No. 7 (2018) The Darkest Hour January 23rd.

Film No. 7 (2018) January 23rd.  11.00 PM  LUNA Paradiso, Northbridge

"He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle" (Viscount Halifax comments to collegues after listening to Churchill's "On The Beaches" speech to parliament).

This acting masterclass by Gary Oldman gives an insight into the man, the legend, the enigma known by all as Winston Churchill. It is set after he becomes Prime Minister and during the key days and hours leading to the end of The Battle of France. The magic of Oldman takes greater hold with every scene that passes. Brian Cox (Churchill) gave a passable impression of the great man last year; Oldman's Churchill is far superior and may well be remembered as his greatest performance. How truly vulnerable was Winston in those hours when thousands of his bravest man were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk? How seriously did he consider immersing himself in peace negotiations during those days in May 1940? How fond did King George become of Churchill? All these questions are answered with great legitimacy, I wonder if the same believably would have been garnered without the brilliant Oldman in the great man's shoes. 10GUMS.