Churchill Biopic Features Warning Against Second Hard Smoke
jonathanturley
Many of us are excited to see the new biopic “Darkest Hour” on the towering historical figure of Winston Churchill. What is less welcomed is a truly ridiculous warning added to the move that “the depictions of tobacco smoking are based solely on artistic consideration.” It is not even clear what smoking “based solely on artistic consideration” means but is clearly meant as a gesture to those who would immediately run from the film in shock at the scene of a twentieth century leader smoking. It turns out that while, “History is written by the victors,” it is rewritten by cringing Hollywood producers.
Churchill of course was known worldwide for his cigar, which Gary Oldman properly displays. Churchill of course apologized to no one from Hitler to Stalin but his film kowtows to social warriors.
The full warning reads: “The depictions of tobacco smoking contained in this film are based solely on artistic consideration and are not intended to promote tobacco consumption. The surgeon general has determined that there are serious health risks associated with smoking and with secondhand smoke.”
Of course, Churchill lived to be 90 — well above the average for his generation. The warning is a case of the greatest generation meeting the snowflake generation. A film about a man who demanded resolute toughness was augmented with clinging warning about secondhand smoke.
They should at least give Churchill equal time with his statement that “Perhaps it is better to be irresponsible and right, than to be responsible and wrong.”
