Since the advent of cinema, many films about the war have been shot, but a fresh work Sam Mendes “1917“Provides an opportunity to take a fresh look at the horrors of the First World War.”
The picture tells the story of William Scofield and Tom Blake, two junior corporals who were ordered to cross the territory captured by the enemy as soon as possible and deliver an order to cancel the attack to Colonel Mackenzie.
The commander of the battalion of the Devonshire Regiment will soon send 1,600 soldiers into battle – directly in ambush for the Germans, who tactically retreated to the new Hindenburg line and wait for the British along with artillery installations.
Since telephone lines are cut off, the only way to warn troops about a trap is to do this with two messengers. For Blake, this mission becomes especially important – his brother serves in that battalion.
“1917” is a gloomy journey through dirty trenches, mangled by explosions and filled with rotting corpses of a funnel in the soil, ditches filled with dirty water with dead horses, abandoned enemy trenches dotted with huge field sleeves and destroyed cities … Characters pass through the stinking reality of war, which Mendes masterfully recreates on the big screen, forcing the viewer to plunge into the world destroyed by human cruelty.
The war here is shown atmospheric and realistic, but the picture does not sink to a vile grotesque. An incredibly powerful effect of presence is achieved not only through detailed naturalism, but also by the chic work of an operator who takes pictures of what is happening in one long plan, dynamically, but carefully changing angles and adjusting to the situation so that you feel like part of the film. As a result, the barrier between you and the screen often disappears, and you feel that you are not just a spectator, but a witness or even the main character.
The camera enters the heroes behind the back and holds on to the right shoulder, approaches the gun, demonstrating the world as if you were inside an action-packed video game, like Resident evil 4. And then he pulls back and shows the characters on the side – as in classic adventures, focusing on small details. Mendes does not just make a movie about the war, but creates a real thriller, forcing him to cringe in his chair and really empathize with the characters.
Shooting with one plan is violated only once, but this is necessary for the plot. Then in the film begins one of the most powerful moments in which you, like the hero, feel like in real hell.
“1917” does not forget about the spectacular chase scenes with shots and explosions, adding to the picture of diversity and thrills, but this is primarily a chamber story of soldiers who are trying to survive and fulfill their duty.
“1917”Is a rarity for an industry drowning in superhero stamping. A touching and atmospheric film about real heroes – with a unique presentation that expands the target audience of the movie about the war and should appeal not only to fans of the theme, but also to aesthetes and lovers of drama.
9 out of 10
