I found the subject of the movie already fascinating and love the cast but I wasn't expecting it to be as well made or thought out as it was.
Often historical movies use it's true story as a crutch and excuse to be generic and uninspired. Yes the performances are frequently good, yes the costumes are usually period accurate, yes the story is most likely incredibly interesting but the movies' rarely have a heart or mind of its own. The generic based on a true story movies always feel like anyone could of made it or that it could of been made in any other medium.
Current War is not generic, it is not uninspired, and it wouldn't have the same effect it did if it was in another medium. The cinematography is powerful and striking at times. For example the awe and wonder the characters experience seeing the bulbs light up for the first time is felt through that cinematography (it really makes you feel like a lightbulb). The performances aren't half assed at all, especially Cumberbatch, and Michael Shannon is a very underrated actor in my opinion. The telling of this story is also nuanced in its portrayals of these people, it clearly wasn't set out to make obligatory heroes or villains out of these people for the sake of lazy drama, the movie was just being honest and genuine.
If you find the subject of the movie interesting at all I highly recommend watching.
Often historical movies use it's true story as a crutch and excuse to be generic and uninspired. Yes the performances are frequently good, yes the costumes are usually period accurate, yes the story is most likely incredibly interesting but the movies' rarely have a heart or mind of its own. The generic based on a true story movies always feel like anyone could of made it or that it could of been made in any other medium.
Current War is not generic, it is not uninspired, and it wouldn't have the same effect it did if it was in another medium. The cinematography is powerful and striking at times. For example the awe and wonder the characters experience seeing the bulbs light up for the first time is felt through that cinematography (it really makes you feel like a lightbulb). The performances aren't half assed at all, especially Cumberbatch, and Michael Shannon is a very underrated actor in my opinion. The telling of this story is also nuanced in its portrayals of these people, it clearly wasn't set out to make obligatory heroes or villains out of these people for the sake of lazy drama, the movie was just being honest and genuine.
If you find the subject of the movie interesting at all I highly recommend watching.