From director Sam Mendes, human connection and the magic of cinema are the subject of new drama/romance Empire of Light.
Set n an English seaside town in the early 1980s, Colin Firth, Micheal Ward, Olivia Coleman and Toby Jones star
I’m ready for the dialogue, cinematography and that special magic that exists in all Mendes films. That moment when I’m joyful to be experiencing a great moment on screen. The kind which reconfirms that this medium really is the true perfect amalgamation of all the arts.
It sure is starting to look like 2022 is the year of movies about movies, right? First, we had the rather fun Official Competition. Now, Empire of Light, and of course, Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans.
There are only 3 months left of this year but what do you think the chances are that at least one more film about movies is on the way? Quite likely, probably. I think I’ll be happy as long as it’s not too much like Hail, Caesar! (2016).
Tom Brooke, Monica Dolan, Sara Stewart, Crystal Clarke, Tanya Moodie, Hannah Onslow, George Greenland and also star
1917, the latest release from American Beauty (1999) and Skyfall (2012) director Sam Mendes is a memorable film that features all the great things we’ve come to know and love about Mendes’s work.
Once again, partnering with notable cinematographer Roger Deakins, a fair amount of the visuals and lighting in 1917 has stayed with me long after viewing. Especially regarding at least two stand-out scenes which involve running, and snippets of which you get to see in the film’s trailer.
Dean Charles-Chapman and George MacKay, who play two young British soldiers tasked with delivering a life-or-death message across enemy lines, performed well. Anyone, if not all, with siblings can likely relate to the sense of urgency and arguably foolhardy determination displayed by Charles-Chapman’s character in his effort to get the message to his brother’s battalion. I, for one, started tearing up almost immediately. I found myself moved and often at the edge of my seat as I wished desperately for a successful message delivery.
The brotherly bond, humour, beautiful friendship and stunning moments of great cinematography make up several of my favourite moments in 1917. However, I’m not sure that all those combined had me more excited and happy to be experiencing Mendes’s movie more than the scenes featuring the more seasoned actors.
I’m sure that having been a long-time fan of Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, and Richard Madden had something to do with it. Or, maybe it’s the fact that their dialogue, plus the ways their scenes were captured on screen, was just incredibly arresting. Perhaps it’s their gravitas, great voices and excellent dramatic timing. Without a doubt, the scenes featuring the above five actors were some of my absolute favourites. Especially Scott’s single scene, and when we finally get to meet Cumberbatch’s Colonel MacKenzie.
In terms of what I wish were different about 1917, I’d say a bit more of an even pace, and perhaps a slightly differently edited story, because there were moments where I felt as though my surrender to the storyteller was interrupted with small moments of recognition that my expectations of how seamlessly everything would flow were not fully met. To put it another way, in some moments I got lost in the story in a great way, whereas other moments had me wishing I was that little bit more satisfied with it all; you know, kind of the way Green Book (2018) had me feeling, and led me through the story in a way that proved completely satisfying.
I wouldn’t say overall that 1917 is my favourite war movie. That ‘highly prestigious’ title still belongs to The Hurt Locker (2008) – but it does have a fair amount of highlights you’ll be glad to have experienced.
Did I already say that I’m over the moon that Sam Mendes is back? He’s already directed at least two of my all time favourite movies. And now a film about two young British soldiers (Dean-Charles Chapman and George McKay) tasked with a seemingly impossible mission.
Additional key cast includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden, Mark Strong, Colin Firth and Andrew Scott.
I’m excited for this story of sibling love and a desperate race against time. I can’t wait for all the beautiful shots that are synonymous with Mendes films .
It’s highly likely that I’ll be hugely moved. I mean, I may or may not have already let a few tears escape while watching this trailer.
Anson Boon, Gerran Howell, Daniel Mays, Robert Maaser, Adrian Scarborough, Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Teresa Mahoney, and Justin Edwards also star.
1917 is the latest drama from Oscar winning director Sam Mendes.
Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Richard Madden and Mark Strong, it’s a story set at the height of the First World War. Precisely when two young British soldiers are given an impossible mission in a life or death race against time.
Talk about a love story! What a thoroughly intense predicament.
Bring on the award nominations for one of my favourite directors who has been silent for a while but clearly very busy.
I wonder if my guess is correct in thinking that the brother racing to deliver the message doesn’t make it so his friend carries on instead. I’m sure that what ever the truth, this will still be a memorable audio visual experience.
Andrew Scott, Robert Maaser, Anson Boon, Gerran Howell, Daniel Mays, Adrian Scarborough, Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Teresa Mahoney, and Justin Edwards also star.
The Movie My Life 