But Not His Finest One - - Darkest Hour (2017, USA/UK, 125 min) - - 18 February 2018

Not recommended.  This movie rises - - or in my case falls - - on the performance of Gary Oldman (True Romance), one of the most talented actors in the business. Since Anthony McCarten’s script so completely abandons historical truth or any insight into Winston Churchill’s essence, we’re left with caricature. That’s a disservice to the man and the people who endured the times. The backhand libel of Neville Chamberlain, an easy target, and Halifax was particularly rotten. They never threatened resignation; Churchill never seriously considered negotiation. After the brilliance of Pride And Prejudice, Joe Wright has given a practicum in incompetent direction in everything since. Fortunately, he didn’t drag Ms. Knightly down with him again. Yes, there are thrilling moments in Darkest Hour but that’s from the history . . . not the silly, totally manufactured scene on the London tube. Given all this, I did rather like Lily James (Baby Driver) as Churchill’s young typist.