Introduction to Film
Introduction to film
Understanding Movies
Film Analysis: All Quiet on the Western Front
Introduction
Lewis Milestone’s All Quiet on the Western Front was one of the first realistic war films of its time. This film works to make a powerful statement about the misconceptions of war and fighting. Its message is one that anyone who has seen war close up can attest to. Regardless of time, location, or people, these realities have remained the same, which is why this film has grown to be a timeless classic. The purpose of this assignment will be to critique and analyze based in terms of film structure, acting, cinematography, editing, and musical score.
Based on the book of the same name written by Erich Maria Remarque, the story bases itself off Remarque’s own experiences as a German soldier during World War I. His book highlights both the physical and mental stress one goes through in war, as well as the detachment they feel once they return to civilian life. Since it was published in 1928, the book sold over 2.5 million copies, and has been translated into 25 different languages.
All Quiet on the Western Front won the Academy award for best picture in 1930. This film was directed by Lewis Milestone, and produced by Carl Laemmle, Jr. The screenplay was written by George Abbott. The musical underscore is accredited to David Broekman, with cinematography by Arthur Edeson.
Plot
The film follows the journey of several young boys who are persuaded to enlist into the German army during World War I by the passionate words of their overly patriotic schoolteacher. Once they arrive at basic training they are all eager to begin honing their skills. This excitement is soon killed when they meet their instructor, Himeltoss, who’s strict and punitive methods of training, gives the young recruits a serious wake up call from what they had originally hoped for.
Understanding Movies
Film Analysis: All Quiet on the Western Front
Introduction
Lewis Milestone’s All Quiet on the Western Front was one of the first realistic war films of its time. This film works to make a powerful statement about the misconceptions of war and fighting. Its message is one that anyone who has seen war close up can attest to. Regardless of time, location, or people, these realities have remained the same, which is why this film has grown to be a timeless classic. The purpose of this assignment will be to critique and analyze based in terms of film structure, acting, cinematography, editing, and musical score.
Based on the book of the same name written by Erich Maria Remarque, the story bases itself off Remarque’s own experiences as a German soldier during World War I. His book highlights both the physical and mental stress one goes through in war, as well as the detachment they feel once they return to civilian life. Since it was published in 1928, the book sold over 2.5 million copies, and has been translated into 25 different languages.
All Quiet on the Western Front won the Academy award for best picture in 1930. This film was directed by Lewis Milestone, and produced by Carl Laemmle, Jr. The screenplay was written by George Abbott. The musical underscore is accredited to David Broekman, with cinematography by Arthur Edeson.
Plot
The film follows the journey of several young boys who are persuaded to enlist into the German army during World War I by the passionate words of their overly patriotic schoolteacher. Once they arrive at basic training they are all eager to begin honing their skills. This excitement is soon killed when they meet their instructor, Himeltoss, who’s strict and punitive methods of training, gives the young recruits a serious wake up call from what they had originally hoped for.
Bibliography: Non-print "All Quiet on the Western Front (1930 film)." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia "Full Cast and Crew for All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)." The Internet Movie Database (IMDb). http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0020629/ (accessed March 8, 2013). SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on All Quiet on the Western Front.” SparkNotes LLC. 2007. http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/allquiet/ (accessed March 7, 2013). Dirks, Tim. "All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) ." Filmsite. http://www.filmsite.org/allq.html (accessed March 8, 2013).