Gary Oldman’s Incredible Makeup Transformation in The Darkest Hour

gary Oldman underwent a remarkable physical transformation for his portrayal of Winston Churchill, utilizing extensive latex prosthetics to closely resemble the iconic British statesman, often described as having a “british bulldog” appearance.

Beyond the visual changes, Oldman meticulously researched Churchill’s mannerisms, studying his speeches, characteristic gestures, and distinctive vocal delivery. This dedication culminated in a critically acclaimed depiction of the Prime Minister during the pivotal year of 1940, as Britain confronted the looming threat of Nazi Germany. His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2018, recognizing his commitment to the role. Reports from Deadline indicate that Oldman personally financed the purchase of over 400 high-quality cigars, totaling approximately $20,000, to authentically capture Churchill’s smoking habit. The cigars were primarily Cuban Cohibas,a brand favored by Churchill himself.

The film, Darkest Hour, directed by Joe Wright and released in 2017, focused specifically on the first 30 days of Churchill’s premiership. Kazuhiro Tsuji, the makeup artist responsible for Oldman’s transformation, also received an Oscar for his work, highlighting the integral role of prosthetics in the film’s success. The makeup process took approximately three hours each day to apply and required a team of makeup artists. Oldman intentionally isolated himself during filming, avoiding interaction with the cast and crew while in character to fully embody Churchill’s persona. this method acting approach contributed to the authenticity of his performance. The film was shot primarily in locations across the United Kingdom, including Chartwell, Churchill’s family home in Kent, and Westminster, London.