1917 (2019)
A very impressive war film shot in one take.
Presentation:
Okay the film isn't really shot in one take, but it's presented as such and does so quite well with noticeable cuts if you're looking for it but none as egregious as Birdman. The film looks spectacular with Roger Deakin's sensibilities, there's something about his grade preference and lens choice that still has a specific gentle softness to it regardless of whether he uses natural lighting. All of his sequences with natural lighting look phenomenal. The film rarely takes a breathe as you go from one sequences to another with immersive camera work. This film is beautiful enough to make you want to go to war in the trenches. It could be the most beautiful war film of all time, but is somewhat limited by its framing for a single take film.
Conclusion:
Who the hell cares if this is a gimmick? The film looks amazing with incredible cinematography making the lighter story perhaps obsolete, but shifting the focus on what makes war films so compelling: the experience. And that's what this film accomplishes so expertly.
Recommendations
War isn’t about who’s right, rather who’s left.