What a movie!
Director Sam Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins together have created a magic on the screen. This happens when not only cinematographer can see what director is seeing but has his/her own vision with camera as his third eye; Deakins definitely earns this qualification with of course this 1917 as well as the Shawshank Redemption, Skyfall, 1984 and many more to his credit. Right from the first frame of very first shot to the closing frame of the last shot, it’s an exhibition of mind-blowing scenes, each frame with a superb painting. Along with Skyfall, American Beauty and many other majors by Mendes, 1917 surely takes the place in top line. Frame by frame, Mendes has built and run a story from almost a one liner.
There is almost no story. The screenplay is simple and sincere, on the background of World War I. Transforming this into such a sensitive film that directly touches your heart is a masterstroke of Director-DoP duo. Two Lance Corporals Schofield and Blake from British royal army have been assigned a mission against time that as good as assures them of failure and death. The mission is initiated by Schofield’s love for his brother and taken over and ahead by pulled-in-against-wish Blake’s promise to Schofield after his failure to continue. Throughout their journey through the unknown fields, uncertainty, accidents, violence, deaths and sorrow from the war is reflecting, making you feel numb. The climax releases all the pressure built all along and gives you a feeling of fulfillment.
The clear message this movie carries throughout is when there is a strong determination without any assurances or doubts, the succeeding actions end in success. The only war movie one has seen yet that gives one a serene feeling, primarily due to the beautiful nature scenes seen on the screen, binding background music and certain acts of goodness as well as valor that are providing an added value to the surreal visual experience.
Again, a treat-to-eyes-and-mind, never-ever-miss movie to conclude.
You can read the screenplay here.
Click the following link for the official trailer.
CREDITS
Film: 1917
Screenplay: Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns
Direction: Sam Mendes
Cast: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Richard Madden, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch
Music: Thomas Newman
Cinematography: Roger Deakins
Editing: Lee Smith
Producer/s: Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Jayne-Ann Tenggren, Callum McDougall, Brian Oliver
Production Companies: DreamWorks Pictures, Reliance Entertainment, New Republic Pictures, Mogambo, Neal Street Productions, Amblin Partners
Release Date: 4 December 2019 (London)