Numerous films and works have been made of the Second World War in the decades since 1945. As the biggest war in history, it is fully understandable this will be the case.
These not only cover battles, such as Saving Private Ryan in Normandy, or A Bridge Too Far in Arnhem, but figures and leaders.
Darkest Hour, Downfall, Dunkirk, and Enemy at the Gates all feature various facets of the war, including pieces like Das Boot, the Bridge over the River Kwai, The Longest Day, and the Devil’s Brigade.
Of course, Winston Churchill led Britain as PM from 1940-1945 and provided much strength and leadership via his oratory and charisma.
Adolf Hitler, whilst rightly condemned as the Fuhrer of Germany and leader of the Third Reich, like Churchill was a master orator and public speaker.
Which dramatic performances of Churchill and Hitler best represent their real-life personas?
Churchill
Darkest Hour (2017) - played by Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman is surely one of the greatest living British actors. He has played a variety of characters, from villains to heroes and Churchill in this case, and he seldom ever disappoints. He should surely be knighted for his acting excellence.
We all know of Churchill’s voice, mannerisms and idiosyncrasies. By the 1940s, he was entering old age, and not as mobile as in his youth. He often sported a cigar, which was not rationed along with more staple goods, complete with a bow tie and a blunt, stern and firm demeanour.
Oldman got it spot on.
Specifically, the scene of him on the Tube (which may not be realistic) showcased facets of Churchill’s character. Whilst an aristocrat by birth, as his father Lord Randolph Churchill was a younger son of the Duke of Marlborough, he is said to have got on with people of various social strata. His wit and charm, which were evidenced in his speeches, were on display in this scene where he solicits the opinions of the people of London.
Hitler
Downfall (2004) - Bruno Ganz
Hitler’s real-life persona was said to be charming, sometimes witty, as well as firey and forthright. Towards the end of his life, he became physically sicker as well as more brooding. The Hitler of 1933, when he seized power via the Enabling Act, and the Hitler of 1945 in his final days in his Berlin bunker, were different.
Downfall wasn’t the first film to capture Hitler’s final days. Movies led by Sir Alec Guinness and Sir Antony Hopkins did so also, though as a fully German-language production, it is unique in this regard.
The completely German tone of Downfall makes it better. It is literally true to type, as of course Hitler and the Nazi top brass spoke German.
Furthermore, Ganz as a native German speaker adds more darkness and depth to Hitler. Guinness and Hopkins were made up to look like Hitler, but their being British and putting on a German accent didn’t seem right. Downfall seems more immersed in the setting, due to it being as close as possible to the reality at hand.
Imagine a German-language film depicting the Dambusters Raid. Yes, it could cover the points true to history. Though it wouldn’t be as authentic as in English, as the RAF personnel were British and thus spoke English.
Ganz also captured Hitler’s broodiness, increasing erraticness, and temper. It is well-known that Hitler met with Hitler Youth members in Berlin, where his hand was visibly shaking. It’s possible that he had Parkinson’s Disease or a similar neurological malady.
There is of course the famous “Steiner” scene.
Hitler is said to have ordered an attack, led by General Steiner, who was commanding an army in Berlin’s eastern approaches. Hitler believed that Steiner could rouse a force that would turn the Soviets back, who were close to reaching the city.
However, Steiner had few to little troops available and thus couldn’t have attacked the Allies. He didn’t execute the order, as it was hopeless and pointless given the overall strategic picture. Hitler let loose, and at this point realised the war was lost, though he blamed his generals for their treachery and incompetence in the process.