Sam Mendes’ next feature is taking on the Great War, with 1917, that comes to UK cinemas this January. While my initial reaction was that it looked, very much, like a mix of Saving Private Ryan and Dunkirk, not forgetting that iconic one-shot scene in Atonement, it seems he’s got a very specific selling point (beyond the subject matter) and that element is one continuous shot for the whole film. This has completely changed my mind on what to expect.
I love the concept, and how it sets itself apart from other films that would have had a similar tale to tell. This featurette delves further into how Mendes has approached both the making of the ‘one shot’ and the reasons behind it, alongside screenwriter Krysty Wilson-Cairns, outstanding cinematographer Roger Deakins and more with intriguing insight from other cast and crew involved.
You can see why Mendes and his team would want to feel the journey, this is something I love the sound of to bring forth the reality, and as he says himself:
“I felt this movie should be told in real time…Every step of the journey, breathing every breath with these men felt integral.”
Watch and find out more now, this does feel very unique:
1917 opens in UK cinemas in January 2020.