An Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role has long eluded Gary Oldman, one of my favorite British actors. He was nominated for an outstanding performance in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Thomas Langmann won that year (2012) for The Artist. So I'm going to start the Oscar buzz for Oldman. Because Oldman is Winston Churchill in The Darkest Hour. He will forever define the role of the controversial but stoic Prime Minister who led the British war effort during World War II.
During the turbulent month of May, 1940, British politics went through a major test. Confidence was waning in Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain (Ronald Pickup). The parties needed to find a solution that could survive a vote of the minority parties. King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) was inclined to appoint Viscount Halifax (Stephen Dillane), who declined. The consensus pick was Winston Churchill (Oldman), a contentious choice who Halifax and Chamberlain both immediately began to sabotage. Churchill was ill-tempered and strong-willed. He was also an incredible orator and a fearsome presence. His selection worried Hitler who made peace overtures even as the British army was facing certain annihilation at Dunkirk.
The Darkest Hour examines the "insider baseball" of Churchill's ascension to Prime Minister. The film examines the political and popular opinions of the era with great care given to the oratory aspects of Churchill's molding of his new government. Churchill bent the will of the people by "weaponizing" the English language (as one MP states in the film). From the strain of a certain defeat at Dunkirk to the political machinations of a Parliament already set on an unstable war footing, the film considers the obstacles that Churchill overcame to prepare England for a long war that would come at great cost. Churchill is quietly affected by two women in the film. His wife, Clemmie (Kristen Scott Thomas), and his secretary Elizabeth (Lily James). Both have a tempering effect on his often hot disposition.
The writing in The Darkest Hour was spot on. Anthony McCarten (who was nominated for his screenplay Theory of Everything, but did not win) is likely to get another Oscar nomination. But there will be stiff competition this year. My favorite original screenplay this year was The Shape of Water which I think will edge this one out. DIrector Joe Wright has done some decent films, to include Pride and Prejudice and Atonement, but has only managed a Golden Globe nomination. This might be the break he has been looking for. The Darkest Hour was they type of film Oscar voters like. It was a period piece that captured the era vividly. It was a historical biopic whose central character was larger-than-life with an Oscar-worthy performance in the lead role. The film had great pacing, and interesting angle, exceptional dialogue and seamless storytelling. The use of speeches to tell Churchill's story in his own words was also brilliant. There is no reason this film shouldn't get several Oscar nominations. Although there will be plenty of competition this year.
At two hours and five minutes, The Darkest Hour could feel a bit long. But it didn't. For a topic that might seem dry, the characters brought this film to life. Particularly Churchill as rendered skillfully by Oldman. The film had an even flow that made the two hours move quickly. The film was a war-era film, but not really a war film. There was very little war-related material, but just enough to earn this film a PG-13 rating. That and copious alcohol consumption by our lead character, as well as a bit of salty language.
Gary Oldman deftly delivered a corpulent, irritable Churchill. The rather slim Oldman was barely recognizable in this role. His delivery and impeccable effort rendered a memorable character to build a film around. The supporting cast was exceptional as well. Particularly Kristen Thomas and Lily James, who added a gentle counterpoint to Churchill's aggression. As an American, it was also interesting getting insight into the political aspects of the exchange. I always assumed that Churchill was always a beloved British politician. The political jockeying and parliamentary aspects of the story added an intriguing backdrop to the external threat of the war. This film was just well done, top to bottom. It will be nominated for several awards and will win a few of them. Competition will be stiff, but I believe this will be Oldman's year to win the Oscar. He deserves it. 8/10.
