1917: The Real Story

1917: The Real Story, a documentary film directed by Bruce Vigar, resides in a unique space within cinematic history. This provocative and valuable piece, released in 2020, does not stand alone but compliments Sam Mendes' Academy Award-winning movie '1917.' Whereas Mendes' film utilized fiction to narrate the horror of World War I trench warfare, 1917: The Real Story reveals extraordinary truths from actual historical events during the same time.

At the forefront, 1917: The Real Story is an exploration of the factual groundwork that inspired Mendes to construct his fictional story. The film refuses to fall into the binaries of right and wrong or truth and fiction but positions itself as an honest companion to the realm of Mendes' 1917, revealing the real stories that existed then.

Steered by the concept of 'Orders and Medals Research Society' historian, Peter Hart, this engaging documentary delves into the archives of the great battle at Mons and the Operation Alberich in 1917. The bulk of this documentary focuses on the specific journey of two British soldiers, given the mission to deliver a life-saving message, thus pivoting the outcome of the war. The narrative incorporates firsthand accounts, expert interviews, and historical analysis to merge the war's vicissitudes into a singular, comprehensible narrative.

Vigar creates a balanced aesthetic atmosphere throughout the film, using the very locations where the soldiers trod to tell their tales. The merging of these atmospheric landscapes with harrowing descriptions of the trench's horrid conditions sets the tone for the story. The archival footage and photographs are crucial to emphasizing the gap between the war's romanticized version and the stark reality of the soldiers' experiences. All this is further accentuated by the effective sound design that, despite its subtlety, brings alive the atmosphere of those horrid years.

Peter Hart, the film's narrator, acts as a bridge between audiences and history, anchoring the documentary with a historical perspective that brings a sense of authenticity. He guides the audiences through the progression of events, personal anecdotes of soldiers, extracted from their letters and diaries, and expert opinions, truly making the narrative come alive.

This film is not merely a temporal transport to the World War I era; it is also a keen account of individual narratives that often get overlooked in the grand scheme of war stories. These personalized accounts provide a much-needed perspective into the daily lives of soldiers - their fear, camaraderie, and astonishing valor while carrying out orders - and also throw light on war's cruelly egalitarian facet: it spares no one.

The documentary also does a brilliant job of contextualizing the War in global history. It explores the broader political and socio-economic circumstances, shaping the course of the World War and setting the stage for its aftermath. It provides an engaging study of war strategies, including military logistics and the evolution of psychological war, thus presenting an informative review of the dynamics of warfare.

One of the strongest points of 1917: The Real Story is its refusal to resort to over-romanticized or excessively graphic depictions of war. Instead, it confidently entrusts its power within the facts, letting them stand testament to the historical events that unfolded. This enabled Vigar to maintain a raw, no-frills narrative, leaving the audience to ponder on the true essence of war and its horrifying consequences.

In conclusion, 1917: The Real Story is an exhibit of the unfathomable human cost of global conflict. It does not merely recount the reality behind the Sam Mendes' movie 1917 but goes beyond that, using a montage of personal narratives, historical contexts, and philosophical musings on war. For anyone intrigued by Mendes' movie, or those interested in military history, this documentary is a must-watch. Its rich, flowing narrative easies its viewers into the chilling realities of World War I, creating a lasting impression about humanity's resilience and the hollow victories of war.