1917 Director Sam Mendes on Why He Decided to Shoot the Film in One Take

1917 Director Sam Mendes on Why He Decided to Shoot the Film in One Take
Sam Mendes brings the First World War to screen in thrilling fashion with his new film 1917, opening in US theatres on Christmas Day. The film, presented as one interrupted shot, follows two young soldiers (George Mackay and Dean-Charles Chapman) in the Spring of 1917. With the Germans seemingly in retreat, the two young men are tasked with an incredibly dangerous task. They are ordered to deliver a message to British troops deep in enemy territory who are about to walk into an ambush which could see 1600 British soldiers killed, with one of the men’s brothers amongst them. Against the clock with a seemingly impossible task, the film charts in real-time the dangers and perils that the two men come across on their journey. The film, co-written with Krysty Wilson-Cairns, also features appearances from such great British character actors as Andrew Scott, Mark Strong, Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch.
A very immediate, thrilling and nerve-racking experience, 1917 is both a technical marvel and a fascinating depiction of what it might have been like to be on the front in the War to end all wars. With exceptional work of regular Mendes collaborators such as cinematographer Roger Deakins and composer Thomas Newman to everyone both on and behind the screen; each individual brings their A-game to present a war film experience unlike any other.
My interview with Academy Award-Winning director Sam Mendes saw us talk about the importance of the cinematic experience, the decision to shoot the film in an uninterrupted take, tales from his Grandfather and much more.
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[@xbulelo]

He says he wanted people to experience the human side of war. He also assembled a tremendous cast.

[@sophoclestutorial]

Alfred Hubert Mendes was Sam Mendes’s grandfather . I watched it last night, it was harrowing, enlightening and beautifully made.

[@ShMeatWad]

The one take approach was brilliant. You truly were along for the journey. You felt the hopelessness, you felt like you were a part of the story

[@portugezemonster]

saw it last night, great great movie, needs to be seen in a theatre.

[@dep1001]

Great movie! The two hours went by so fast...

[@Heartracer]

Should have won best picture and best score

[@ComiKon92]

The trailer looks amazing! Can't wait to see it

[@rasalpaul4574]

He did a masterful job!!!

[@ChrisWolff2013]

Not a rarity for good ole Sam.

[@haroldtrump7863]

Great Film

[@kodiachrisvt9099]

He’s now directing four films about the Beatles which is expected to be released in 2027 which is the first time the Beatles and apple corps are involved and he also granted full access to all of their music. 👀

[@jagdeepsinghsidhu2296]

Jarhead wAs amazing too

[@JoshuaHendricksMusic]

He didn’t.

[@jessequest8575]

He reminds me of Sargon ha

[@bien.mp4]

yeah hahaha

[@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek]

Gross

[@flashback1123]

all that WOKE PC crap in this film was out of place. It was 1917 (not 2017) For that alone, this film DID NOT deserve an Oscar. Felt more like a lower budget "must be politically correct" made for BBC TV production, rather than a cinematic masterpiece. It wasn't believable. Mendes got FAT and FEM. US critics didn't buy it.

[@frankpoole8645]

Wtf

[@sophiamura9484]

bro, how in the hell were they trying to be politically correct?

[@Binkey-Wok]

@@sophiamura9484 fr, this dude just bein a troll, or just has beef with Sam

[@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek]

My guy sees one Indian guy with one line of dialogue and calls it a woke film😂