No. 86 The Current War (2017) 75/100

 

I always disliked the punny title of this film – oh it’s a current war and also about electric currents! Maybe raisins are involved too? I’m sure a better title would have helped, but I did enjoy this film despite some eccentric direction and some miscasting.

 

The film opens on some figures surrounded by mist. It’s not clear what’s happening but we soon dissolve into 1880 where electricity is starting to be developed. In the lead is Thomas Edison whose direct current is the market leader. It does however require a lot of wire and substations, but he is fixated on making it work. He’s assisted by Tom Holland who looks about 14 with a stick-on moustache. The pair later team up to greater effect as Dr Strange and Spider-Man in the MCU.

 

Edison’s rival is George Westinghouse , played by our Mr Shannon with a slightly more believable moustache, and he’s all about alternating current. He made his fortune in train brakes and sees electricity as the way to light up the world. The two inventors are at loggerheads and dirty tricks ensue as they try to be the preeminent force in all things electrical.

 

George is far more ethical, and his system is undeniably the best. Edison tries to besmirch the AC lobby by secretly getting Westinghouse electricity to power the electric chair, giving the impression that this form of electricity is more dangerous. George has to lower himself to Edison’s level and manages to smear the scientist by leaking information to the press.

 

Both men also employ Nicola Tesla, a decent outing for Nicholas Hoult, and the race is on to power the World’s Fair. Who will win and what’s happening back at that misty scene at the start?

 

I liked this film overall, but the complex subject matter may have been better served by a documentary. The director, Afonso Gomes-Rejon, clearly knew he had somewhat dry material, so the film is peppered with overhead shorts, split screens and extreme close ups to try and give it a bit of a pazazz. I felt it was a bit distracting though, and took me out of what was otherwise a sumptuous period drama. It also looked a bit rushed in places with a cinema verite style used when a locked off camera would have been more appropriate.

 

The story, which had Edison as the obsessed nut and Westinghouse as the friend of mankind, was decent with some fun cameos thrown in such as Matthew MacFadyen as JP Morgan, complete with a comedy nose.

 

Shannon, who according to IMDb was a late replacement for Jake Gyllenhaal, was excellent as the kindly Westinghouse who struggled to lower his tactics to Edison’s level. There were continual flashbacks to an event in the Civil War which didn’t add much, but did give the character some depth.

 

The sets and costumes were great and this was clearly a big budget affair. The two leads sparred well together and what was perhaps a dry scientific debate was made into an entertaining and educational offering.

 

When is Shannon-On? – 04.28 

Outcome? Winning the war and later dead in a caption 

Film 3.5/5

Shannon Stars 4/5