With great work behind the lens in films such as The Shawshank Redemption (1994), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), No Country for Old Men (2007), Skyfall (2012), Sicario (2015) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017) having already established him as a legend of cinematography, Roger Deakins may have been saving his best for now. 1917 is a gorgeous-looking war film and a reminder of why we must unglue ourselves from our TV screens, and pay money to watch films on the big screen.

The film is a technical marvel. Set during the First World War in the year — you guessed it — 1917, it tells the tale of two young British soldiers, Lance Corporal Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Lance Corporal Will Schofield (George MacKay). Early on in the film, they are handed a mission. The duo is told by General Erinmore (Colin Firth) that the Germans have made a strategic fallback to the Hindenburg Line, and are ready to defend any attack with might. With all lines of communication down, they’re tasked with ordering the British 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment to cancel their attack on the reinforced Germans before it’s too late. If they fail, over 1,000 men could lose their lives, including Tom’s brother, Lieutenant Joseph Blake (Richard Madden).

The only problem is that they must go on foot across a perilous route full of snipers, tripwires, airborne attacks and more. This is where the director Sam Mendes’ technical wizardry comes in. Their entire journey feels like it is shot in one single, unbroken take. As a result, 1917 feels like one of the most authentic, intense and gripping war films you’ll ever see. Dare I say, it almost feels like a horror film, like any great war film should.

Director Sam Mendes’ 1917 is one of the most authentic, intense and gripping war films you’ll ever see

As Blake and Schofield navigate through dozens of challenges with their treacherous surroundings, leaving soldiers and civilians, including a baby, in peril, you can feel your heart beating rapidly against your chest. Ultimately, the men reach the leader of the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment, Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch). Here, the film steps up another gear as we’re treated to further exhilarating set-pieces. The final sequence, in particular, benefits from the film’s unique shooting style.

Sam Mendes and Roger Deakins made this work through complex and ground-breaking cinematography and editing. The film doesn’t use the conventional shot and reverse shot typically seen in most films. Instead, it’s a more deliberate dance that was clearly storyboarded painstakingly.

Sam Mendes and Roger Deakins made this work through complex and ground-breaking cinematography and editing. The film doesn’t use the conventional shot and reverse shot typically seen in most films. Instead, it’s a more deliberate dance that was clearly storyboarded painstakingly.

Adding to the intensity are the fine performances. All the actors do well to adapt to the film’s storytelling. Standing out is George MacKay, his innocent demeanour sharply contrasting with the ugliness of war.

Viewers looking for deeper characterisation, social commentary and a meatier story may find themselves left underwhelmed by 1917. This is less Apocalypse Now (1979), Platoon (1986) or Saving Private Ryan (1998), and more Dunkirk (2017). It’s a different sort of war film, but great in its own way. Keyboard warriors making jokes about World War III, after recent current events, should especially watch this nerve-racking film, and get a taste for how terrible war can be.

Rated R for violence, some disturbing images, and language

Published in Dawn, ICON, January 19th, 2020