‘1917’ Receives 10 Oscar Nominations, Will it Pull Out any Wins?
On Dec. 25 Universal Pictures released one of their most anticipated war movies yet, “1917.” Directed by Sam Mendes and starring Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden and rising star George MacKay, this film truly takes war films to a new level.
“1917” follows the story of soldiers Lance Corporal Schofield and Lance Corporal Blake during World War I. The two are sent on a mission across enemy lines to deliver a message that could save 1,600 comrades, including Blake’s brother.
The film begins with their assignment and follows them through their expedition into unknown territory. Full of doubt, pain, love and desperation, “1917” brings a new experience to the screen. The film highlighted the beauty and pain of war. Key themes include the tragedy that brings strangers together and the significance of comradery. The overall imagery was gorgeous and the events that unfold are heartbreaking, but provide such insight into what war is actually like.
The cinematography was absolutely stunning. Having the picture look as though it was shot in one take provides an excellent approach in immersing the audience and enhancing the realistic feel.
The most brilliant part about “1917” is how the storyline is so simple, but we still see the in-depth layers of emotional impact through one man’s journey. The story is nothing new; a man must race against the clock to save the lives of many. But the approach and execution made it seem like we were seeing this tale for the first time.
The suspense and urgency build as we see Schofield cross enemy lines, and yet the most realistic showing of war is at the end of his journey when we see the lack of appreciation and care for what this man did. It was simply another day of war. The ingenious concept of individualizing one man’s story to show its monumentalism, only to show his almost washed over insignificance as he morphs back among the millions, shifts the mood of the film from him being a hero on a quest to save the day to being just a messenger who did his job.
“1917” truly is one of the best war movies I have seen. It is powerful and human. It expresses and displays the core of such battles in such an artful and well thought out way.
Such beautiful touches of imagery are what make Sam Mendes’ movie so successful. My favorite scene is when Blake and Schofield trek through an abandoned and destroyed farm over enemy lines, with the image of them walking through full-bloomed cherry blossom trees. It was a visual success. The contrasting elements of peace and chaos are what heightened the film’s emotional richness and added to its triumph.
I believe “1917” will do very well at the Oscars this year. With 15 nominations, they are bound to steal the show. At least along the lines of cinematography, the film has a very good chance of taking home the Oscar.