A believable back drop to a period piece can make or break an audience’s overall experience. Each frame was a conscious choice for the team behind the feature film Darkest Hour, the best in set design, lighting and wardrobe, were in charge of creating a 1940’s England during a stressful period in time. Most likely you don’t have a clear memory of England in the mid-20th century, but the on screen version speaks a truth, starting with the opening shots of Winston Churchill, at work in bed.
The impression one gets is that the man never slept, work was his world, and everything else came second. A workaholics environment rarely changes, a few locations where deals are crafted then broken, translating into a work week that ends each day well after midnight. Bruno Delbonnel, director of photography, treated each room on set as his canvas; before any words are exchanged the audience is hooked. The colors on screen in a way play as Winston’s subconscious, bright and full of energy while at the same time afraid of a potentially devastating future.
In the end a Politician’s communication skills are the backbone to his success, an inability to clearly articulate ideas that have the potential to alter millions of lives, in this case, can lead to death. Since pressure is a constant theme throughout the film, each character possess the responsibility to find moments where they can smile, even laugh when hope is seemly lost.
Hey reader, you remember the last scene? I’m about to reference it. Are you reading this and still haven’t seen the film?
The last scene…….. The Prime Minister stands in front of Parliament, a ceiling window allows a narrow beam of light to shine through, highlighting Winston as he says the famous words “Our empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British fleet would carry on the struggle, until in gods good time, the new world with all its power and might skips forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old!” A stunning reenactment that director Joe Wright, along with cast and crew have cemented in film history.