As a film enthusiast with a penchant for historical dramas and a soft spot for World War II films, I must admit that “Blitz” left me both captivated and slightly perplexed. On one hand, Steve McQueen’s mastery of storytelling is evident in every frame, from the gripping opening scenes to the poignant final moments. The cinematography by Yorick Le Saux and Hans Zimmer’s score add a layer of depth that transport you to 1940s London during the Blitz.
1940s London was under relentless bombardment from German air raids, reducing buildings to raging infernos lit by glowing orange flames. Tragically, many residents perished in their own homes, seated comfortably in their armchairs. Amidst the chaos, crowds of civilians gathered around fortified underground train stations, pleading with the police for admission. This was the grim reality of war. Yet, life persisted. Despite the skeletal remains of many buildings, shops and markets continued to operate, and people went about their daily routines. The well-heeled patrons of dance clubs danced late into the night…
Steve McQueen, a renowned British filmmaker, could be considered one of the remaining traditional masters within the film industry. However, this isn’t immediately apparent upon watching films like “12 Years a Slave” or “Hunger,” which depict harrowing portrayals of human suffering and strength. Despite these heavy themes, McQueen skillfully transforms courage and pain into compelling art. Interestingly, McQueen’s storytelling approach is smooth, relatable, and polished to a commercial level, a trait that is evident throughout “Blitz,” his dramatic production set during the eight-month London bombings by the Nazis, which began in September 1940.
The movie begins with firefighters battling a fiery building, and a firehose moving wildly like a massive serpent; this sets the tone that war has been awakened, metaphorically speaking. McQueen strategically angles his camera beneath the explosive bombs as they descend from the dark sky, revealing the chaos and fear on the ground below.
The film ‘Blitz’, set amidst the chaotic backdrop of World War II’s European heartland, certainly delivers dramatic destruction. However, it’s not primarily an action war film. Instead, it focuses on human drama. If you’re a fan of McQueen, you might be taken aback by its surprisingly traditional and mainstream Hollywood feel. On its own merits, ‘Blitz’ is competently made, but it could easily pass as a Barry Levinson Oscar-worthy movie from 1992.
The main protagonist, George (played by Elliott Heffernan), is a 9-year-old boy with a gloomy, shrewd gaze, who, at the start, becomes part of the over half a million children evacuated from London. His mother, Rita Hanway (portrayed by Saoirse Ronan), a munitions worker, sends him on a train. George harbors such resentment towards this separation from his mother and grandfather, the refined pianist George (played by Paul Weller of The Jam), that he tells her he “hates” her and remains unmoved as the train departs, disregarding Rita as she chases after him in her stylish red suit, giving an impression of a poignant, nostalgic farewell scene from old movies.
In the film, it’s not explicitly clear where George is being sent, but it seems he will be taken care of. However, George refuses this arrangement. Not long after, he discards his travel case from the train and jumps off shortly afterward, landing in a lush green landscape. The movie then follows his return journey to London, and later his neighborhood, creating a miniature Candide-like adventure. Throughout this journey, he encounters people who attempt to assist him (or force him into a Dickensian gang of thieves), but destiny keeps guiding him towards the next encounter. The events unfold like clockwork, and eventually, we understand that’s the structure of the movie. The authorities, aware that George has disappeared, are also in pursuit.
Simultaneously, we delve into Rita’s story, a woman who, with her ordinary charm, bright blonde hair, and fiery spirit, could easily be the embodiment of a British Rosie the Riveter. (At one instance, someone even calls her ‘lovely Rita.’) The movie “Blitz” is effectively set, skillfully acted, and beautifully illuminated with a luxurious, wartime atmosphere by cinematographer Yorick Le Saux. Hans Zimmer’s score subtly includes ominous hints of fear. However, this production primarily serves as a war chronicle that aims to uplift and inspire the masses.
The film is deeply rooted in traditional themes of race and understanding, and it follows the story of George, a Black character who never knew his father, Marcus (portrayed by CJ Beckford). A flashback reveals Marcus and Rita dancing passionately in a vibrant jazz club from the early 1930s. However, their joy is abruptly cut short as Marcus is harassed and assaulted by white gangs outside the club. The police, predictably, detain him, marking the last time we see him on screen. George experiences his own share of racial prejudice, but when he finds himself in a London shelter where Jewish refugees are segregated, the movie delivers a brief educational moment about how this practice reflects the same evil that Germany is fighting under Hitler. Although the moral lesson presented here might seem neatly packaged, it’s not necessarily incorrect.
In “Blitz,” director and screenwriter McQueen displays an effortless style that keeps viewers engaged. However, the movie never delves into morally intriguing or dramatically nuanced territories. The protagonist, Rita, is straightforwardly portrayed as a brave mother with a beautiful singing voice, who strives to reconnect with her son and stands up for her coworkers at the Works Wonders factory. George, her son, has a persistent scowl but is depicted as a resilient and resourceful child, deserving of both our admiration and empathy. During his journey, George encounters Ife (played by Benjamin Clémentine), a Nigerian expat who instructs people to turn off their lights during the nightly blackout. Ife is a kind-hearted character whose goodness we appreciate. After meeting Ife, George initially expresses that he is not Black, reflecting his ambiguity about growing up without his father. Later on, after reconnecting with Ife, George alters his perspective; he accepts and identifies with who he truly is. Rita also develops a connection with Jack (Harris Dickinson), a soldier who subtly hints at being a potential romantic interest for her.
Does “Blitz” take you there? In a literal sense, yes. McQueen meticulously recreates London during the Blitz, capturing the atmosphere so vividly that we feel as if we’re right in the middle of it, even understanding its people. However, the film’s narrative journey seems somewhat generic. War has a unique ability to bring out the best and worst in individuals, encompassing a wide spectrum of emotions. Yet, “Blitz,” much like Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast,” carries an air of stiff-upper-lip nobility. It’s challenging not to be moved by it, but despite its technical prowess, the film appears somewhat restrained by its well-intentioned approach.
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2024-10-09 21:47