TVSquad

I've always had a bizarre fascination with the politics of war, So I was a bit embarrassed when reading about HBO's Into the Storm, premiering this Sunday at 8 pm Eastern, to find that it was a sequel to a 2002 HBO film. I tracked down The Gathering Storm and started watching it yesterday and was blown away by how perfectly Albert Finney captured Winston Churchill. I love Vanessa Redgrave as his oh so patient wife. It's just a fantastic film looking at the state of England and Churchill leading into World War II.

Now I'm ready for this long-delayed continuation, as we see Churchill from the heights of power during WWII to his waning years. But I'm not sure how difficult a transition it's going to be with these key roles recast. It's no knock against Brendan Gleeson (Winston Churchill) or Janet McTeer (Clemmie Churchill). I've just so fallen in love with Finney and Redgrave in those roles, I worry that I'll be comparing their performances rather than enjoying the film.

I could always wait seven years before watching Into the Storm, the way people who saw The Gathering Storm in 2002 have done. I'm sure the difference wouldn't be nearly as jarring rather than waiting a few days like I'm doing. However, now that I know these movies exist, I don't think I can wait.

Either I've missed them or there's been a serious lacking in offering the British perspective of World War II stateside. I'm sure Winston Churchill has been explored in media in the UK, considering his stature in their history, but he's been shamefully neglected in the US. Or as I said, I've missed all his exposure. What it means for me, is a dramatic interpretation of a perspective on World War II that I've not really seen much of before. And that's exciting no matter who's playing the roles so long as its good.