We have seen numerous films and documentary shows about the wide array of inventions that different innovators graced our nation with. Think about the inventions some of us has seen come to pass: cars, telephone, telegraph, light bulb, phonograph, gramophone, airplane, TV, radio, cell phone/smart phone, computers--the list is endless. So when I read about "The Current War", the history buff that I am, I felt this film would be interesting and it was indeed.
Three brilliant visionaries set off in a charged battle for the future in "The Current War", the epic story of the cutthroat competition that literally lit up the modern world. Benedict Cumberbatch is Thomas Edison, the celebrity inventor on the verge of bringing electricity to Manhattan with his radical new DC technology. On the eve of triumph, his plans are upended by charismatic businessman George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon), who believes he and his partner, the upstart genius Nikolai Tesla (Nicholas Hoult), have a superior idea for how to rapidly electrify America: with AC current. As Edison and Westinghouse grapple for who will power the nation, they spark one of the first and greatest corporate feuds in American history, establishing for future Titans of Industry the need to break all the rules. This 1880's battle all culminates at the beginning at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
Others to round out the cast are Katherine Waterston as Marguerite Westinghouse, George's wife, Tom Holland as Samuel Insull, Thomas' secretary, Matthew McFadyen as J.P. Morgan, Tuppence Middleton as Mary Edison, Thomas' wife, Damien Molony as Bourke Cockran, Celyn Jones as Sherman Quincy, Louis Ashbourne Serkis as older Dash Edison, Thomas' son and Simon Kunz as Womack.
This was directed with crispness and sharpness by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon ("The Town That Dreaded Sundown" '14, "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" '15) plus TV. Obviously this filmmaker has learned his craft being involved in as much TV he has done. This speaks volumes, and, of course, the films he has directed were eclectic, fresh and original. This film follows suit with a sharp and clear picture of the electric titans that this film involves. Both Cumberbatch and Shannon were superb in their respective roles. Shannon's performance as this staid, yet charismatic mogul was unlike a lot of roles he has done, and this is pure directing genius. Hoult's dialect as Slavic Tesla was stunning as well. It was written by virtual newcomer to feature films, Michael Mitnick ("The Giver" '14) plus TV and a short. Although the flow of the film was a bit choppy in some places, this film still was an interesting expose of the battle, including financial and political battles of who owns the electricity. Interesting that I had seen recently an episode on the History Channel about Men and Their Inventions, and part of it was about this battle between Edison and Westinghouse. I feel like I was being prepped for this film review, and assuming that the documentary was accurate, this film, based on true events, was spot on, and this calls for talented writing. I believe that given more work, Mitnick could be an extremely focused and riveting writer. I would be interested in seeing his next project which is in pre-production, "The American".
If you're a history buff like me, you'll revel with this film, but even if you're not, the acting by this superb ensemble cast along with exquisite production values: photography, costumes and visuals will keep one riveted. When giving the audience a follow up of the different people the film included, it was mentioned that when Thomas Edison died, all of America dimmed their lights for a complete minute. That's quite the honor to this titan!
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: PG-13 102mins.
No comments:
Post a Comment