Gary Oldman Carries Winston Churchill Movie 'Darkest Hour'
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Gary Oldman Carries Winston Churchill Movie 'Darkest Hour'

The perfect pair to the movie 'Dunkirk' from earlier in 2017

300
Gary Oldman Carries Winston Churchill Movie 'Darkest Hour'
Wikimedia Commons

The historical circumstances in which "Darkest Hour" takes place had, interestingly, already been explored in 2017 by Christopher Nolan, whose film "Dunkirk" charts the relentless Nazi attack by air, land, and sea against the helpless British army trapped on the coast of Dunkirk.

The eye through which we saw these soldiers now turns to the other side of the English Channel, where newly-appointed Prime Minister Winston Churchill, played by an exquisite Gary Oldman, attempts to mend the effects of his predecessor Neville Chamberlain's "appeasement" policy. The British government has allowed Hitler and his troops to expand into Europe without hindrance, and the effects are starting to settle.

Churchill, we discover, is certainly not the Conservative Party's first choice. His colleagues would rather appoint Viscount Halifax (Stephen Dillane), whose role as Churchill's political adversary is examined through his adamancy to engage in peace talks with Hitler and Mussolini. However, Churchill sees this peacemaking as disguised mockery tailored to humiliate the already-disadvantaged British — yet by rejecting this proposal he paints himself the opposing yet still the unfavorable option of entering into a calamitous, deadly war.

As he navigates these portentous choices and as the film progresses we come to see Churchill as flawed. His distinct historical identity is present—adored by many, a man whose illustrious words captured the attention of more than just his audience—but the film explores deeper than his outward persona. Gary Oldman's Churchill is conflicted, but undoubtedly superb. He disappears into the succinct, watery slur and protruding lip as if he were born Churchill himself—but he does not make him perfect. Churchill is heavily plagued by this formidable task, inwardly frustrated but ostensibly firm in his actions.

Shaping this narrative is Churchill's detachment from the English people, who are presented in sweeping, slow-moving shots. From above our eyes glide over a scene of ruination or of the streets of England where the people, left with silence resulting from the opaque British government, are merely faceless, voiceless pawns to the lawmakers that hold their future in their hands.

One particular scene marks a turning point in this relationship, in which Churchill, for the first time in the movie and in his life, takes the underground instead of a driver to his war council meeting. The people he encounters on the train give him novel insight into the wants of the people, they too abhorred by peace talks, by any other option than fighting to the bitter end.

Though fictitious, the moment is sweet, if not slightly cheesy. Like this scene, the film feels oddly familiar, grasping at the paradigmatic themes that surge forward every historical film—patriotism and inspiration, mingled with swelling violins and theatrical drums.

However, coupled with Oldman, whose rendition of Churchill keeps this film from toppling into ridiculousness, the film is a joy, delightfully stirring, and charming. Had not Oldman appeared in most if not all scenes, "Darkest Hour" would have simmered into the unfortunately tawdry trope that historical films often find themselves slipping upon.

Most important in this film is writing—not the screenplay necessarily, although that does shine, the act of writing and of how words can elicit varying emotions from differing people. Churchill was a master of words, and his speeches are especially mesmerizing. Often in the movie, we find him formulating his speeches with the help of his assistant Elizabeth Layton (the charming yet subdued Lily James), who translates his low grumbles into his speeches and telegrams.

The final scene of this movie, perhaps its finest, is of Churchill's famous delivery of the "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech to parliament. After an entire film dealing with enmity and opposition from the Conservative party, Churchill finally harnesses support from both sides of parliament. As the men shake their handkerchiefs in support, jeering loudly with excitement and exhilaration, Churchill saunters toward the camera, his job for the movie complete, but for the world, only starting.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49704
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31664
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955234
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180433
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments