Entertainment
Oscar contender
‘1917’ is is stark, violent and engaging BY STEVE BRYAN
W
ith films like “American Beauty,” “Road to Perdition” and “Skyfall,” Sam Mendes proved himself to be an able storyteller. As director, co-writer and producer of “1917,” Mendes worked overtime on a tale of two soldiers tasked with a seemingly impossible mission during World War I. It’s a harsh and gritty story about the horrors of war as well as the shining bits of humanity that emerge under the worst of circumstances. British Lance Corporals Tom Blake (Dean Charles-Chapman from “Game of Thrones”) and Will Schofield (George MacKay from “Captain Fantastic”) are stationed in France when they receive orders to hand deliver a message to the Devonshire Regiment. Although it appears that the German army has retreated, reconnaissance planes discover that the Germans moved to a more strategic position in order to attack the regiment. Blake and Schofield must deliver this information on foot and
hopefully save hundreds of lives. On the surface, “1917” is a very simple story about two young men doing their duty. At first, Corporal Blake isn’t aware that their task means crossing dangerous ground. He picks Schofield to come with him because he thinks they are simply going to get supplies for the troops. Their path takes them across battlefields littered with the dead and through an abandoned German bunker. Blake is especially motivated to keep moving because his brother is part of the Devonshire Regiment. Director Mendes filmed this epic to make it look like one continuous shot. In that way, the audience is walking along with Tom and Will as they navigate some decidedly hostile territory. Mendes starts the action in the British trenches, showing warweary soldiers claiming little bits of space to escape from the war for a few precious moments. When the two soldiers get into what’s called “No Man’s Land,” they must crawl
over the bodies of men and horses in order to move forward. Mendes’ continuous shooting style puts the focus on Charles-Chapman and MacKay. Surprisingly, even with their fine, tireless acting, neither man was nominated for an Oscar. Mackay is exceptional as a soldier who has a lot to lose by taking on an apparent suicide mission. Charles-Chapman’s Tom Blake is highly motivated to succeed because his brother might perish if they fail. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences overlooked two fine very performances here. “1917” is, however, up for a Best Picture Oscar, facing films like “Ford v Ferrari, “Joker” and “Little Women” that earned acting nods. Even without those nominations, Dean Charles-Chapman and George MacKay shine in this film and help make it an Oscar contender. “1917,” rated R for violence, disturbing images and language, currently is playing in theaters. FEBRUARY 2020 | CROSSROADS | 15
