How Sam Mendes turned a grandfather's war story into a technical cinematic marvel
In short: Sam Mendes directed 1917, a World War I film designed to appear as two continuous, unbroken shots. Inspired by his grandfather's service, the film follows two soldiers on a desperate mission. While praised for its immersive technical ambition, the production sparked debate over its historical tactics and artistic artifice.
Released in 2019, 1917 follows two British lance corporals, William Schofield and Tom Blake, tasked with delivering a message to call off a doomed offensive. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the German strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line during Operation Alberich. While the film draws inspiration from stories told to director Sam Mendes by his grandfather, Alfred Mendes, the characters themselves are fictional.
The film's most distinctive feature is its cinematography. Working with cinematographer Roger Deakins, Mendes utilized long takes and elaborate choreography to create the illusion of two continuous shots. This technique, while lauded for its immediacy, faced criticism from some observers. Critics like Alison Willmore argued that the aesthetic artifice overwhelmed the film's intentions, while historian Jeremy Banning questioned the realism of the military tactics depicted, noting that a unit would typically not attack without artillery support.
Technically, the production was a milestone, becoming the first film shot with the Arri Alexa Mini LF digital camera. To achieve the desired visual flow, the crew employed specific lenses, including a 40 mm lens for most scenes and a 35 mm lens for tunnels to heighten claustrophobia. The film was a significant commercial success, grossing $446 million worldwide against a production budget of $90–100 million, and it secured three Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography.
Despite its success, the film remains a subject of nuanced discussion. While the Western Front Association praised its attention to detail regarding kit and parlance, others felt the stylistic choices prioritized showmanship over historical grit. Ultimately, the film stands as a polarizing example of how modern digital technology can be used to reshape the portrayal of historical conflict, balancing a desire for dream-like immersion with the realities of a war defined by stasis.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 1917 (2019 film)
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