Who knew Martin McDonagh could write a story with a strong female lead. His previous movies, In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths, even his play Hangmen, were all dominated by men. This marvellous black comedy was probably the best thing McDonagh has written, and that is saying something. The fact that he took the directorial reins says a lot for him. He is rewarded by some fabulous performances from, notably Frances McDormand (for the best actress Oscar, how could I choose between her, Annette Bening, Jessica Chastain, Meryl Streep and those yet to come), Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell. The superb scenes of reconciliations towards the end are amazing. Of all the films in the race for the Oscar, this is my favourite so far.
The early days of the Winston Churchill's premiership are dramatically created by director Joe Wright. He cleverly intermingles Churchill's political wrangles with the struggles of his new secretary, played superbly by Lily James, to keep up. But the politics do dominate, and the arguments within the Tory party are reminiscent of today. The cast are all terrific. Gary Oldman as Churchill might win the Oscar, Kristin Scott Thomas as his wife Clemmie is even better in a lesser role. Stephen Dillane (who I have always felt a little one dimensional) was unrecognisably exceptional. A riveting piece of cinematic drama.
What could have been an ordinary film about newspapers was transformed into an exciting and thrilling movie by director Steven Spielberg. The sharp editing helps move the story along at a frantic pace, crisscrossing one scene with another. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks do credit to their roles as does Bob Odenkirk. Here is an actor (and prolific writer) that I didn't know, and his wonderful understated performance was mesmerising. My favourite for best supporting actor by miles. Just a shame he was not nominated.
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