Nominated for a whopping six Academy Awards, Joe Wright’s “Darkest Hour” proves once again that Gary Oldman can transform himself into any person — fictional or not.
The makeup and hairstyling team are so very deserving of their Oscar nomination. If viewers didn’t know Gary Oldman was playing Prime Minister Winston Churchill, they’d have been looking for him for quite some time. The absolute dedication to their craft came through with such a detailed depiction of Churchill on Oldman that is as though Oldman isn’t even there. Another point to keep in mind is the grandeur of this production and fitting everyone into the same “mold” as Oldman while making him standout but not too much. The uniformity and cohesiveness of the makeup and hairstyling is perfection.
“Darkest Hour” is also nominated for best achievement in costume design and best achievement in production design. Both of these categories go hand-in-hand in creating a visually stimulating film. Every single detail of the hair, makeup and costumes work so well together that it aids in keeping you in the film the entire way through.
The cinematography is also so worthy of its nomination. The balance of the light and the dark on film really lends itself to the struggle Churchill had externally with outside forces wanting him to do the opposite he wanted to do. The chiaroscuro is absolutely gorgeous in this film. The “darkest hour” really is darker which is so touching.
Having recently seen “Baby Driver” it was a pleasant surprise to see Lily James in another Oscar-nominated film role. I appreciate how James’ role in “Darkest Hour” showcased her talent a little more. Her interactions with Churchill show us a different side of him.
Gary Oldman’s performance is so truthful that it’s easy to almost feel like Churchill is on screen. There’s a scene in the subway where his quote “never never never give up” is said. It really hits with the viewers because the tonality is so majestic that you feel motivated along with him.
“Darkest Hour” touches on historical issues that if told at a slow pace can lose viewers. If you’re a fan of slower storytelling, you won’t mind this film. Though the film makes me wanting more, all of the nominations are so worthy. This was a collaborative effort in every possible way and for that, I appreciate it for what this film does. Though it’s not my kind of film, I could see plenty of people enjoying this take on Winston Churchill.
4/5 prosthetic faces
ABOUT DARKEST HOUR
DARKEST HOUR, a Focus Features presentation of a Working Title Films Production. A thrilling and inspiring true story begins on the eve of World War II as, within days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman) must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King, and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.
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