The Current War

The Current War is an enthralling historical drama set in the late 19th century, revolving around the contest of brilliance, ambition and innovation that occurred during the initial stages of the U.S. electrical revolution. Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon and released in 2017, this captivating movie garners some of the finest performances, especially from Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Thomas Edison, and Michael Shannon, who portrays George Westinghouse, two big names from history whose contest of ideas and inventions drastically shaped our modern world.

The movie takes off by introducing Thomas Edison, the renowned inventor and proprietor of the advanced Direct Current (DC) technology for electrical power delivery. Cumberbatch spectacularly captures Edison's genius, his ruthless business instincts, and his determination to ensure his invention’s dominance in the expanding American electrical network. The story builds a deep personality profile of Edison, shedding light on his guarded family life as well as his unfettered ambition and eccentricities.

Simultaneously, the narrative introduces George Westinghouse, played convincingly by Michael Shannon. Westinghouse, an industrialist and inventor himself, spearheads the development and promotion of the competing Alternating Current (AC) technology. Shannon crafts Westinghouse’s character with striking density, focusing on his straightforward business ethics, his nurturing personality, and his unwavering loyalty to his employees. This conflict of Edison's DC versus Westinghouse’s AC forms the core competition around which the drama of The Current War unfolds.

Enriching the plot further is the character of Nikola Tesla, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult. This portrayal of Tesla as a visionary, dreamer and extraordinary inventor, although initially overlooked, eventually becomes a pivotal component in this historic electricity war. His involvement in the conflict adds another layer of complexity and intrigue to the battle between Edison and Westinghouse.

The film weaves these intriguing and complex narratives together with stunning cinematography and an engaging storyline chronicling not just the fight for innovation but also the effects of these struggles on the lives of the characters. Each scene encapsulates the age of technological discovery, textualizing both the individual ambition of inventors and the broader societal shift towards industrialization. The movie’s visual splendor, coupled with an intricately designed period setting, transports the audience back to the dawn of the electrical age.

In the midst of all this technological rivalry, director Gomez-Rejon smartly incorporates the personal trajectories of these larger-than-life personalities, and the impact of their relentless pursuit on their relationships, and their very lives. The opening up of these personal dialogues alongside the historical narrative gives audiences a rich, multifaceted viewing experience.

"The Current War" strikes a fine balance between hard-hitting drama and historical authenticity. It presents a compelling narrative of the early tech titans and their fierce competition to revolutionize the world. The movie boasts rich character development coupled with strong performances throughout the cast. Alongside the gripping central performances, Oliver Powell, Sophia Ally and other supporting actors provide robust and evocative performances.

However, the movie is not just about the rivalry between these luminaries. It’s also a comment on the uniting power of innovation. It offers insightful reflections on ambition, ethics, and the cost of progress. Throughout the movie, viewers are reminded of the relentless pursuit of ingenuity, the sacrifices made in the name of advancement, and how these audacious ideas paved the way for our modern world.

In conclusion, The Current War is a masterfully created film that carries the audiences along a captivating and poignant journey to the heart of one of history’s momentous technological races. With electrifying performances, an insightful script and a stellar ensemble cast, it offers an engaging viewing experience for both history buffs and casual viewers alike. It serves as a thought-provoking inquiry into America's early industrial age, exploring the inherent drama behind the scenes and the struggle of brilliance that, inevitably, drove mankind towards the future.