The Darkest Hour
5 stars
Director: Joe Wright
Stars: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas
Duration: 125 mins
Class: TBC
KRS Releasing Ltd

That Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill is one of the most revered figures in British history is irrefutable. Statesman, author and orator, he was one of the most inspirational leaders during World War II and beyond.  And yet, Churchill was not always the confident and assured leader he ultimately became.

Churchill made his way up the ranks in British politics before World War I. Yet, some erratic decisions tainted his reputation and he was considered politically suspect by many of his peers. It was only until he was called to lead a coalition between his Conservative party and the opposition Labour Party to challenge the inexorable and bloody rise of Adolf Hitler in 1940 that he really came into his own. And it is here where we encounter Churchill, in Darkest Hour. 

It is only days after becoming Prime Minister – to the chagrin of most members of his party and that of King George V (Ben Mendelsohn) – that Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) is thrown the most daunting of gauntlets. He is under pressure to explore the possibility of negotiating a peace treaty with Hitler. Yet, his immutable patriotism impel him to stand firm against the unstoppable movement of Nazi forces across continental Europe, and to fight for the principles of freedom and democracy that always defined British history.

This larger-than-life character – he of the hulking, jowly figure, the intelligent, inquisitive eye, the unparalleled eloquence and, of course, the ever-present cigar – poses an indubitably meaty challenge for any actor. And there are many actors of calibre who have portrayed him on the big and small screens and on stage.

It must be a true test of mettle to truly capture the gigantic heart, soul and intellect of this man. And many, myself included, believe that John Lithgow’s recent portrayal of him in TV’s The Crown is a definitive one.

More than deservedly gave Oldman the Golden Globe for best actor – drama last week

Yet, Oldman’s rendition easily challenges Lithgow’s. Moreover, Oldman has the added challenge of presenting Churchill at a time when he was riddled with self-doubt, surrounded by many who wanted him to fail – not least his Foreign Secretary, Lord Halifax (played with suave menace by Stephen Dillane) – and on the verge of making a decision that could have consigned him and the nation to the dustbin of history.

Apart from highlighting, once more, the greatest aspects of the man, screenwriter Anthony McCarten’s script is at pains to highlight the fact that even at his lowest ebb, Churchill remained a force of inspiration. He was the epitome of stiff-upper-lipped-ness that so characterises the nation.

Under Kazuhiro Tsuji’s brilliant make-up, Oldman’s twinkling eyes still accomplish the task of mirroring the man’s soul; his heavy gait the burden he carried and his dialogue an eloquent motivator. He imbues his fiery speeches in parliament with passionate belief in the cause. He comes to his heated war Cabinet meetings with arguments built on conviction and intelligence, and the unshakeable faith in the strength and stoicism of the British people – as witnessed by an encounter with a carriageful of people on the Tube.

This may not be historically accurate but McCarten attests that records show that Churchill would often go off on his own to speak to ordinary people to see what they were thinking – yet another fascinating aspect to the man.

It is, indeed, a performance that captures the essence of this remarkable figure and also, his humour, which often peppers the sombre proceedings. His assistant explaining the correct way to display the V for Victory sign is one such moment, as is Churchill’s penchant for working even while taking a bath… or on the loo.

Oldman is surrounded by an ensemble of equal strength. Kristin Scott Thomas is Clemmie, Churchill’s beloved and devoted wife who cajoled, encouraged and chastised him as and when necessary – the dynamic between the two a convincing and moving portrayal of the love the couple shared during their 56-year marriage, while Lily James is his plucky assistant Elizabeth Layton.

After the poorly-received Pan, director Joe Wright returns to the brilliant film-making he gave us with the likes of Atonement, Hanna and Anna Karenina. He brings to his ventures not only superb and incisive casting choices but flowing narrative and superb production values that truly capture the time and place of his stories, making Darkest Hour a rousing vehicle for Oldman’s electrifying performance. This, more than deservedly, gave him the Golden Globe for best actor – drama last week.