Two, three years ago when I first picked up 1917 (2019) I had no idea it would swipe up my feet. Likewise it did just that to the world. International release came decorated with prestigious awards and made people like me gained slightly more understanding in what WWI atmosphere was like. Certainly cinematic golds like All Quiet Western Front, Doctor Zhivago, Out of Africa, The Trench, and Wonder Women transcribe WWI, yet I have not seen one takes you to relive it.
Netflix finally added the movie to its collection. For me then, everyday it has been on repeat. Perhaps the only two long camera shots have had some effects on my brain, in particular. For one that made it easier (for people like me) to follow along storyline; What the characters know is what the audience know. And two, the momentum in story telling just keeps building up speed, perfect for visual story telling. Also the two long shots structure visual stories to not have a sense of break off along a continuous heroic journey.
The movie has been on repeats in hope to catch new details. Lieutenant Leslie character has one of the highest vote on favorite roles and is well deserved. Andrew Scott’s play on lines in those tones, pitch, and dark humor delivered the character and WWI. Lieutenant Leslie although just woken from a nap he instantly knows who, where, and what’s going on. May I mention he knows his people by their names? In addressing notable site marks sat up by own soldiers he uses word “chaps” instead of other less appreciative nouns. Unparalleled awareness presented him as a trustworthy leader in defending the front line.
Those seen war movies in Mandarin or English, the themes of friendship, love, chain of command, and international collaborations are plowable and evident. For this one the details in signifying these topics revelated the entire war movie standard to a whole new level. Watch movies with pair of critic lenses on and there’s a whole world to discover.
_May update as time goes_
Victoria, BC
