Gary Oldman has one of the most diverse résumés of any actor working today. He's played criminals, a wizard, a police commissioner, Dracula and even an animated peacock. But one character you don’t see on that list is a big guy who smokes a cigar and ponders the meaning of life while staring out a bay window. Oh, well it looks like I have spoken too soon.
Yes, Oldman is currently checking off that box right now by playing one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, Winston Churchill, in the new drama from writer Anthony McCarten (THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING) and director Joe Wright (ATONEMENT, ANNA KARENINA), DARKEST HOUR. The first image from the movie has dropped, featuring Oldman looking particularly Churchillian (via The Film Stage). Take a look!
As per usual Oldman looks completely immersed in the character, and thanks to some terrific make-up looks exactly like the famed leader. As Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940-1945, Churchill was of course instrumental in the defeat of the Nazi’s during WWII, and the movie will focus on one of his most trying experiences of his entire career:
“Within days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King, and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.”
Oldman has been one of my favorite actors for some time. I’ve been watching him since I first saw BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA as a young lad, and then of course growing to love him as a slightly older young lad thanks to the HARRY POTTER and BATMAN movies. Though he had never been nominated for an Oscar until his performance in 2011’s TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, I have little reason to think he won’t get one for DARKEST HOUR. Wright is a great actor’s director, and biopics often come laden with awards buzz, especially if the performances are as transformative as this. Come on, he looks just like Churchill!
DARKEST HOUR comes out November 24, 2017 starring Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Lily James, Ben Mendelsohn and Kristin Scott Thomas.