The Gathering Storm
The Gathering Storm is an odd film for a biopic—exceptionally brisk in its recreation of several historically important years. Most films of this ilk try to examine every nook and cranny of history as long as it doesn't slow the story (and some even if it does). Perhaps most surprising is the touching love story of Churchill and his wife, Clemmie, presented wonderfully by Albert Finney and Vanessa Redgrave, which provides a much more personal feel than might be expected from such a film. What The Gathering Storm doesn't do, in the interest of brevity, is offer a clear picture of what Churchill was up to before the movie begins in the early 1930s. It's an oversight that would be unforgivable in most circumstances, but not here. After all, director Richard Loncraine's goal is to explain why Churchill was the right man at the right time to lead Britain to victory in WWII while using a love story as the backbone for his thesis, not apologize for Churchill's character flaws and the many ghastly stances he took, including pre- and post-war Middle East policies that are largely responsible for the mess that region is today.
- December 21, 2006
DVD Extras
The only extra is an audio commentary track of the director and producer.