What is wrong with the "war of currents" with Benedict Cumberbatch

The picture of the legendary confrontation famous inventors of electricity was for the authors of original long-term construction. Back in 2017 the film was shown at the Toronto Film Festival, but then either because of dissatisfaction with the audience, whether because of the scandal around Harvey Weinstein, the number of one of the producers, "war of currents" for almost two years We are doing enough.

The authors even invited himself Martin ScorseseWho helped with the final editing and done, as they sayHow Martin Scorsese Saved 'Current War' From Harvey WeinsteinMore harmonious and interesting story. However, it is difficult to see how the film changed, the original seen a few. But, alas, the problems in the picture is still missing.

And this is getting a bit disappointing. After all, the story itself, which was the basis of the story is very interesting. Yes, and a great cast of happy. But the action is constantly stumbles, which greatly hinders perception.

Steep actors, but does not disclose figures

The plot is dedicated to two legendary personalities who gave the US electricity. Arrogant Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) Is trying to promote coverage with the DC. But disagree with him, George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon), already famous for his invention of the air brake for trains.

He believes that the AC will provide a cheaper electricity, and taking into account the loss of his lower voltage can be spread over large distances. However, Edison tries to prove that the idea of ​​Westinghouse dangerous to humans.

The irony of history is that each of them in its own right. It is tried to show in the film. The plot avoids fixation on just one character, trying to cover the contribution of all participants in the events. But, oddly enough, this is exactly what is the main drawback of the picture. Enacting several colorful and interesting characters, and even by the public's favorite actors, authors simply do not have time to talk about each one.

It seems to be increasingly focused on Edison. The viewer learns about his family tragedy, and the readiness to go even lower actions to achieve their goals. But it still seems to be just another arrogant genius by Cumberbatch - too often the actor appears in a similar way on the screen.

In this case, Westinghouse looks more worthy, but the disclosure of his thoughts is simply not enough time. Relationship with his wife, flashbacks from the time of the war - all this shows only in passing. Shannon's talent here is simply nowhere to really open up, his character looks simple business person without any special spark.

But worst of all for the way treated in the film with Nikola Tesla. Direct participant in all the events that made a huge contribution to the development of electricity, remains almost episodic character. Nicholas Hoult is struggling to get the most out of the few emotional scenes that gave him a hero, but the image of the genius dreamer is simply lost in the whirl of events.

A lot of intrigue, but little emotion

Even more strange by the authors treated the story about inventions. Or rather, they have devoted to this little time. At the heart of all history it is revolutionary for those times technology.

But instead to focus on the process of creating a light bulb, a generator and other amazing things, the story is more about how the inventors have fought for their promotion. Even the development of the phonograph here looks a background element to disclose personal life Edison, not the next breakthrough in science.

Of course, it is in "War", which was designated in the title, the confrontation was more important than talent inventor. But to see in Edison not only prodazhnika who does not shun black PR, stories too lacks romance.

The rare scene where Tesla is trying to tell you about a non-existent device, machine, or the final, when Cumberbatch's character describes the thrill of creating the first working light bulb, look incredibly touching. And then the story switches back to the money and competition.

Perhaps this lack of emotions It would not be so noticeable if the plot was more exciting. And here the picture is very harmful to the neighborhood at the box office with the movie «Ford vs. Ferrari» James Mangold. The director just managed to show a true passions in the history of engineering. And in the "war of currents" gave only the facts.

In this case, the picture looks very attractive: the actors are the classic costumes and the camera pulls out a very neat angles. Even the soundtrack creates a good atmosphere on the edge of a thriller. That's just in the action of this voltage is not present.

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And yet "war of currents" - a film that cost issue, if only to some of the audience interested in the events narrated. Someone will understand a little better in the person of Edison, the other for the first time to hear about Westinghouse, and others may understand the difference between direct and alternating current. In addition, this cast is simply not capable of playing poorly, and meet with your favorite faces will be present for many fans.

And one can only lament that so much interesting history deserves more vivid and emotional embodiment than that shown in the film.