“1917” is a cinematic masterpiece; an artistic genius and suspenseful thriller in a 'single shot'

If you were to search cinematography in a dictionary, you may come across this definition: “the art of making motion pictures.” Without a doubt, the true star of “1917”  is cinematographer Roger Deakins. Having traded his Oscar-winning shots of neon skyscrapers and sci-fi set pieces from “Blade Runner 2049” for the filthy, visceral trenches and battlefields of the 1st World War, Deakins showcases a masterful effort once again deserving of an Academy Award.

Following Lance Corporals Blake and Schofield as they trek across enemy lines in a desperate attempt to save 1600 men, the audience is taken through the rat-infested mud holes these soldiers call home, and sneak their way through the obliterated German front line alongside these young men.

As our soldiers make their way through enemy territory, the film doesn’t let up for a single moment. Filmed to take place in real time and having very limited edits, the ‘one-shot’ effect of this movie is a remarkable achievement that will go down in history as one of the most impressive and impossible feats every accomplished in the industry.

Hand-in-hand with the incredible cinematography and directing skills is one of the most period-accurate and breathtaking production designs I have ever seen in film, accompanied by a great work of costume design to fit the soldiers’ thick and uncomfortable uniforms. Whether it’s a desolate French city ravaged by bombings or a farm-field covered with cherry blossoms, the sets and scenery make for a realstic and enticing setting, one that makes you awe at the beautiful wide-shots or the disturbing close ups of dead bodies and devastated battlefields.

For a film that is light on dialogue and more focused on the overhanging threat of war, it does a great job keeping the audience engaged with a sharp script, an incredible and intense score, and two authentic performances from leads George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman. During the film’s early production, the sets were entirely designed and built around the script, and how long it took for the actors to perform their scenes. With that said, it is still astounding how realistic and faithful the two performances are. Every scene feels like a theatre production being played out in front of you, and the two young men disappear into the roles of war-tired and reluctant soldiers.

The score, by composer Thomas Newman, is perfect for a film with such a simple, intimate story and such personal stakes. The music does a great job of rising in moments of great suspense or brief triumph, and quieting down and picking up pace while our protagonists are under the scope of a sniper or racing through an imploding mine shaft.

I can’t stress enough how incredible of an experience this movie is. Since the film is so focused on the event and intensity of war, my words here cannot do it justice. Please, go out and see this on the biggest screen you can. Fork over the extra dollars and see it in IMAX, or for the best viewing experience, catch it at a Dolby Cinema as I did. If you have the chance to see it in a theater with a premium sound-system, I highly recommend it, since you will feel the explosions shake you and the bullets whizzing past you.

In Conclusion: Director Sam Mendes’ latest feature is both a technical achievement and cinematic accomplishment. The single-shot illusion makes for one of the most authentic, intense, and realistic movies in recent years, and is proof why cinema can still produce true works of art.

Rating: 10/10