Darkest Hour

About Darkest Hour:

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Darkest Hour is a gripping historical drama film directed by Joe Wright and released in 2017. The movie portrays the critical early days of Winston Churchill as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. It stars Gary Oldman in an incredible transformation as Winston Churchill, and the film showcases the struggles and decisions Churchill faced during his relentless efforts to lead his nation during one of its darkest hours. The movie primarily takes place in May 1940, when Churchill is appointed Prime Minister. As he faces pressure from his own government, Churchill must decide whether to negotiate for peace or fight against the overwhelming German attack. Through his charismatic leadership and unwavering spirit, he rallies the British people to stand strong and fight for their freedom.

Making / Production

Darkest Hour was produced by Tim Bevan, Lisa Bruce, Eric Fellner, Anthony McCarten, and Douglas Urbanski. The screenplay was written by Anthony McCarten, who did extensive research on Churchill's life and speeches to ensure historical accuracy. The film was primarily shot in the United Kingdom, with notable locations including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and Churchill's War Rooms. Director Joe Wright aimed to create an immersive experience for the audience by meticulously recreating the atmosphere of 1940s London. The production team paid attention to detail, from the costumes and sets to the makeup and cinematography, to transport viewers back in time and evoke the intensity of the era.

Actors

- Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill: Gary Oldman delivers an extraordinary performance, capturing Churchill's unique mannerisms, voice, and larger-than-life personality. - Kristin Scott Thomas as Clementine Churchill: Kristin Scott Thomas portrays Churchill's wife, Clementine, with grace and strength, providing essential support to her husband during his challenging time in power. - Lily James as Elizabeth Layton: Lily James plays Churchill's secretary, Elizabeth Layton, showcasing her loyalty and dedication to her job and offering a human connection to the story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

- The movie heavily relied on the use of prosthetics and makeup to transform Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill. The process took several hours each day, but the result was an incredible resemblance. - The film accurately portrays Churchill's fondness for cigars, and a total of 400 cigars were smoked during the shooting. - To ensure historical authenticity, the original hat and coat worn by Churchill during his inauguration are featured in the film.

Awards

Darkest Hour received critical acclaim and garnered numerous accolades. The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Gary Oldman's mesmerizing performance as Winston Churchill, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling for the remarkable transformation of the actor.

Quotes

- "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill - "We