Darkest Hour is a new historical drama by well-known English director Joe Wright. After a series of literary adaptations, Wright this time brings a film based on true events. In the film, we are following British Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the first month of coming to that position. As the Second World War gets its swing, Churchill must make a decision in which the UK will move to fight Hitler. In addition, the other problem he faces is the rescue of Dunkirk soldiers. Great stress and pressure lie on his shoulders, but in spite of this, Churchill doesn't allow to create a place for error.
As Christopher Nolan's film Dunkirk was criticized for the poor development of characters and background stories, many came to the idea that these two films are watching one another. This way you can get a better insight into the events that took place during those months, and you will also enjoy a historical lesson and a phenomenal vision of everyone involved in these projects.
During the entire plot, the film focuses primarily on Winston Churchill. The camera almost plays the role of his assistant because it's always somewhere near him. Given this fact, much of the film, as well as by time, is limited by space.
The narrow corridors, stairs, rooms, courthouses and basements are spaces that, together with Churchill, are moving. All of them in common have their own dark and unclear surroundings, and this is precisely what makes cinematography to shine. Bruno Delbonnel, director of photography, famous for his work on films such as Inside Llewyn Davis and Amélie, gives little light to this darkness.
There will always be a window through which the light will pass and fall to the surfaces covered with darkness, or just one bulb that will illuminate the ideas of characters from the film. This playing with light creates a phenomenal atmosphere that glitters the state of mind of that period. As Churchill and his speeches bring little will and hope into human minds, so his appearance brings little light into the world that has swept the darkness.
However, Joe Wright and scriptwriter Anthony McCarten made sure that all this would not become shaky and impersonal mass of political action. Month of the day is a long period for one movie, and here they managed to cover everything. Darkest Hour sets its extremely dynamic rhythm in the first minutes and doesn't leave it completely. All this contributes to the film with the same desire as at the very beginning, without a moment of boredom.
Gary Oldman has thrilled us with his performances for almost thirty years, but his portrayal of Winston Churchill shows one extraordinary talent. Oldman's acting is absolutely impeccable and simply brought to that level, which is difficult to describe in words - definitely the performance that caries entire film on its backs and which, along with the music background and the exuberant photography, gives a special spectator experience.
The biggest problem of Darkest Hour is the story in which other characters don't receive much attention, and so most of them are almost irrelevant. Speeches, which Churchill seemed to enjoy giving, are frequent and patriotic, with a strong motivational connotation. This could turn the viewers away from the movie, but if you overcome these things, you will be guaranteed to enjoy, if nothing in Gary Oldman's play.
