1917 (2019)

1917 (Dir: Sam Mendes, 2019).

A fact-based, fictionalised epic First World War drama from director Sam Mendes. 

During WWI, Lance Corporals William Schofield (George MacKay) and Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) must risk their lives crossing no man’s land in order to deliver a message to call off a planned attack on the German army. With field telephone lines down, news that the attack would jeopardise the lives of 1600 Brits, including Tom’s brother Lieutenant Joseph Blake (Richard Madden), must be relayed in person. 

Much was made of director Sam Mendes' decision to shoot 1917 as a single take. What may have been little more than a technical exercise, albeit an impressive one, is no gimmick, however. Adding an, arguably, more visceral quality to its, at times, harrowing content; not since the opening D-Day landing scenes in Saving Private Ryan (Steven Spielberg, 1998) have I flinched so much watching a movie! It is credit to Mendes that much of the time you are so engaged with the movie you forget the technique at hand. On the odd occasion the viewer is aware of it, it acts as a reminder of how meticulously planned and beautifully executed it is. The necessity of showing the passing of time in a 2 hour movie with events taking place over days is also handled with skill. 

As director of Bond Movies Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015), Mendes has proved himself adept at action sequences. Here the expertly mounted action is underpinned by melancholy and horror, offset by human drama such as the encounter of a young French woman and baby in hiding. Neither does it shy away from the shocking condition in the trenches or the futility of lives lost. This is a tough movie, yet a sensitive one too.

Performances are topnotch. The movie is largely dominated by young leads George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman. Both offer sensitive characterisations, exuding a likable everyman charm and eliciting the required audience sympathy. More seasoned acting veterans such as Andrew Scott, Adrian Scarborough, Daniel Mays and Benedict Cumberbatch make up a quality supporting cast in brief but effective cameos.

From its outstanding visual effects, largely achieved in camera, to Roger Deakins' breathtaking cinematography, 1917 is a strong contender for the most visually spectacular movie of 2019. Imparting its important message in spectacular fashion; the feature is both a dramatic and artistic highlight of Mendes' prolific cinematic career. Highly recommended, even to those not keen on war movies.