Darkest Hour
2017 – 2 hr 5 mins – Cert PG
Genre: Drama
Director: Joe Wright
Writer: Anthony McCarten
Stars: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James
Bookings: email filmnight@rockbournevillagehall.org.uk or
phone Lucy Matthews 01725 518695
In May 1940, the fate of Western Europe hangs on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean a humiliating defeat for Britain and its empire.
Over the years we have seen many fine actors give us their Winston Churchill. It seems that all you need is a fat cigar, a black Homburg and a cut glass full of cognac, a wobbly jowl and a slight lisp, and the audience will fill in the rest. But Gary Oldman (academy award, best actor 2018) inhabits the role in an entirely amazing and truthful way, showing us the humour and humanity of our national hero; there are no superlatives that do this great actor justice. Kristin Scott Thomas brings the enticing Clemmie to life, and Lily James is, as always, very beautiful as his largely fictionalised secretary, Elizabeth Layton. But there are very few liberties taken by talented young British director Joe Wright (Atonement). This is no hagiography, but a truthful portrait of the first four weeks of Winston’s premiership. It must not be forgotten that many in the establishment had been supporters of Hitler and the British fascists led by Oswald Mosley and egged on by the Daily Mail. Many MP’s in his party (perhaps a majority) were in favour of negotiating with the Germans to avoid further involvement in the War, with much of the British army cornered at Dunkirk. So, Winston faced manoeuvring his political rivals to take the fight to the Nazis. His famous speeches (“We will never surrender”) rallied Parliament and the nation, and will inspire all who see this very entertaining movie. John Crome
Click here to read up on Darkest Hour on IMDb
Doors open 7:00pm, Film 7:30pm £6, Supper 9:45pm £6, wine £12/bottle
Pay at the door, last bookings 1200 Sunday 17th June
Click here to download a copy of the flyer
Next film 19th September – to be decided