1917: The Ambiguity of War (Analysis - Video Essay)

This video examines what I find to be the central thematic message of 1917 -- that the experiences of soldiers and war itself are impossible to simplify or generalize. I think this focus allowed director Sam Mendez to transcend history and ideology and politics, resulting in a film that manages to be both personal and universal. Instead of looking at the well-tread aspects of the film's pace or cinematography, I break down my analysis (like a good English teacher) into three story-focused elements:
1.) The use of paradox and contrast in the 1st act
2.) The inversion of archetypal symbolism in the 2nd act (e.g. descent/ascent, baptism/rebirth)
3.) The motif of homecoming
I also reference the novel The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien, which connects well to this theme ( / 133518.the_things_they... )
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TAGS - Film criticism, film analysis, hidden meaning in movies, 1917, war movies, high school English, American Literature, The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien, symbolism in film, themes in film, films and literature, #1917, Biblical allusions, Dante's Inferno, historical fiction, video essay, movie breakdown, baptism, descent to hell, ascent to heaven, Christian symbolism, The Wayfaring Stranger

[@CaptainShinyify]

I can tell you've really grasped the reigns of transitions, intros and outros really well. The editing on this video is really solid and not overdone, nor lacking.

[@adamnaameeazim6365]

Been watching your videos today on my breaks from writing an essay for university. They've entertained, but most importantly, given me something to think about. They're well made, and you're doing an excellent job. Keep up the good work. You've earned yourself a new subscriber!

[@moonlightingenglishteacher]

Thanks for the encouragement! I really appreciate it :)

[@kristen6893]

I read The Things They Carried in my high school English class! I also saw this movie when it came out last year because my boyfriend is a history buff. I never put the two together until this video. Not that I was the best student in high school but I do remember having some interesting discussions on that book. I love your channel! It's so true that we use skills we learn in English class all of the time without realizing it.

[@danielyim7062]

Yesss! How about Parasite?

[@ayaanlepioneer8970]

Great job well done Mark.

[@EvanH1122]

Quality analysis

[@travishalford5223]

The analysis I was looking for

[@agnese3275]

thank you so much for this! i loved this movie so much when it came out :)