Churchill review: Churchill vs. Everybody as he tries to prevent the D-Day landings in this low-key character study .
Churchill review by Luke Ryan Baldock.
Churchill review
Given the current unpredictable political climate now is probably a better time than ever to explore other British politicians. There’s a wealth of history to explore, but to play it safe nobody can begrudge the makers of Churchill for exploring the later years of the ‘greatest Briton’. It’s not the last time we’ll be hearing about Churchill on the silver screen this year either, as Darkest Hour sees Gary Oldman, in extensive make-up, take on the role depicting Churchill’s first five weeks as the prime minister. Here we have the fantastic Brian Cox, in considerably less make-up.
Starting off with a sequence in which Churchill walks a beach only to be haunted by memories of WW1, it’s clear from the start exactly the kind of Churchill being represented here. A man haunted by the past and mistakes made, along with a man struggling to come to terms with modern warfare. It’s an interesting angle to approach the historical figure from, but one that becomes repetitive throughout the course of the film.
Churchill review
We have numerous scenes of Churchill verbally sparring with colleagues, allies, good friends, and his own wife. I each sequence his heart is in the right place, but he comes across as stubborn and old fashioned. It shows a strength in pride and principals, but a reflective weakness in an inability to change. This is of course the arc on which this character goes, but getting scene after scene of Churchill deflecting the opinions of those around him lessons our sympathy.
Cox is brilliant in the role, cleverly only incorporating Churchill’s distinctive voice when reenacting famous speeches/recordings made. This allows Cox to sink further into the role and really make it his own and not just an impersonation. Miranda Richardson as the loving but confrontational Clementine serves as Churchill’s conscience and reasoning. Her performance is equally as powerful, if in much smaller doses. The whole supporting cast is fantastic, including John Slattery as Eisenhower and James Purefoy as King George VI. However, all they have to do is contradict/challenge Churchill, making them more tools for a single character’s narrative, as opposed to characters within themselves.
Churchill review
Small scale, but beautifully shot, Churchill isn’t a necessity for the big screen. Mostly dialogue based, it feels entirely suited to the stage or television. Director Jonathan Teplitzky sometimes captures exclusively cinematic moments, such as a sequence in which Churchill chases his iconic hat across the beach on a windy day, or when a group of children recognise Churchill in a car. However, such moments are rare. The confined timeframe makes for a good view of Churchill at a very specific moment in time, but genuine historians will probably find much at fault, or much more to be said. A decent drama that never expands into anything more.
Churchill review by Luke Ryan Baldock, June 2017.
Churchill will be released in cinemas on Friday 16th June, 2017.
