Introduction to Darkest Hour: A Movie About Churchill
Darkest Hour: A Movie About Churchill was anything but typical; it was brilliantly captivating, thanks to its masterful direction and cinematography, Gary Oldman's outstanding performance, and the rest of the fantastic cast.
Darkest Hour: A Movie About Churchill is a biographical film about Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister during World War II. It portrays the events of that era and Churchill's decisions, but it's not dry. The narrative is unique and the plot engaging, a rare quality in biographical films.
The film stars Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ronald Pickup, Ben Mendelsohn, and Stephen Dillane, and was directed by Joe Wright.
The historical aspect is certainly very much present here, and it completes the picture of Churchill, but the deciding factor is the refined and brilliant performance of Gary Oldman, especially in some amazing scenes, which we will now show you for your judgment.
Number One
Winston Churchill's first appearance in Parliament, immediately after he was appointed Britain's Prime Minister, where he announced his policy in the face of the imminent German threat.
It was like a silent bomb going off in this gathering of politicians and opposition parties, because everyone was waiting for him to propose peace and negotiations, to affirm his support for them. Instead, he surprised everyone with his decision to wage war, causing a faint murmur in the hall, devoid of any clear meaning.
Despite everyone's opposition, it didn't elicit a resounding rejection but rather a mix of disapproval and a strange unease about the idea.
Not sitting down at the negotiating table for peace was Winston's choice, one that suited the German onslaught on Europe, because he knew that doing so would be an admission of surrender, not a pursuit of peace.
Therefore, the scene was powerful, wonderful, and highly expressive of Winston's strong character and his correct reading of the true course of the war.
Number Two
Churchill's speech to the nation during his time as Britain's Prime Minister was a masterwork of artistry. The red light symbolized bloodshed, and there were alterations to the final draft of his speech: he crossed out the word "tremendous" and circled the word "people."
Then came his sharp gaze at the red light as it illuminated, followed by his return to the speech paper, a few seconds of silence, and then his launch into the speech.
All of these were allusions to the coming bloody period, one that would bring many deaths but, at the same time, would offer a path to salvation and resistance through impassioned speeches that would ignite the people and the soldiers, compensating for the significant disparity in resources and equipment favoring the enemy.
The speech certainly did not reveal the true situation, and Churchill had to lie for the first time, after having been the voice of truth on previous occasions. However, his objectives were different now; the lie was intended to strongly establish and raise everyone's morale.
Despite his dissatisfaction with his speech, he felt obligated to deliver it, a duty he could not ignore. Even though the accompanying scenes starkly contrasted with the inspiring address, they revealed Churchill's composure, ensuring that his words to the nation were their only hope, a beacon of hope, and a promise of victory.
The echo of his voice and the image of the slain man with blood in his eyes—these resonant elements underscored the dire situation on the battlefield and the immense sacrifice of the soldiers for their country.
The act of throwing his pen at the end of the speech was deeply moving. The way his hands fell to his sides, his eyes brimming with tears, and his silence about his speechwriter, Leighton, all conveyed profound sorrow and pain—not because he had failed to speak the truth, but because the truth was painful and deeply affecting.
It was a powerful, expressive scene, masterfully filmed, acted, and directed.
Number Three
The scene of Winston Churchill with the people on the subway. The power of this scene lies in Churchill's skepticism of his own judgment and his belief that the people's opinion was essential, as it represented the true measure of crucial decisions.
Churchill began the conversation on the subway by joking about his role as Prime Minister, easing his presence among the people and making himself seem like any ordinary person going about their daily life. He even asked for a match to light his cigarette with a simple gesture.
He had a talent for connecting with the public and initiated the necessary dialogue. To achieve a genuine and comfortable outcome, he had to break down all official barriers between himself and the public. He did so with a touch of humor and simplicity.
Then, when he posed the anticipated question about the enemy and their imminent arrival, the answer struck him like a bullet, piercing his mind and heart: the people would fight to the last drop of blood, by any means necessary. Therefore, he was compelled to present the easier option immediately.
The easier option was to politely request clemency. But when he offered this second option, the people's response was vehement; outright rejection was the only and final choice.
Even the little girl understood the intricacies and the true nature of the situation: that dignity and honor are irreplaceable, even in the face of death, and that surrender was not an option for people accustomed to freedom and who had lived by it for centuries.
Therefore, his reaction was deeply moving when he sat before the little girl, his words flowing with tears in his eyes as he spoke about choosing courage in the face of difficult and frightening situations. Then he left the metro, practically weeping.
The harvest was complete, and his conviction and certainty about what he would do and decide were firmly established. Indeed, enthusiasm and determination shone on his face, rather than collapse and submission.
A scene imbued with extraordinary power when you base your decision on the collective will of the people and realize that you are on the right path.
Number Four
The final scene: When he went to address Parliament and made his final decision to resist and continue fighting in defense of dignity and homeland, his speech was imbued with unprecedented fervor and passion. His words shook the hall and stirred the emotions of the members of Parliament.
Not everyone shared the same fervor. Some waited for the final reaction before making their own. Despite this, Churchill paid them no heed and continued his speech with mounting emotion.
What was different about this speech was the confidence it conveyed. It was instilled by the people who had made his decision, and his gestures and expressions overflowed with confidence and courage.
Yet the speech also contained logic. He explained that even if defeat occurred and they were enslaved in their own lands, parts of the empire would remain free and independent, and that they would rise up and fight for the motherland.
Some were expecting a negative reaction, but they were surprised by the overwhelming support from members of Parliament, so much so that they immediately expressed their support when swept up in the enthusiasm.
Others, however, remained steadfast in their opposition, believing Churchill was merely spouting rhetoric rather than facts and that the battle was inevitably lost.
But support in Parliament was overwhelming, fueled by his fiery speech and his formidable courage in the face of an enemy far superior in strength. He knew that to defeat an enemy far superior in strength, one must inject immense morale and energy to compensate for the disparity and move closer to victory.
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