The Artistry of Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn & Helena Bonham Carter Shines in Latest Project

Johnny Flynn and Anthony Hopkins Bring Sir Nicholas Winton to Life in ‘One Life’

Warner Bros/See-Saw Films’ latest movie, One Life, features both Johnny Flynn and Anthony Hopkins portraying the same man, Sir Nicholas “Nicky” Winton. The film tells the story of Winton, a London stockbroker responsible for saving 669 children from the Nazis during World War II. Hopkins portrays Winton in his later years, grappling with guilt over the children he couldn’t save, while Flynn takes on the role of Winton in his youth.

An Intimate Study of Performance

Flynn dedicated several days on set to studying Hopkins’ every gesture, allowing him to capture the hesitancy and speech patterns of an older Winton. Director James Hawes filmed all of Hopkins’ scenes in one batch, with Flynn observing and taking notes to ensure his performance aligned with Hopkins’ portrayal.

Hawes noted Flynn’s transformation from a “tremendously rock ‘n’ roll” musician into a 1930s London stockbroker, highlighting the actor’s versatility.

An Ode to Ordinary Heroes

Throughout the film, both Flynn and Hopkins deliver powerful performances that depict the life of a man who never sought recognition for his heroic deeds. The story also highlights the pivotal role of other ordinary individuals, such as Winton’s mother, Babette Winton, portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter.

Babette Winton’s determination to obtain travel papers and secure safe passage for the children from Prague to the UK is portrayed with effortless ease by Bonham Carter. The actress’s personal connection to the story, through her family’s efforts to help refugees during World War II, adds an extra layer of resonance to her performance.

Telling the Story with Authenticity

Hawes was keen to capture the emotional honesty of the Kindertransport program, through which Winton rescued the children. While archive footage from that era often showed children smiling and waving, unaware of the gravity of their situation, contemporary footage of Ukrainian refugees proved more insightful.

The director and his team drew inspiration from these more candid moments to portray the children’s departure from Prague railway station. Hawes himself had visited the station and witnessed the memorials, adding a personal connection to the storytelling process.

The Power of Popular Culture

One Life aims to bring attention to Winton’s remarkable actions by using the power of storytelling. Hawes believes that popular culture, such as film and television, has the ability to engage and educate audiences who may not otherwise pay attention to historical events.

The director recounts Esther Rantzen’s famous 1988 interview with Winton on her show That’s Life!, during which she revealed the impact his actions had on countless lives. The film recreates this powerful moment, eliciting an emotional response from viewers.

The Importance of Humility and Restraint

Hawes emphasizes the need for humility and restraint in portraying such a emotionally charged story. Rather than indulging in melodramatic depictions, the film aims to reflect the genuine essence of Sir Nicholas Winton.

The ’80s section of the film, featuring Hopkins and Lena Olin as Winton’s wife, depicts a period of grief and introspection. The subdued palette and costumes create a sense of confinement, highlighting Winton’s anguish over not being able to save all the children under his care.

Hawes believes that the story itself is powerful enough and does not need excessive dramatic elements. He recalls Winton’s belief that it was never about him; he did not seek personal glory.

A Film Interrupted

Director James Hawes had been 29 days into shooting his latest film, The Amateur, starring Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, and Laurence Fishburne, when the SAG-AFTRA strike halted production. The film, a spy thriller, was halfway complete at the time of the shutdown.

Despite the setback, Hawes remains dedicated to telling important stories through his work, recognizing the role that popular culture plays in raising awareness and fostering understanding.

Final Thoughts

One Life brings to the screen the extraordinary story of Sir Nicholas Winton and his heroic efforts to save children during World War II. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the capacity for ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts of compassion and bravery.

Through their nuanced performances, both Johnny Flynn and Anthony Hopkins capture the essence of Winton at different stages of his life. Helena Bonham Carter complements the cast with her portrayal of Babette Winton, while director James Hawes ensures the film maintains authenticity and emotional depth.

As we continue to confront the challenges of our own time, films like One Life remind us of the timeless importance of empathy, humility, and the courage to help others, even in the face of great danger.