Nolan has done it again.
Produced on a comparatively small budget of $100 million dollars - this PG-13 rated war
epic is the tenth feature from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan.
Which scored over half a billion in ticket sales just a couple months after its July
21, 2017 release.
Sharing the inspiring true story of the allies' rescue from Dunkirk beach during the second
World War, this 106-minute drama unfolds without much dialogue or even conventional protagonists.
Instead, the extremely lean script illustrates through action and visuals alone how harrowing
and dangerous the battlefields in the land, sea, and air really werezz.
Fitting into one of those three location-categories, the ensemble cast features understated and
powerful performances from a slew of familiar faces, including: Fionn Whitehead, Harry Styles,
James D'Arcy, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, and Tom Hardy.
Nolan's unique approach to their (lack of) development means each character is somewhat
generic and interchangeable though.
The survival scenarios they constantly find themselves in are so terrifying and realistic,
we can't help but picture ourselves in their shoes.
And since we learn so little about these characters (most aren't even given names) - this emotional
transference is vital to the success of the narrative.
Those expecting traditional character arcs or introspective monologues need to look elsewhere;
"Saving Private Ryan" this is not.
Indeed, rather than personalizing a giant battle by showing a single soldier's experience,
Nolan goes in the opposite direction; employing a giant ensemble with thousands of extras
- with no single person receiving the lion's share of screentime.
"Dunkirk" is an immersive experience that's bolstered by an extremely loud and visceral
sound-mix - unforgiving with its dynamic range.
When gunfire pierces the silence, it is as startling as it is uncomfortable.
Or the terrifying sound of the Jericho-Trompete sirens from German fighter plane as they dive
for another attack run.
Meanwhile, Hans Zimmer doles out an aggressively intense score that builds and builds to a
seemingly never-ending crescendos... constantly keeping the tension on edge - often drowning
out all other sounds.
The music is an overbearing accompaniment to the stressful action unfolding onscreen,
and one of the more memorable soundtracks in Zimmer's catalog - even if it is a bit
distracting at times.
Only the third movie of the decade to be primarily shot and filmed in the massive 70mm film format
- "Dunkirk" is best experienced on the largest screen possible, which makes full use of the
supersized celluloid.
But since a majority of film-goers (not to mention 100% of the home media release) will
only see a 16:9 cut of the picture - there are many shots that feel unnaturally framed
due to the extended headroom in the non-cropped version.
It's one of those "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situations - but still slightly
distracting to see everyone's faces positioned in the dead-center of the picture.
But all of it is stunningly detailed and hauntingly beautiful.
Although to be fair, watching paint dry would likely look pretty gorgeous too if it were
projected from 4K IMAX laser projectors onto a 100" screen.
The entirety of the "air" plot looks particularly astonishing; with cameras affixed to inside
and to the sides of Spitfire fighter planes as they swoop through the clouds above the
English Channel.
Easily the greatest aerial battles ever captured on film - these dog-fighting scenes are worth
the price of admission alone; and are even more impressive when you learn they were created
without any computer effects.
Prohibitive costs notwithstanding, if it could have been accomplished practically - it was,
as Nolan chose to avoid CGI-shots whenever possible.
The results are seamless and realistic.
"Dunkirk" explores several key scenes from different perspectives, by inventively inter-cutting
the narrative threads in a non-parallel way.
As the technique arrives without introduction or warning, it can be a bit confusing when
you begin to see the same scene over, but from a different angle - but does allow for
additional insight.
These are the types of creative decisions you don't usually associate with a summer
blockbuster starring one of the hunky musicians from OneDirection, but it works.
Nolan may not be cinema's "smartest" filmmaker, but of the director's I'd consider "smart",
he's certainly the most accessible - and that counts for a lot.
As I was hoping for a bit more historical insight and character development, I can't
say that this film is my favorite entry in Nolan's growing portfolio - but that doesn't
preclude it from being one of the best war movies ever made.
"Dunkirk" is a monumental achievement in blockbuster filmmaking, and a truly AMAZING film.
That does it for this "Movie Night" excerpt - but if you'd like to watch more reviews
click or tap the thumbnails on the left.
And don't forget to visit the Jogwheel YouTube channel to see full episodes of this show
in addition to the other content I produce.
My name is Jonathan Paula, thanks for watching and have a good Movie Night!