Every so often a film comes along that even before it’s released almost everyone seems to be shouting about and 1917 is one of those movies, so the other day I headed over to the new 4DX screen at Cineworld in Broughton to check out Sam Mendes’ new World War One movie.
The movie which was only released in the UK on the 10th January has already got the awards buzz and has been nominated for 9 BAFTA’s including Best Film and Best Director, stars Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay and Daniel Mays, along with appearances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Stong, it’s been praised for its use of “One-Shot” filming (A one-shot or continuous shot feature film is a full-length movie filmed in one long take by a single camera, or manufactured to give the impression it was) and this technique certainly brings the film its tense moments throughout the movie.
A great example of the “On-Shot” filming is the beginning of the film, starting with two main characters the camera movies with them and around them as they make their way to the trenches to be given their mission of importance, a chance to save 1,600 troops on the front line from charging straight into a deadly trap by the German troops.
We join Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) as they make their way from the British trenches across a war-torn landscape of carnage, as they leave across the devastated landscape with rotting human and horse bodies, you get the feeling of the horror the troops must have felt during this horrible time in history, with the “one-shot” technique you feel you are with them as they move across the land to the German trenches and into the dark, foreboding, horrific tunnels that they have built, only to find more horror and boobytraps to stop them in their tracks.
These days we have got so used to the fast-paced movies with all-out action that a film like 1917 can be a bit of a “Marmite Movie” for lots of people, but putting aside that the film does run in a slower pace than most movies that are currently running in cinemas at the moment, I have to say that I found myself glued to the film right from the start, it’s a powerful and emotional film that brings home the horror of war!
Director Sam Mendes (Skyfall) has done a brilliant job of bringing a film to the big screen that makes you feel like you are in the thick of the war, the cast are suited for the roles and they bring the characters to life of the big screen very well, Mendes certainly brings out the emotion from them during the movie, look out for the scene after the barn and plane, the leads play the moment wonderfully.
The cinematography in 1917 is stunning and one scene that really shows this off is a section of the film that is filmed at night in a decimated town, as Lance Corporal Schofield (MacKay) is in the town the use of lighting is outstanding as the shadows move around the demolished buildings giving an amazing effect of undulating.
Special FX wise, 1917 is done very well, the sets are created wonderfully if that’s the right word to use for WWI trenches, the costumes are recreated to look perfect, the sound of the explosions and gunshots etc ring around the 7.1 cinema sound.
The soundtrack is hauntingly lovely, Thomas Newman who has worked with Sam Mendes before produces music that works perfectly for the style and feel of the film.
1917 – The 4DX Experience
I have to say that 1917 is certainly not the most active 4DX film that I’ve seen lately, that would probably go to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, but when the 4DX is needed it is used to great effect, explosions rock the seats and in a scene with the troops in a truck we are taken on the ride with them as we no only have the rumble of the road, we also get the sway from side to side as the truck travels along, plus the water from scenes in rain and in the water, plus smoke from explosions.
All a fantastic touch to bring you into the film and bring you so much more than just watching a movie and luckily the 4DX doesn’t distract you from the film and its story.
A Modern Classic
Movie title: 1917
Movie description: 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.
Date published: January 10, 2020
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 59min
Director(s): Sam Mendes
Actor(s): Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays
Genre: Drama, War
Summary
A modern-day classic that brings home the horror of the first world war.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
