V for virtuoso

Rating: 9/10 (9 January 2018)

THE DARKEST HOUR: France has fallen, the Nazi invasion of Britain is eminent, the bulk of the British forces is stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk with no way out, current PM, Chamberlain, is considered too weak to lead and rather than entering a war members of Parliament feel they cannot win, they vote to negotiate a peace settlement with Germany, with Italy acting as a mediator. After Chamberlain's ouster, Winston Churchill is appointed the new PM, and backed by the voice of the people, vows to never surrender. He firmly believes negotiation equals capitulation. I don't know how historically accurate the rest of the movie is (except for some of his speeches, I imagine), or if some of the conversations depicted ever took place, but they reveal a stunning picture of the temperament, power, character, oratory skill and will of Churchill to never accept defeat. Gary Oldman, as Churchill, brings all of that and more to his riveting portrayal - the voice, the mannerisms, the walk, the tilt of his head. His months of research and preparation have paid off. Oldman just may be the greatest, and most under appreciated actor of his generation. (The male equivalent of Streep, to my mind.) This is his movie and any superlative you can think of applies to his performance. There is no question as to his Oscar nomination for best actor, just as there is no question of Joe Wright's nom for direction. Wright has chosen some unusual, innovative and interesting camera placements - in particular, the shot of James as she types, taken from underneath the typewriter shooting through the keyboard up to her face. I mean how creative is that? Wright maintains the tension and immediacy of the situation, yet manages to throw in some moments of tenderness and humor - a really masterful job. Also no question as to the noms for best picture, the brilliant screenplay, cinematography, costume and makeup design. I would pay to see the process of transforming Oldman into Churchill. Kristin Scott Thomas has been getting the accolades for her performance as Churchill's wife, Clementine, but the real supporting nom should go to Lily James' beautifully sublime performance, as Winston's secretary. Score: 9.5. GO!