Dunkirk (2017)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles

Primary genre: War

Nominated for: Best cinematography, original score, production design, picture, director, sound mixing, sound editing, film editing

Won: Best sound editing, sound mixing, film editing

I had zero expectations regarding Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" (2017) as I am not only familiar with the actual story but also I seem to possess a general dislike for the war genre. Yet, Nolan’s reigning status as one of modern cinema's few original auteurs along with his novel cinematic ideas had not prepared me for what I witnessed.

Showcasing the withdrawal of the British from the eponymous beach during World War II that saw 400,000 stranded British soldiers, Nolan cleverly incorporates three storylines (sea, land and air) in different time periods during this catastrophic military disaster which as the film progresses, become interconnected and merge successfully into one. Those uninitiated to a non linear style of storytelling might have trouble following the proceedings but definitely fans of the director will rejoice for this (intriguing) approach. The simplistic plots are not meant to display the bravery of the soldiers or the horrors of war bur to demonstrate the present of an important event in world history.

Nevertheless, despite a meagre 100 minutes running time, "Dunkirk" does feel longer due to its lyrical narrative, its innovative approach and a lack of emotional depth which sees it dangerously flirting with the style over substance flicks. Yet perhaps this is its biggest advantage. Deciding to tell a story through (mostly) visuals and not heavy handed exposition, gives it an edge over traditional war film storytelling. Unlike most films of the genre that introduce stereotypes - the badass, the cold-blooded, the coward, Nolan lets the inevitable event be the story. In similar fashion to George Miller's "Mad Max Fury Road" (2015), there is minimal dialogue with the cast expressing feelings and sentiments through restricted facial expressions indulging the audience to the “heart-pounding” experience that war is. Those seeking exposition and philosophical quests proceed with your search elsewhere.

Where "Dunkirk" excels though is perhaps in the set up of tremendously suspenseful set pieces accompanied by the appropriately complementary score of Hans Zimmer that really gives the picture a sense of urgency and doom. Employing sharp editing and excessive sound design that will make your heart pounding faster with each segment, Nolan directs sinking ships, dogfights and bombings with oozing panache showcasing some of the most authentic (and impressive) shots in film history combined with the bleak - yet captivating - cinematography (by Hoyt van Hoytema). However, his insistence of keeping the proceedings relatively blood free takes some of the impact away, a tactic that for some people (like me) can be distracting.

Despite some known members in the cast - Hardy, D'Arcy, Branagh, Murphy, none of them is really the main lead although Mark Rylance's mariner is perhaps the most relatable and the standout representing hope and displaying more courage in one day than any of us do in our entire lifetime. As for the much hyped appearance of Harry - One Direction - Styles feels more like a distraction and less of a creative choice bearing a sentiment that he should be in a different film.

But these are really small nitpicks in a film that is almost critic proof in every way. Christopher Nolan has made probably his best movie with a remarkable sound design, score and an overabundance of exceptionally crafted cinematic, CGI free, shots. You will get tense, you will hold your breath and you will be impressed. Nolan has established himself officially as a cinema auteur tackling different genres with above average degree of success. See this now.

Captivating

+ Breathtaking cinematography

+ THAT sound design

+ Excellent soundtrack by Hans Zimmer

+ Interesting storytelling approach

+ Minimalistic

- Nitpicks really: the rating

- One direction guy - not bad but could do with no dialogue like the rest!

- Feels long without being long!