Let Me Tell You ‘Bout 1917

Ok. First, before we get started, I must let you know that I am no movie expert. Whatever knowledge I have on the industry and the art of filmmaking is the result of watching an large amount of movies – good and bad – and an impeccable memory (humble brag) for the information I have absorbed from reading IMDb. Now that we’ve established that I am by no means a professional, let me tell you ’bout 1917.

The story is simple: two soldiers during World War I are tasked with delivering a message to the front lines to stop an attack that will kill thousands of British soldiers and must travel through German-occupied territory to do so. The plot is one we’ve seen before: an impossible mission with a protagonist that will stop an nothing to achieve his goal, committing daring acts as obstacles hinder his path every step of the way.

What truly makes this movie exceptional is the cinematography. 1917 was designed to look like two long single takes. With some cleverly disguised edits, director Sam Mendez and cinematographer Roger Deakins managed to do exactly that, which landed the latter his second oscar win. The result is an intense action movie that forces the viewer to not look away.

In other war movies, intense battle sequences are highly edited with a series of cuts that help to create a sense of confusion. In 1917 there is no confusion. It’s World War I, it’s deadly, and you can’t look away. Every long shot helps build the growing feelings of uncomfortableness and tension as you, the viewer, are forced to watch actor George McKay’s William Schofield journey on.

So what’s my final take on 1917? It’s an expertly shot film that left something to be desired in the story division and benefited greatly from a movie theater viewing. Would I watch again? Yes. Is it the best war movie ever made? Absolutely not.