1917 (2019 Film) Review
During World War I, two British soldiers, Lance Cpl. Schofield and Lance Cpl. Blake, receive seemingly impossible orders. In a race against time, they must cross over into enemy territory to deliver a message that could potentially save 1,600 of their fellow comrades, including Blake's own brother.
George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman star as Schofield and Blake. "1917" also features Mark Strong as Captain Smith, Colin Firth as General Erinmore, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Colonel Mackenzie.
Sam Mendes directed "1917." He co-produced the film with Pippa Harris, Jayne-Ann Tenggren, Callum McDougall, and Brian Oliver. Mendes also co-wrote the film with Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Universal Pictures distributed "1917" through DreamWorks Pictures and New Republic Pictures, among other companies.
Overall Thoughts
"1917" tells a sobering story with an inspirational edge. It's a war film that's less concerned with showing gross-out gore and more focused on two characters and their time-sensitive mission to send a message to the front lines. That the film maintains its high production values and cinematography while giving ample depth to its characters and themes is a considerable achievement by all involved.
For this review, it's worth starting with the most discussed part of the film: it's cinematography. Director Sam Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins have meticulously choreographed and edited "1917" to look like it unfolds in one continuous take. While this tactic has been utilized before, the epic scope and scale of this film presents a challenge, one that the filmmakers overcome with groundbreaking results. It's something you have to experience for yourself in order to fully understand how well-utilized it is. This technique is not taken for granted as a simple ploy to grab awards. The "one shot" approach is used to its full advantage, allowing you to be more immersed in the story. Part of what makes "1917" worth revisiting is to study the camerawork, how it follows the two men, and being able to trace it back to the beginning after it ends.
For an R-rated war film, the violence is surprisingly tame. Now, there are some disturbing remains, but it's nothing in-your-face, which is common among most other war films. Like "Dunkirk" before it, the terror in "1917" isn't so much what you see, but rather what you don't see. When Lance Corporals Schofield and Blake first leave the trenches, the music comes to a stop and the camera slowly pans up with the two soldiers as they climb out. From then on out, I was constantly on the edge of my seat. "1917" throws one emotional curveball after another at the two soldiers. It keeps building tension and anxiety as the film moves along and you're always questioning whether Schofield and Blake will make it out alive, despite what the marketing has already presented.
Beneath the tension and technical wizardry is a strong heart that is the story. George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, as Schofield and Blake respectively, sell the danger of the mission they've been assigned. As we follow them, we learn what they have to lose and also what little they have to gain by risking their lives. It's touching to see the two work together and help each other in more ways in one. Interwoven with the harshness are welcome moments of respite, providing a break from the ruthless suspense. At one point, Blake tells Schofield a funny story, something that happened to a fellow soldier, to lift his spirits. In everyday life, this story might be considered inappropriate, but having already traveled through barbed wire and over bodily remains, this helps lighten the mood.
Musically, "1917" is gifted. When you have Thomas Newman as your composer, your film is in great hands. If you had to nitpick, his score isn't drastically different from his established style, but it's still a roaring masterwork. When you hear his music as the two soldiers traverse this wasteland, you'll find it completes the scene. It's soft in the right moments; it's loud in the right moments. You can't complain about much here, especially the film's rendition of "Poor Wayfaring Stranger."
"1917" is impressive enough with its elaborate visual accomplishments, but the tone and characters propel the film past my considerable expectations. The ending tribute to Sam Mendes's grandfather Alfred Mendes, who told young Sam stories about messenger soldiers during the war, leaves you on a heartfelt note, the perfect way to end such an emotional experience.
Rating: ★★★★
Conclusion
This has been my review of "1917." I hope you enjoyed it. Have you seen the film? If you have, share your thoughts in the comments below. Should you feel inclined, recommend a film for me to review next. I'm Dallin, your resident film fanatic, and I'll return soon with another review. Thank you for reading.
Comments
Post a Comment