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‘Dunkirk’ not a typical war film
With Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan presents the beautifully written plot of an epic drama, which manages to glue the audience to the screen from the beginning to the end.
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A still from ' Dunkirk.' (Warner Bros. Pictures/File)
I
t is hard not to overpraise Dunkirk. The film is a testament to director Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking skills. In the movie, one would not see typical gunfire or over-dramatic heroic scenes. Instead, Nolan presents the beautifully written plot of an epic drama, which manages to glue the audience to the screen from the beginning to the end.
Inspired by a true story, the film is set in late May 1940. The British and allied troops are stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk, France. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers are waiting to be rescued, dreaming of going home. The story then unfolds from three points of view; from land, sea and air.
It begins with British soldier Tommy (newcomer Fion Whitehead) on land. He finds himself stuck on the beach and desperately wants to get out of Dunkirk. Tommy then encounters Gibson (Aneurin Banard), who shares a similar sentiment. Tommy and Gibson do whatever it takes to escape from Dunkirk, which brings them to meet Alex (Harry Styles).
On the other side, civilian Mr Dawson (Mark Rylance) answers the calls to help save the troops. Using his small wooden yacht, he sails across the sea accompanied by his 19-year-old son Peter (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Peter’s friend George (Barry Keoghan). It is not a smooth journey, but they tackle every obstacle to save the stranded men.
High above the skies, Royal Air Force Spitfires pilots Farrier (Tom Hardy) and Collins (Jack Lowden) try to protect the men below enemy fire.
Read also: Nolan got personal to summon his miracle of 'Dunkirk'
The film is considered short for Nolan’s standard, but it brings audiences on an emotional roller coaster ride.
From the beginning, the audience can feel the intensity of Tommy’s and Gibson's escape attempt. The ticking sound builds up suspense and the limited dialogue between the soldiers showcases their fear and devastation.
As the scene moves to Mr Dawson, the movie’s “feel” changes. Mr Dawson’s positive attitude gives hope to the audience. Meanwhile, the situation in the cockpit presents a glimpse of the pilots’ dilemma. The actors, including Styles, play their parts well, allowing the audience to emotionally relate to the tragic event.
Nolan uses his Midas touch on Dunkirk. Though the film shows three different perspectives, the story unfolds clearly and does not confuse the viewers.
Credit also goes to composer Hans Zimmer. The music, especially the ticking sound, elevates the intensity of each scene and draws the viewers even further into the film.
All in all, although there is no over-dramatic scene in Dunkirk, it is clearly one of the best war films ever made. (asw)
