Sam Mendes is a man of many talents. From American Beauty to James Bond to a celebrated West End play, the acclaimed director jumps between genres and mediums with ease. Now, he turns his attention to the horror of the First World War in his upcoming film 1917 – enlisting the entire acting ranks of Great Britain to bring his vision to life.
Shot by legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins – Oscar-winning cameraman behind Sicario and Blade Runner 2049 – 1917 looks to be an epic picture befitting the scale of its subject matter, with the first trailer teasing the realism and maturity of Mendes’ grand ambition. There’s thunderous explosions, dingy trenches and lots and lots of running – all punctuated by a Nolan-esque ticking that warns of the ear-ringing to come.
George McKay and Game of Thrones breakout Dean Charles-Chapman lead the cast list, stepping into the trench feet of two young British soldiers tasked with crossing enemy lines to deliver a message that will prevent the deaths of thousands of comrades. Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Madden, Mark Strong, Colin Firth and Andrew Scott make up the supporting cast.
Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Penny Dreadful) is on hand to co-write the screenplay with Mendes, while his long-time friend and Pixar maestro Thomas Newman has been enlisted to compose the score. Shooting began in April 2019, reportedly all in Britain, and the film is scheduled for release in January of next year.
