary to the impression that might be given from the trailers, Darkest Hour is much more than just Churchill’s speeches.  I highly recommend this superbly acted film, which offers a stunning contrast to the politics of America 2018.