Reely Bernie Faves: 1917 (2019)

Never have I been so deep-seated in a journey through the shrapnel-infested bloodshed of war and my theatre chair at the same time. I blame it all on the camera work.

As British soldiers Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) deliver a message to higher authority to end an invasion against a retreating German front that will end up being a deathtrap for thousands, the camera follows their every move.

We follow their every move.

Through grimy puddles, carcass-filled craters, and skeletal town structures, we “walk” behind these men and see everything they see in a continuous shot of happenstance and breathtaking action.

As you can gather from the title, we are talking about a World War I movie, and although the historical allure might not be the same as a WWII flick (say, Saving Private Ryan), there are subtle, haunting images in 1917 that match the cinematic genius of Steven Spielberg. The deathly quiet crawl through “No Man’s Land,” the distant fighter plane dogfight that comes way too close for comfort, and the timing of falling cherry tree petals on a peaceful river—these are all unfeigned observations in a cold, war torn setting.

The mythical but possible story of two brave men with a message to avoid the Hindenburg Line disaster (technically, German’s deceiving tactic, “Operation Alberich”) comes from Director Sam Mendes’s grandfather, Corporal Alfred H. Mendes of the 1st Battalion, who wrote several novels and short stories about his days in the trenches.

Although Sam took some liberties with the two-person hero narrative, it is a historical fact that several waves of British armies were convinced they were defeating the retreating Germans and not walking into a more fortified German union. It is a fascinating turn of events, and with the Americans joining around the same time, it helped end World War I all together.

Sam Mendes might be best known for his work in American Beauty (1999), Road to Perdition (2002), Jarhead (2005), and Skyfall (2012), but 1917 stands out as a masterpiece of the ages for the ages. I haven’t been so moved by a film in a long time. I haven’t been so moved on a technical level, emotional level, cinematically, or even musically.

On a personal note, this was the last movie I saw in the theatre before the pandemic. I saw it with my best friend, Nick, and I remember constantly talking about it up to the point of school closures. It was a grey time, but after many revisits to the same theatre post COVID, I can’t help but smile and be grateful we made it out okay. As of now, this is still the newest released title on my Top 50 Reely Bernie Faves list.

Reely Bernie Faves:

1. Amadeus (1984)

2. Magnolia (1999)

3. Poltergeist (1982)

4. Pulp Fiction (1994)

5. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

6. The Godfather Part II (1974)

7. Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)

8. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

9. Goodfellas (1990)

10. Nosferatu (1922)

11. Pollock (2000)

12. Kicking and Screaming (1995)

13. Jaws (1975)

14. Fargo (1996)

15. Citizen Kane (1941)

16. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

17. The Endless Summer (1966)

18. Back to the Future (1985)

19. Angel Heart (1987)

20. The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)

21. The Goonies (1985)

22. Trainspotting (1996)

23. King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

24. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

25. Bambi (1942)

26. The Paradise Lost Trilogy (1996-2011)

27. Psycho (1960)

28. Parenthood (1989)

29. Swingers (1996)

30. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

31. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

32. Smoke (1995)

33. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

34. A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

35. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

36. City of God (2002)

37. 1917 (2019)

38. Black Swan (2010)

39. School of Rock (2003)

40. Mulholland Drive (2001)

41. Groundhog Day (1993)

42. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

43. The Greatest Showman (2017)

44. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

45. The Florida Project (2017)

46. Cinema Paradiso (1988)

47. So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993)

48. Shadowlands (1993)

49. Steve Jobs (2015)

50. ¡Three Amigos! (1986)

35 thoughts on “Reely Bernie Faves: 1917 (2019)”

Add yours

  1. I watched it at home a while after it came out, and as a way of not sinking too deeply into it, I tried to spot the scene splices, and they were damn-near invisible even to my beady little eyes. 🙂 … not one I’d rewatch, but I’m glad I saw it none-the-less.

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    1. I believe the first major one occurs when the main lead enters the abandoned house stairwell, but that was long after the steady cam throughout the trenches and the dogfight in the air – all in one take!

      “Beady little eyes.” Awww 🙂

      Thanks for responding. I wish you a wonderful week. How are the knees?

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  2. Hi Bernie,

    I didn’t want to be negative about a movie which you are obviously passionate about, so I was apprehensive to respond. I saw 1917 in the cinema when it came out and I was disappointed given the high accolades it received. Although I don’t agree with most of what you wrote, I respected your feedback about it. I hope life is treating you well buddy.

    I wrote my opinions re. 1917 in my article: ‘1917 (2019) and Gallipoli (1981)- Friday’s Finest Special Edition: https://observationblogger.com/2020/01/31/1917-2019-and-gallipoli-1981-compare-and-contrast/

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    1. Watching movies is about entertainment, escape, and empathy. After that, it’s all about opinion, so no worries if you disagree. Although I think you’re comparing apples to oranges with 1917 and Gallipoli, both are astounding movies about WWI, and although I think Gallipoli falls under a typical war drama and 1917 is more of an experience, I fully welcome you being Siskel while I be Ebert 🙂 The only thing I think you completely missed was your analysis on VISUALS and SOUND: 1917 won all the awards for sound, cinematography, and sound mixing. Not to mention, Thomas Newman’s credits score is a remarkable addition to what was a movie made of ambient, present-moment sound. Again, we will not see eye to eye on everything, but I know I’m not alone on 1917 accolades, and I’m grateful for my endearing memory of seeing it before COVID hit. I’m sorry you weren’t impressed. Happy Friday!

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      1. Sorry I didn’t respond earlier. Busy with my kids and their sports and you – of all people – know the rest!
        Ok, lets get straight to it. I don’t think I was comparing apples to oranges at all when I was comparing 1917 and Gallipoli. Firstly, I would never, ever call Gallipoli a ‘typical war drama’ as you claim. I’m still trying to get my head around that. Both movies contain within their plots the delivery of an urgent order to senior authority to rescind men from ‘going over the top’ in WW I.
        Gallipoli is outstanding because of how untypical it is. You also have to keep in mind when it was made. I stand resolute why I believe Gallipoli makes 1917 pale into comparison despite 1917’s superior visuals and sound effects by today’s standards. I even wrote: ‘I’m not disputing that there are some beautiful shots and great production design’. Hey Bernie – visuals and sound don’t make on their own a GREAT movie. Ala Nolen’s ‘Dunkirk’, ‘Inception’ or ‘Interstellar’. Ironically, one of my favourite 90’s movies is Mendes’ ‘American Beauty’ – nearly all character and writer driven. I can’t wait to see Nolen’s ‘Oppenheimer’ by the way despite my trepidation of his indulgence in ‘visuals and sound’. I hear its character driven. What a relief, if that’s true.
        Characters, essence and story arc are almost essential for me to enjoying a movie.
        I had / have absolutely no inkling to revisit 1917. But hey man, everything is based on personal opinion, tastes and the time in your life when you saw the given movie and the effect it had on you. And I applaud your passion. You can’t beat that. I could have written so much more here but I would have most likely written the article that I already wrote about the two movies.

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        1. I just don’t have the time to retort like I used to, and I can tell I’ll just be opening Pandora’s Box. We will agree to disagree. I thought Gallipoli was perfect fare for helping one fall asleep. It was lifeless to me. Much of what you stated were words you put in my mouth, good friend. To leave on peaceful terms, I’m also looking forward to seeing Oppenheimer, and I’ve been enjoying Women’s World Cup. As far as World War I movies, we will stay on our side of the trenches 😉

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          1. Wow lol. We are so removed on these movies that your description of the trenches is awkwardly befitting, but true Haha.
            I’m rooting for Colombia, Australia and NZ in the Cup. I imagine you would like the US to win a 4th cup in a row? From this trench I would prefer anyone else Haha. You’re a good friend despite all the shenanigans.

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            1. Ha! It’s all good, really. I just appreciate and respect you and Max at “badfinger” for developing a nostalgic arts culture to talk the talk with. And, honestly, I’d normally have more time for dialogue, but my toddler keeps throwing up, and my 9-monther just doesn’t sleep 🙂 I’m an older dad with nothing to lose (did you get that “American Beauty” touch there?). For now, I’m actually rooting for Colombia too (because of you)! There’s too much drama and resentment in the US team. I do think England has a chance with their growing tenacity and depth.

              For now, I’m raising my white flag 🙂

              Best to you! Bernie

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            2. I’m feeling your pain towards your young ens. I really am. Times like these aren’t easy – I know of them all so well. It can feel like you are helpless and those you are caring for even more so.
              You do the best with what you are given and if there is anything I know about you Bernie; there wouldn’t be a better Dad to have in your corner in times of discomfort.

              I must admit I didn’t get the American Beauty reference. I did get the resentment about the US team, but I’ll leave any reasoning up for others to comment. I’m not going there. lol Thanks for your support for Colombia. I told the Colombian mother of my kids if Colombia and Australia (my kids are Colombo- Australians) were finalists then I’d drop my Colombian support quick – smart haha

              White flags are good. Sweden used to have one. Haha. Cheers Man, Above all, I’m hoping for your girls to get better and you to get some good ol’ fashioned sleep.

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            3. I ended up watching Oppenheimer (review coming) late last night and just got to your response. Thank you, sincerely, for these kind, encouraging words. These wonderful daughters are my life, but it hasn’t been easy juggling parenting with husband, teacher, and any morsel of free time for movies, haha! Thank you again.

              The American Beauty reference was the quote: “I’m just an ordinary guy with nothing to lose.” No worries. I haven’t seen it in a while, but 1999 was probably my favorite year for audacious movies.

              While it’s morning, and I have some coffee in me, quickly back to Gallipoli: I simply need to see it again. It’s been 25 years since my last viewing. Peter Weir, as a focus, is absolutely incredible. While they are not my favorites, I appreciate and grow enjoy evaluating the ambiguity of Picnic at Hanging Rock, the hybrid of styles in Witness, the frightening social media obsession he foresaw in The Truman Show, and one of the best films on a ship I’ve ever seen in Master and Commander.

              Your kids Colombo-Australian. I’m honored more to know you.

              Got some sleep. About to take an AP Music Theory prep course, as I will be teaching this challenging class this school year. I’m very excited, but it’s a lot of work.

              Good luck this week. It’ll be nice to put some soccer/football on the tv tonight…

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            4. There are three movies I want to see. Oppenheimer, the new Mission Impossible and Barbie. It’s unlikely I’ll get to see all 3 in the cinema. My daughter is hanging out for Barbie, so it will probably be that one with her although supposedly it’s not really a kid’s movie.

              Thanks for clarifying the American Beauty reference. The 1990’s was a good decade in general – wasn’t it re. society, music and cinema. I hope we can get back to that. I agree about your sentiments towards Peter Weir movies. He’s iconic. We just saw Truman Show on the weekend.

              I’m elated you got some sleep and I wish you all the very best in your Music prep course. We’ll be tuning into Colombia vs South Korea tonight 9pm our time. Can’t wait.
              Cheers Bernie.

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            7. It’s post this evening. I just give you the first sentence, haha: Commendably rising above biopic banality and staying true to trademark nonlinearity tendencies, Writer/Director Christopher Nolan is only missing Hans Zimmer and an intermission.

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  3. 1917 is a truly epic WWI period piece on its own, but the single take approach is what really elevates it to greatness. I wish I saw it in theaters like you did, but the last movie I saw in theaters before the Pandemic wasn’t very good.

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            1. Both great redemption movies. I saw them too! The Invisible Man became my favorite of the year! Such a brilliant blend of sci-fi, horror, psychological thriller, and Me Too movement!

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  6. I really like the camera movement in this. It was great on the big screen and shot really well. I can’t imagine the rehearsal time it took to get this.

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    1. Totally agree, Max. Can you imagine if they made a mistake during that dogfight scene or in the middle of the mud crawl? There is a present moment momentum here that you just don’t get in cuts, edits, and CGI.

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  7. I took an Understanding Movies class, and it was by far my favorite class through the entire 18 months of credits it took to finish my degree. Anyway, I watched 1917 for that class, and I should find the paper I wrote on it. What amazed me the most was how following them through the trenches and battle fields was done in one shot!!
    I think it’s my new favorite war movie!!

    I thought of you a lot during that class. It was so fascinating! I’ve never watched a movie the same way since taking that course. I notice more things when I watch movies now. By the way, “So I Married An Axe Murderer” is one of my all-time favorite movies!!

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    1. Great to hear from you! I would SO love that class, haha! Only Russian Ark and Boiling Point hold the longest uncut shot for a postmodern mainstream feature. To incorporate warfare in that shot is mind boggling!

      Yes! So I Married an Axe Murderer is a longtime fave of mine too 🙂 Happy Week!

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