The true measure of a leader is his (or her) ability to take in the opinion of others and, assess what’s useful, and make a decision that’s bigger than himself or the benefit of his peers.
A leader knows how to make quick, but not hasty, decisions without succumbing to intimidation.
More importantly, a leader listens and knows how to persuade with words.
Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour gave us a glimpse of one of history’s most iconic men: Winston Churchill. Effectively portrayed by Gary Oldman, Churchill is a commanding presence on the screen. Looking past his interesting manner of speech (I found it difficult to understand his dialogue sometimes but maybe it’s how he was in real life) everything else about the main character is persuasive.
Oldman was gripping, apprising and, most of all, amusing–a very important factor for a movie with a subject that, for many, tends to become boring.
But his performance was superb. The Academy nom was definitely justifiable. Perhaps his second nomination can earn him a win.
The danger, for me, was viewers, like me, who are not invested in history’s iconic personalities might not enjoy the film. But Darkest Hour’s magic was in the overall choreography of its dialogue, cinematography, and score.
The screenplay was leaden with dialogue, as was screenwriter Anthony McCarten’s intention. The film’s underlying theme was the power of words. There were numerous focus on Churchill’s gift of gab, which also featured the tenacity of his typist, Elizabeth Layton (Lily James), which I think is the film makers’ way of sending the message of equality since the movie is set on a time when women aren’t exactly celebrated.
The screen time provided to Layton and Churchills’ wife was an admirable nod to women empowerment.
Bruno Delbonnel’s masterful work with the camera combined with Dario Marianelli’s musical genius ensured vital scenes, well, even the mundane ones, do not become dull.
There is a magical quality to the way the music thunders and then mellows down as the scenes progress. It enhances emotions and set the mood until everything commenced on that pulsating denouement.
Darkest Hour is more about the man rather than the events that put Britain in its darkest moments. Tumultuous times and uncertainty about allegiance and the fate of the nation were heavy on the Prime Minister’s shoulders, he displayed the kind of courage that will see a nation through the most impossible times.
I highly recommend you go watch Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk after this.
