1917 Review
R: Violence, some disturbing images, and language
Runtime: 1 Hr and 50 Minutes
Production Companies: DreamWorks Pictures, New Republic Pictures, Neal Street Productions, Amblin Partners, Reliance Entertainment
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Director: Sam Mendes
Writer: Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns
Cast: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch
Release Date: December 25, 2019
Set in Northern France at the heat of World War I, two British soldiers, Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are enlisted by their general to deliver a message to another brigade to call off an attack which would lead them into Germany’s trap if they proceed. Thus, they embark on a grand journey across the country, braving the various obstacles along the way.
Admittedly, whenever I hear that a talented filmmaker’s next feature will be a war film, I immediately roll my eyes. I find them to solely exist as Oscar bait. Not to say some war movies aren’t great or unforgettable. Despite how good the final product might be, I often perceive them as the obligatory Sound Mixing/Sound Editing/Best Original Score nomination grabbers during awards season. So, I was a bit hesitant walking into Sam Mendes' 1917, especially given the fact that this is presented as one continuous take similar to 2014’s Birdman. But, uhh… excuse me while I eat my words because 1917 is not just one of the most unforgettable war films in recent history, but it’s also one of the year’s best pictures hands down.
Let’s be honest, this one-take presentation could’ve been turned into a gimmick. Any other filmmaker would’ve made the framework more showboat-like or had surprises such as explosions or gunfire occur off screen for cheap thrills. Thankfully, Mendes shoots this in an innovative manner that is both subtle and epically cinematic. As much as this is a visionary film that takes liberties to give it a cinematic flair, it perfectly emulates how we perceive the real world. For a nearly two-hour film, the pacing is flawless. The run time clocks in at 110 minutes and it moves like a breeze. Devoid of any dull moments, Mendes keeps the nerve-wracking at a high. Tension is always elevated because you never know what dangers are lurking around the corner for Schofield and Blake. Even though this is a single-shot piece, each sequence is meticulously planned to make you feel you’re traveling along on the quest.
Right at the intro, you’re immediately thrust into the front lines of the Great War as the camera plays as an NPC to an intense FPS game. Without any bars held, you get an up-close emulation of war through grotesque and horrific imagery. Any history book, a collection of photographs, whatever knowledge you have of WWI, is brought to reality here. The production design done by Dennis Gassner (Blade Runner 2049, Skyfall) is on point as you feel completely immersed in the setting of the war zone, even down to the aftermath where you see nothing but deceased bodies, abandoned and used ammo, and excreted waste fill up the scene. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a war film that showed so much rotting of human (and horse) flesh. Hell, to make matters worse, as the camera is panning on the leads while they walk across the abandoned German battlefield, you see the flies hovering around the dead bodies. Thank God this didn’t come with a scratch-n-sniff card because it would’ve taken the immersive experience to a whole other level. That’s just an example of how much detail was put into replicating the real and raw aesthetic of the setting and Gassner excels at that. Besides that, each location is given its own identity and life to exhibit the brutal destruction and casualties war and to add emphasis on the dangers of the boys’ journey.
Now, I cannot talk about the look of this movie without mentioning my boy Roger fucking Deakins. Holy shit. Apologies to all of the other movies pursuing Best Cinematography this year — that includes you A Hidden Life — because Deakins once again bags it up. I’ve said this multiple times, but this is undoubtedly the best cinematography I’ve witnessed this entire year. Given that this is an adventure journey, Deakins’ DP work is incredible. His use of lighting to add tension and disillusionment to the visual of some moments… ugh. Perfect. The entire sequence in the latter half of the second act — the climax — UGH, CHEF’S KISS! Who knew World War I could look this beautiful? There is a sequence in the latter half of the second act that leaves you completely breathless. Deakins is so masterful at his craft that he can make a movie about dirt look epic and cinematic because he’s just that powerful.
If there was a film I would draw a comparison to in order to express how great 1917 is, it would be Alfonso Cuaron’s 2013 film Gravity. While both films follow a simple A to B narrative, they’re one of a kind survival films that are incredible from a technical standpoint — from the cinematography to the sound design. At the core, they take this traditional storytelling format and apply a beautiful and remarkable journey about a determined and resilient fighter determined to fight at the gates of hell to complete their mission. While the missions of the solo adventurers are vastly separate and in two completely different settings, I emotionally gravitated (no pun intended) to 1917’s narrative due to the genuine depiction of humanity. Most movies of this genre heavily emphasize machismo and masculinity (Fury, Saving Private Ryan, Lone Survivor), but this overall more tender.
The bond between the leads (portrayed by the amazing Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay, who carries so much of the limelight and delivers such a harrowing performance) is fleshed out enough that when heartbreaking moments occur, you become choked up. They are so enjoyable to watch that you become emotionally invested. Say what you will about tropes in war movies, but due to the genuine human emotions depicted and the tender kindness they bring during this time of aggression, criticisms towards those moments can be overlooked. The two just want to do the right thing and complete their mission successfully without any casualties along the way, unless it’s necessary and in self-defense.
If this plays in more premium formats besides IMAX, such as D-box, 4DX, or whatever format that makes your seat move, watch it that way because it’s truly a thrill ride that will take your viewing experience to the furthest extent.
Okay, this might seem like a nitpick but I couldn’t stop thinking about this throughout. While the production design is remarkably distinct and perfectly accurate to replicate the foreground of war, another aspect that would’ve made this perfect would’ve been jacking up of the soldiers’ teeth. The only thing I found was missing was the prosthetic teeth. Earlier this year, I saw Peter Jackson’s 3D WWI documentary They Should Not Grow Old. It’s a great movie and one of the things that stood out to me was how the teeth of all the British soldiers who often cheesed for the camera were jacked the fuck up. Here, the soldiers’ teeth are straightened, white, and pristine. As I said, it’s a nitpick but come on, that would’ve been a perfect 100% detailing.
Sam Mendes’ 1917 is a glorious and breathtaking cinematic experience that examines the unbroken resilience of the human spirit.
