1917 is...meh

Overview:

As a regiment prepares for an attack in enemy territory, two soldiers are tasked with delivering a message that will prevent 1,600 from walking into a deadly trap.

Initial Thoughts:

I would be straight up lying if i said this film, on a technical level, isn’t amazing. The whole movie is done in a single shot, like Birdman. This film shines with action that takes place, seemingly, in real time and large set pieces. The original score is spectacular. Some parts of this film feature slowly built tension and disturbing images. The score always comes through and backs up the visuals. The set design is also great. That's about all of the good things that I have to say, sooooooo yeah.

The first act of this film feels very bland. After our characters get the order to deliver the message they head out into enemy territory. They basically go from place-to-place, following the enemy and go “oh wow look at what they did.” It got annoying after the second time. The single shot technique also backfires in some aspects. There’s scenes where our main character, Corporal Schofield, is just sitting there, quietly, while people have full conversations around him. Like...why? They don't add anything to the story and it takes up soooooo much screen time. This makes the film feel boring at times...like a lot of times.

Characters/Performances:

Dean-Charles Chapman as Corporal Blake: Blake is one of the two soldiers tasked with delivering the message. Blake’s brother is in the regiment that is about to walk into the trap. Blake is the heart of this film and often tells stories or tries to find the good in things. His eventual death is the result of him trying to help an enemy soldier out of a burning plane. Chapman’s performance is serviceable. He does just enough to get the job done.

George MacKay as Corporal Schofield: Schofield is the other soldier that goes out to deliver the message. Schofield is the lead in this film. He suffers many traumatic moments here, just like any other war film. Since the camera doesn’t cut, MacKay has to basically be able to turn his emotions on and off. MacKay’s role is also physically demanding. He runs around, swimming, and fighting people. I can’t imagine shooting this film and running through these scenes multiple times a day. MacKay gives a standout performance and 1917 is a good introduction to this actor.

Final Thoughts:

1917 is just….bleh to me. It's like going to a restaurant and ordering a Sprite but all they have is Sierra Mist. You know what you want and you could go anywhere else to get it but, you’re already here so you just settle. The large set pieces work and the music is good here but, besides from that, there’s nothing else to say. Birdman is a better Single Shot film...there i said it. The cinematographer, Roger Deakins, has done so much better work like Blade Runner 2049. I honestly feel like The Lighthouse was snubbed at the Oscars, for cinematography, because of this film. There's scenes here that look so washed out and saturated. It's distracting at times. Watch this film or not, I don’t care. Actually, go watch Dunkirk, that’s a way better war film than this.

Rate:

C+