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The Mission Was Impossible Until It Wasn’t
Just how dark and uncertain were the real-life events that are chronicled in Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour? Today, Winston Churchill is a legendary icon. Back then, he was a man; just an ordinary man with something extra about him.
Gary Oldman, who masterfully disguised himself as the great British leader and orator of the mid-20th century, Winston Churchill (actually, it’s more of an acute metamorphosis), takes audiences on a matter-of-fact journey of Churchill’s nomination, acceptance and turbulent, yet historically triumphant tenure as the British Prime Minister battling Hitler and the very survival of the United Kingdom as well as Europe and the world. That’s not a spoiler, but life-altering history from the early 1940s. What is surprising, and what will remain unwritten here, are the fascinating behind-the-scenes moments, relationships and stunning detractors to Mr. Churchill in this pivotal time during World War II.
For those rarely known instances, I recommend you go see Darkest Hour at a theater near you. Then watch Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film Dunkirk as a wonderful companion piece both historically and cinematically, if you haven’t already.
But Darkest Hour begs the question of whether there’s a modern-day Churchill? Moreover, will the world ever see another man like Winston? Has there been another great leader akin to Winston Churchill?
Let’s hear from the man who became “The British Bulldog.”
Darkest Hour is historical proof that we must persevere through our own personal abyss and never stop navigating after failure’s vicious cycle because it’s at the moment when the impossible arrives that the course can change dramatically and transform into something we’ve been working for all these years:
Impossible becomes I’m possible. That’s the story of Winston Churchill.
Taxi Driver (The Funny One)
The must see interview is here.
Legendary sitcom director, creator, writer and producer James Burrows was given a 2-hour NBC special this past Sunday night. The shows we know and love were featured (Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Will & Grace, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, to name a few) through cast interviews (most of them, anyways). The trademark gestures and words of wisdom by Mr. Burrows were revealed through comedic ribbing, including his surprisingly distinctive voice. For a man made famous for his shadowy presence, former NBC stars impersonating their former boss was akin to an SNL alum impersonating another behind-the-scenes maestro: Lorne Michaels.
The vocal range between the two men is kind of striking.
James Burrows spoke for a few minutes at the end of his NBC special for directing his 1,000th sitcom episode, but there is still so many more stories to be told.
And advice to be given.
Cheers, James Burrows.
