Two young British privates during the First World War are given an impossible mission: deliver a message deep in enemy territory that will stop 1,600 men, and one of the soldier’s brothers, from walking straight into a deadly trap.
Similar to the opening of “Spectre,” also directed by Sam Mendes, or the restored version of “Touch of Evil” by Orson Welles, “1917” opens with a continuous shot. Yet more like “Birdman,” directed by Alejandro Gonzáles Iñárritu, “1917” appears to run unedited from start to finish. Though such a technique might provoke tedium in the wrong hands over the course of nearly two hours, Mendes instead breaks new ground by taking a straightforward narrative and ratcheting it up several notches.
Two young British corporals receive impossible-sounding orders to deliver a message to troops well behind enemy lines. As Germans feign an orderly retreat, recent aerial photographs indicate they instead plan to trap the Allies, which will lead 1,600 men to certain slaughter. Dean-Charles Chapman plays Lance Corporal Blake Schofield who learns from General Erinmore (Colin Firth) that his brother will number among those killed in the ambush, providing ample motivation for the young man to succeed in the harrowing assignment. Chapman as Blake delivers a warm and endearing presence, even as he immediately assents to the risky mission. By contrast, George MacKay as Lance Corporal Schofield, portrays a far more reluctant participant, hastily proposing alternatives to avoid entering the gauntlet ahead.
What might seem a routine, unremarkable run at a timeworn film genre instead turns into a riveting race to beat the clock. Still, Mendes never flinches from depicting the horrors of war – not only the raw carnage but also its unrelenting messiness. Ubiquitous pools of brown, muddy water litter the terrain, invariably full of bloated, decaying corpses – comprised of both man and beast. One never knows what disagreeable surprise will next confront the courageous soldiers. Further, the use of the continuous shot approach allows viewers to see events through the eyes of the protagonists to excellent effect.
Mendes imbues this poignant narrative with rich backstories and well-earned empathy for the affected individuals – all inspired by First World War accounts related to him by grandad Alfred Mendes. Along with co-writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns, Mendes carefully reveals what drives each character, however small the part, searing into the heart at every turn.
Brief and delightful appearances by Colin Firth, Mark Strong, and Benedict Cumberbatch add gravitas to an already lavish production. In addition, Richard Madden as Schofield’s older brother Lieutenant Blake offers a fleeting and tender moment, despite attempts to retain a stoic, dutiful demeanor. Up and down, the fine supporting cast buttresses each scene confidently.
Superb cinematography by Academy Award-winner Roger Deakins washes over the screen with stunning impact repeatedly. Similarly, the marvelous score by Thomas Newman seeps wonderfully into the storyline at precisely the right moments.
Stylistically innovative in every way, this magnificent film might not look like much based on the unremarkable trailer. Make no mistake, however. Mendes presents a powerful tale chronicling the frantic journey of two good friends across an endless landscape of unexpected barriers and shocking encounters.
In Theaters Wednesday, December 25th
