“The Current War: Director’s Cut” (PG-13)
Two years after its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival and becoming a casualty of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, “The Current War: The Director’s Cut,” is, for the lack of better words, finally seeing the light of day. A brilliantly acted, atmospheric historical drama that takes an inside look at the true-life battle between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse to bring light to the modern world in the late 1800s, the film isn’t perfect, but is a fascinating historical depiction of some life-altering events, nonetheless.
“The Current War: The Director’s Cut” is named as such because director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon trimmed 10 minutes from the original run time, shot five more scenes and added a new score, under the auspices of executive producer Martin Scorsese. Beginning in 1880, the film picks up just after Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) created and filed his patent for the incandescent light bulb.
Edison’s got much bigger aspirations, though: to light up Manhattan, America and eventually the world by distributing electricity through a low voltage direct current system; while businessman and engineer Westinghouse (the always great Michael Shannon) believes high voltage alternating current electricity is the answer.
For those unfamiliar with Edison’s personal demeanor, “The Current War” is a real eye-opener. Though he enjoys a high-profile celebrity status in public, behind the scenes, he’s a volatile and vindictive inventor who resorted to nasty business methods in an effort to destroy his competition. The film also delves into Edison’s mistreatment of Nikola Tesla (Nicholas Hoult), a scientific genius who eventually teams up with Westinghouse. Tom Holland also stars as Samuel Insull, Edison’s loyal personal secretary who questions some of his boss’ methods.
Lammometer: 8 (out of 10)
Tim Lammers reviews movies weekly for “The KQ92 Morning Show” on KQRS-FM, “Paul and Jordana” on WCCO Radio, “It Matters with Kelly Cordes on WJON-AM, KLZZ-FM, “The Tom Barnard Podcast” and “The BS Show” with Bob Sansevere. ALSO, Tim reviews streaming programming weekly on WCCO Radio’s “Paul and Jordana.” On TV, Tim has made hundreds of guest appearances on “KARE 11 News at 11.”
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