The Cold Blue

The Cold Blue, directed by Erik Nelson, is a 2018 documentary that presents a compelling and evocative exploration of World War II, focusing specifically on the experiences of the B-17 bomber crew who flew perilous missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. This historical documentary feature stars real-life war veterans including V.G. Alexander, Paul Haedike, and Mort Kimmel who recount their terrifying experiences as young pilots.

The Cold Blue blends historical analysis, firsthand accounts and meticulously restored raw colour footage from the war. This footage, shot by director William Wyler, was discovered by Nelson in the vaults of the National Archives. The original 16mm color aerial battle footage shot for the 1943 wartime documentary, "The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress," narrates their death-defying missions during the heart of the war.

As the documentary unfolds, we get a chilling snapshot of what these brave young men had to go through every day. Through the testimonies of nine surviving veterans, The Cold Blue doesn't just share the tangible horrors of aerial combat – mid-air collisions, burning planes, and fatal falls - it takes us on an emotional journey into the minds of these soldiers, young boys barely out of their teens, who were thrust into the brutal realities of war. They didn't just fight an enemy; they wrestled with fear, loneliness, and the very real possibility of not returning home.

The film delves into their experiences beyond the planes - the near-starvation, freezing conditions, and extreme mental stress. Besides the relentless bombings and plane malfunctions, these men faced post-traumatic stress and the haunting awareness of their own mortality. Nelson paints a picture of courage and camaraderie in the face of abject fear, and the sacrifice these men made for their fellow soldiers and their country.

The Cold Blue uses a unique storytelling technique that truly immerses viewers in the experiences of these bomber boys. It's a showcase of director Erik Nelson's deft hand at weaving together personal anecdotes, raw historical footage and atmospheric scores to create an impactful narrative. The film’s innovative use of Wyler's original footage confers a color and clarity to the story making it a cinematic treasure well-worth the time of all World War II history buffs, documentary-lovers, and students of cinema.

The film also includes an illustrious original score by Richard Thompson and foreboding sound mixing that amplifies the whir of engines and the crackle of gunfire, catapulting viewers right into the middle of intense dogfights and terrifying bombing runs. The Cold Blue's immersive soundscape adds another layer of realism to these veterans' harrowing stories, providing an intimately relatable window into an almost surreal era of human history.

Despite towing viewers through the grim realities of war, The Cold Blue also highlights the lighter moments - pre-flight rituals, idle time between sorties, and comradeship. These moments of levity and brotherhood provide a poignant balance to the narrative, reminding the viewer of the humanity that endured through those terrifying times.

V.G Alexander, Paul Haedike, and Mort Kimmel lead the series of talking head interviews that serve as the movie's narrative spine. Their firsthand stories are emotional, chilling, and occasionally grimly humorous. They recount their experiences with a candor and lucidity that lends authenticity to the proceedings and serve as living reminders of the war’s imposing realities.

This film leaves a profound testament to the bravery of the men who served in the Eighth Air Force, known as the “Mighty Eighth.” They were one of the largest striking forces ever committed to battle, suffering more casualties than the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy combined during WWII.

In its essence, The Cold Blue stands out as a tribute. It honors the sacrifice, bravery, and the unforgettable hellishness endured by these men. Their stories from over 70 years ago reflect a collective narrative of human resilience and are preserved by this documentary to reverberate long after the final credits roll.

The Cold Blue is a powerful, immersive historical documentary that paints an intimate picture of these brave bomber crews. It's an important reminder of their significant contribution to the freedom we all enjoy today. This film is certainly something extremely appreciated by historians, aviation enthusiasts and anyone interested in gaining an understanding of the Second World War’s air combat from the perspective of those who lived it.