Best Picture Nominees - Darkest Hour


On Sunday, March 4 we'll learn which one of nine films nominated for Best Picture will claim the top prize. Between now and then, I'll be looking at each of the Best Picture Nominees, continuing today with "Darkest Hour."

 Darkest Hour
Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas, Stephen Dillane, and Ben Mendelsohn
Director: Joe Wright
Total Nominations: 6
Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Actor (Oldman), Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Hair and Makeup
About: Among the nine films nominated for Best Picture are two World War II films that both center on the battle at Dunkirk. I'll be looking at both films over the next two days as part of these previews for the Academy Awards. "Darkest Hour," from director Joe Wright, is a portrait of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Oldman) during his first few days of his time in office, including the turbulent early days of World War II when the British soldiers were pinned down at Dunkirk in France. Churchill faced plenty of opposition, including from within his own party, and nearly had his time as Prime Minister end right before it started. Instead, his resolve, and partnership with King George (Mendelsohn), proved to be just what a nation needed to endure its darkest hour. I love Wright as a filmmaker. His work on "Atonement," "Pride and Prejudice," and "The Soloist" created beautiful, emotionally resonant stories. He also has a knack for creating interesting characters. And that's what you get in "Darkest Hour," which I found inspirational at times. That is largely thanks to Oldman, who gives a very different and great performance at Churchill, one that has him among the favorites for this year's top acting prize. There is some question of whether Oldman's past behavior and negative interactions with women will hold him back in this new #METOO environment, but he's won a lot of the awards leading up to this point. I think Oldman's category is also the film's best shot at an award, or rather second best. Given the three-film group in the Best Makeup and Hairstyle category, it should get a win there I would think. But it feels like a long-shot in its other three technical categories, and it would be a major surprise and upset if it won Best Picture. Still, it's a fine and engaging film, and one that tells an interesting story that has resonated with many audiences.
Rating:  PG-13 for some thematic material.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.
Where to See It: "Darkest Hour" is still playing nationwide.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Image
Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone. These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life. The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men. The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Ju...
Read more

Broncos Draft Targets

Image
  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co...
Read more

Favorite Westerns, No. 43

Image
  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Rooster Cogburn : [ watching Mattie ford the river hanging on the back of her horse] By God. She reminds me of me. True Grit (1969) Starring : John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, and Dennis Hopper Director : Henry Hathaway About: This is the third straight week with a film from Wayne. As you might guess, we're not done. As I've mentioned, he sets a standard for the genre. Here, we seen him bring to life an iconic character. This one is based on a novel, and it has endured. He's great as Rooster Cogburn, so good that he got a sequel in the same character. But this is a later film in his career. This is a different, more grizzled Wayne. He's still quite good and this is a film that really has stood the test of time. It's not the only ve...
Read more