If you enjoy the Historical Dramas, then you have arrived at the right movie website. Historical dramas are a favorite genre at House Clark, and several excellent films have been reviewed in two previous articles. It is time to complete the Trifecta.
My criterion for this list is as follows: Historical drama based on a true story or historical novel, stories set at least fifty years ago, and all new reviews – no repeats. The ten films listed here are some of the most ambitious of the Historical Drama genre with collaborations by top directors, actors, cinematographers, production artists, and costume designers. The movie list includes a wide variety of interesting tales and biographies of characters from a 1600’s Dutch painter, an American billionaire, a World War 2 general, an Irish rogue and many more. Enjoy. Reviews are in order by release date; beginning in 2017.
1. Darkest Hour 2017
Production quality: C
Historical accuracy: B STAR power: A+ Narrative/story: B This is a powerful film that sticks around in the mind a few days after watching. One particular scene replays in my head; it is May 1940. The British war cabinet is huddled in a smoke filled room when Lord Halifax, once again, proposes to negotiate for peace with Nazi Germany, causing Winston Churchill to explode in anger: “When will the lesson be learned?” he shouts as he slams a clinched fist on the table. “One cannot reason with the lion when your head is in its mouth.” This cornerstone piece of dialogue is the essence of the movie in a nutshell. I tread on well-traveled ground by applauding the epic performance by Gary Oldman, not to mention the brilliant supporting cast. But do not expect an action filled war movie. It is a movie about politics in war, and does not really benefit by the big screen; hence the low score for visual impact. The silly subway scene was the low point of the movie. In fact, Churchill had little respect for public opinion. Throughout his career, his beliefs on the great issues of the day were often at odds with the views of most citizens, or even most members of his own Conservative Party. He was justifiably regarded as a maverick. Perhaps the most humiliating expression of just how out of touch Churchill was with the concerns and hopes of most Britons came in July 1945, some weeks after the end of the war in Europe. In the first general elections since before the outbreak of war, British voters decisively rejected Churchill in a surprising upset. The blind spot of the movie - Churchill had been contemptuous of his political opponent’s appeasement policy toward Germany. He considered Chamberlain a total failure. But after he became prime minister, Churchill adopted his own policy of even more far-reaching appeasement – this time toward the Soviet Union. Although Churchill told the world that Hitler could not be trusted, he repeatedly proclaimed his whole-hearted trust and confidence in Soviet dictator Stalin, an unabashed and bitter foe of the British Capitalist-, imperialist regime. One of the sour notes for the British and Churchill had to be the fate of Poland after the war. Britain went to war ostensibly to honor an alliance with Poland. Yet the war ended with Poland at the whim of a brutal dictator; albeit Stalin's rather than Hitler's, and occupied for decades, albeit by Russians rather than Germans. Flaws and all, this is still an interesting bio-drama that accurately presents the desperate days of 1940 for the British people; on the ropes, alone and facing invasion.
2. Woman in Gold 2015
Production quality: A+
Historical accuracy: A STAR power: B+ Narrative/story: A Many famous works of art have an interesting history, but very few can compete with the amazing story of Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer (also called The Woman in Gold). This movie was recommended to me by a friend of mine who is interested in art and art history, and does volunteer work at the Houston Fine Arts Museum. I owe her a big favor because I had overlooked this excellent and underrated film. The movie is near flawless in all respects: acting, cinematography, locations, and narrative. The superb editing is what really stands out on this type of movie which is based on a rather complex TRUE story covering eight years of legal wrangling, and often flashing back decades to Vienna, Austria in the 1930’s. This is a deeply moving, intimate story that connects modern times with the dark days of European fascism. I could not help but get attached to the Bloch-Bauer family whose lives were shattered by the Nazi German takeover of Austria.
3. Amelia 2009
Production quality: A
Historical accuracy: B+ STAR power: C Narrative/story: B+ This is a fine film for adults with an interest in aviation history. On July 2, 1937 a Lockheed Electra, with Amelia Earhart at the controls, lost radio contact then mysteriously disappeared in the vast Pacific Ocean on perhaps the riskiest leg of her ambitious around-the-world flight. No one survived. The wreck has never been found, so we still do not know the cause of the crash. This infamous aviation tragedy has puzzled aviation experts for decades, but this film does not attempt to answer the unknowns. Rather this movie is a period piece, a love story and a character study, all very well done. Ignore the bad reviews. It seems some confused viewers were expecting more action, a happy ending, and maybe a car chase or two. No dice. The film stays true to the facts. Although I am not a Hillary Swank fan, she is a ringer for the real Amelia Earhart – the slim boyish frame, the hair, face and even her wan smile.
4. Girl with a Pearl Earring 2006
Production quality: A+
Historical accuracy: C STAR power: B Narrative/story: C- Scarlett Johansson is quite lovely and innocent in the title role, and she does have a striking resemblance to the lass in the famous painting by Vermeer. Who was this girl with a pearl earring? Nobody knows, so we have a wide open field for a good novel. The movie adopts the storyline from a novel that the model for the painting was Vermeer’s muse. Ok, sure, why not. The storyline is a bit thin, but I was captivated by the accurate, visual portrait of time and place: Delft, Holland 1665. My main problem with the film was the slow pokey pace, and weak acting by Colin Firth, an overrated actor. He delivers a forgettable turn, portraying Vermeer as a silent, moody man with a dead fish expression. The only character who added energy to the film was the lusty, rich merchant Mr. Van Ruijven, the reliable art patron of Vermeer. A side note: In 2016 I saw the subject painting at the Mauritshuis, and was much impressed. It is easy to see why she is called the Dutch Mona Lisa.
5. Aviator 2004
Production quality: A+
Historical accuracy: B STAR power: A Narrative/story: B In modern pop culture, Howard Hughes is mostly remembered as an eccentric, reclusive billionaire using Kleenex boxes for shoes in his Vegas penthouse. But this movie wisely focuses on his glory years as a young movie director and aviation pioneer. It is a gross injustice not to give some background on this fascinating, true life story. At age 19 Hughes became heir to his father’s enormously successful business, Hughes Tool Company, making him one of the wealthiest persons in the world. Using Hughes Tool as a cash cow, the young Hughes was quick to make his own mark and start up new ventures in the emerging industries of the day. As a maverick film producer, Hughes gained prominence in Hollywood in the late 1920s, making big-budget and often controversial films, but his real passion was flying and aircraft design. Hughes was a true pioneer in early aviation history. In 1932 he started Hughes Aircraft, designed the H-1 racer and set multiple airspeed records. In 1939 he acquired an airline (TWA) and equipped it with the best aircraft. The aircraft industry boomed during WW2, and Hughes became a kingpin in aviation. This is one of those rare movies with a long run time, but never sags or drags. The ensemble cast, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, is first class. Also lavish production sets of Hollywood in the old days.
6. Bon Voyage 2003
Production quality: A
Historical accuracy: N/A STAR power: A Narrative/story: C+ This film transports the viewer to France 1940 for a strangely lighthearted look at some of the worst days in modern French history. Do not expect stagey speeches about the bravery and gallantry of soldiers fighting the Nazi invasion. There is no French Churchill to deliver the Never Surrender Speech. This film is quite the opposite of “Darkest Hour” as the French cabinet ministers flee from Paris to a posh hotel in Bordeaux with their lovely mistresses and piles of luggage in tow. Isabelle Adjani stars in this movie and has her cuteness controls set on HIGH as she plays the manipulative film diva Viviane Denvers. Madame Denvers is the type of lady who always gets her way; in war and peace. The movie has multiple twists and turns and parallel plot lines, but is not hard to follow. The story moves along briskly, so I barely noticed the multiple clichés and plot holes. Only the French could get away with making a movie like this one.
7. Aimee & Jaguar 1999
Production quality: A+
Historical accuracy: B STAR power: A Narrative/story: B This is a one of a kind film based on a true WW2 story. First of all, try finding a movie set in 1944/45 Berlin, Nazi Germany without being dragged into an underground bunker to hear Hitler screaming at his generals. This film deals mostly with common German citizens simply fighting for survival, moments of normalcy, and even some fun. By late 1944 most Germans knew the war was lost. Voices on the state radio keep muttering about unconquerable Germans, but evidence to the contrary is all around. Berlin is bombed and blasted, entire city blocks are reduced to rubble, fires burn everywhere, day and night. Food is scarce. For the few remaining Berlin Jews the situation is more than simply desperate – they walk around with a death sentence. Relentless Gestapo agents patrol the streets asking for papers, and do not hesitate to shoot first and ask questions later. But there isn't anything in the way of self-pity here. The film’s focus is a group of young Jewish women - they are tough and pragmatic gals just trying to get by. The acting is superb. Felice (Jaguar) is a lovely Jewish girl who has tricked the Nazis and works at the Propaganda office. In effect – she hides in plain sight. Her bold and brilliant plan almost works – but no spoilers. Felice is surrounded by girlfriends who are as carefree as the wartime circumstances permit. The girls represent a bohemian fringe of society that had not been totally extinguished by the Nazi rulers. These scenes give the film a vivid color and style that is usually absent from WWII movies. This is one of those rare movies in which every element - scenario, acting, camerawork, effects, interior and exterior locations, music - is almost perfect in itself, but joined together add up to a true work of art. Warning – has some controversial sex scenes. German with English subtitles.
8. Barry Lyndon 1975
Production quality: A+
Historical accuracy: N/A STAR power: C+ Narrative/story: B This is a big budget film based on a novel; so here we have a made up story in the midst of a very carefully imagined and detailed reproduction of pre-industrial Europe on the mid 1700s. The visual impact of this film is stunning - sweeping vistas of authentic European battle scenes with firing lines of British red-coats marching into battle....indoor scenes filmed in soft candlelight of elegant, wigged nobility feasting or playing cards. With ace director Stanley Kubrick behind the camera, the movie transports the viewer into 18th century Europe like no other film before or since. This film is underrated and not mentioned with the same reverence and hushed tones as Kubrick’s more famous and popular films. But for an epic tale of luck, love, courage, war and fate, this film ranks with his best work.
9. Patton 1970
Production quality: A+
Historical accuracy: C STAR power: A Narrative/story: B If you enjoy character studies together with WWII history, this is one of Hollywood’s best efforts. George C. Scott was at his acting zenith in 1970 and delivers an unforgettable performance. Patton's opening 6-minute speech before a huge American flag is an iconic scene in American film history. He is in full military regalia – looking outrageous and dignified at the same time, and we know this will be an entertaining movie. Hollywood has rarely given us such a textured and human portrait of a famous military leader. The filmmakers used a generous amount of artistic license in creating the screen version of General Patton as a tragic hero. He is portrayed as an unhinged man, but in a rather harmless manner that imagines Patton was a true believer in reincarnation. While it is a historical fact that some high ranking people thought Patton was “unbalanced” (Truman, I recall), there is no evidence that the real George Patton believed in spiritualism and reincarnation. As clearly shown in the movie, General Patton’s battlefield record was outstanding, but he frightened the political leaders and Army brass hats with some of his blunt comments and militaristic fantasies. In the calm of peace, Patton was soon estranged when he was no longer needed by those he benefited in war.
10. Moulin Rouge 1952
Production quality: A+
Historical accuracy: B STAR power: A Narrative/story: B The first movie titled Moulin Rouge was a silent flick way back in 1928. There have been four altogether, with the 1952 movie being the best. This is the fascinating true life story of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Its excellence is due to the craftsmanship of the detailed view of fin de siècle Paris, and José Ferrer for his moving portrayal of the tormented and talented artist who best captured the wild spirit of Montmartre during the exciting Belle Époque Paris. This is Ferrer's career best role, and was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar. He lost to Gary Cooper (High Noon) in a year that was loaded with brilliant performances. Special Bonus for Zsa Zsa Gabor fans – this is her best movie performance before moving on in the 60s to conquer prime time television and marry/divorce eight (rich) husbands. |
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