Darkest Hour, the 2017 British war drama starring Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill, will be broadcast on BBC One tonight at 8pm. The film has been described by audiences as a 'masterpiece' and 'one of the greatest war films of all time'.
Plot and production
Directed by Joe Wright with a screenplay by Anthony McCarten, the film chronicles Churchill's tenure as Prime Minister during the Second World War and the May 1940 war cabinet crisis. The official synopsis states: "The fate of Western Europe hangs on Winston Churchill in the early days of World War II. The newly appointed British prime minister must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight on against incredible odds. During the next four weeks in 1940, Churchill cements his legacy as his courageous decisions and leadership help change the course of world history."
Oldman's portrayal has drawn the most attention, with the actor virtually unrecognisable due to extensive makeup and prosthetics. He is supported by Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup, and Ben Mendelsohn.
Oldman on his transformation
Speaking to ABC News, Oldman detailed the work required for his transformation: "It took three hours, 15 minutes and then getting into the costume and everything, it was just under four hours, 48 days consecutively. And then I would be dressed as Winston by the time the director arrived and the other actors for rehearsal. So it was very odd. They did not see me as Gary for three months for the entire shooting because I was always in my makeup."
Critics have praised the film, with one reviewer writing: "It's an amazing performance: the only star turn I've seen in which a famous actor visible in nearly every scene would be unrecognisable if we didn't know his name already." Another commented: "From the 4-star lead performance from Oldman to the expert direction from Joe Wright, Darkest Hour is a rousing success."
Audience reaction
Viewers have been equally enthusiastic. One Rotten Tomatoes user wrote: "Brilliant! Gary Oldman like you have never seen him before, absolutely stunning in his portrayal of Winston Churchill. Very intelligently written and brought to screen. Fantastic cinematography creates the perfect ambiance. Technically superb movie with all the basic elements of top class production. Whole cast excels in character. Tense, gripping, suspense filled and gritty. Highly entertaining and captivating."
Another fan said: "It gets better each time I view it. Will go down as one of the greatest war films of all time." One viewer added: "Emotional exciting movie from the start to finish Gary Oldman's performance was phenomenal. Makes you proud to be British. Would definitely recommend! 10/10."
Darkest Hour airs on BBC One this evening at 8pm and can also be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
