In the Trenches

Rating: 9/10 (14 January 2020)

GRADE: B+
THIS FILM IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
IN BRIEF: A stunning visual testament to WWI.
JIM'S REVIEW: Masterful in its direction and technically impressive, Sam Mendes' war epic, 1917, is a straightforward tale based on actual events about a dangerous mission during WWI. The dialog is minimal as is the character development. It is all action-based storytelling about two young British soldiers trying to stop an ambush behind enemy lines.
Those corporals, Will Schofield (George MacKay) and Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) focus on their goal to save lives while risking their own. The film is a series of perilous detours to deliver their message. It's part Saving Private Ryan meets Dunkirk. While it vividly shows the horrors of war and the heroic determination of those in the military, it rarely reaches a level of emotional connection. It is a tad too clinic in its approach with its narrative structure, as we go from one danger to the next. Sure, we care, but not to degree of gravitas that we should feel.
Yet what makes this film so unique is the visual sweep of the film. Technically speaking, the imagery is powerful and Roger Deakin's superb cinematography is immersive on a grand scale. 1917 is staged as one continuous tracking shot. The fluidity of camera movement is astonishing and takes the moviegoer directly in the trenches and mud-soaked fields, unlike any other war film.
Adding to the tension is Thomas Newman's haunting music score, Lee Smith's precise editing, and Dennis Gassner's production design that brings a sense of stark reality to Mr. Mendes' vision. While his screenplay, co-authored by Krysty Wilson-Cairn, would definitely benefit with stronger use of dialog to build greater interest and further depth of its characters, the visceral rush of the life and death events greatly compensates for this minor deficit.
The director also wisely casts his film with unknown actors in the lead roles which provides more authenticity to his storytelling. Mr. Chapman and especially Mr. MacKay are excellent in their roles. They become the human faces of war in their physically demanding parts and most of the film's success depends on their nuanced portrayals. However, the sight of famous British actors in supporting roles like Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Richard Madden, and Andrew Scott undoes that casting decision, despite their fine acting contributions.
1917 is a stirring testament to those who shall not grow old, told with extraordinary skill and the utmost respect to these fallen heroes.
NOTE: The one shot tracking device has always intrigued filmmakers.
Alfred Hitchcock (Rope), Stanley Kubrick (Paths of Glory, The Shining, A Clockwork Orange), Orson Welles (Touch of Evil), and Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas) are just a few directors who plied their craft to this gimmick. Now add Sam Mendes to this illustrious group of artisans. 1917 is a memorable filmgoing experience due to his artistry and vision.
Rent Peter Jackson's magnificent WWI documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old as a companion piece. Together, they tell the whole story.