'Dunkirk' A Review

Dunkirk is a WWII film about the English and French evacuation of Dunkirk under the pressure of Nazi forces in 1940. The film is segmented into three interconnecting story lines titled 'The Mole' which follows British soldier Tommy's(Fionn Whitehead) attempts to escape the beach, 'The Sea' which follows Mr Dawson(Mark Rylance) a civilian mariner activated by British Navy to aid in the evacuation, and 'The Air' which follows Farrier(Tom Hardy) a Royal Air Force pilot. The three stories begin on alternate timelines and eventually converge.

Whitehead as the marginal lead is very good, reserved but present, which to be fair can be said of almost every performance in the film. Hardy is magnetic as he always is, regal and aloof but hinting at the weight of responsibility his position in the war lays on him. Rylance is so remote his performance doesn't really even register as one, it's comes across as simple recitation. Recently he's received significant praise but he is continually so distant he doesn't emote in any way, I would hesitate to call it acting at all. Other than Rylance's usual uncompelling lack of effort the cast is all interesting enough but that is more to do with how they are framed, the scenery in which they appear, and the score. Ultimately it doesn't seem as if they are asked to do much of anything.

Of course the cinematography is stunning. The aerial dog fights especially are breath taking. The score is incredible and potent. Nolan is an amazing filmmaker, one of the greatest if not the greatest of his generation, so the various production elements are, of course, immaculate. However. Watching the film you can't help but wonder why. Why this story, why now. And there doesn't seem to be much of an answer. The message, the point, seems to be a vague and half-hearted statement of solidarity and even drawing that conclusion is a bit of a stretch. With the resources at Nolan's disposal and given his filmography Dunkirk shows a startling lack of ambition. Nolan has craft to spare and this feels almost like an exercise. After the excellent and expansive Band Of Brothers continually mining WWII especially the aspects of it that focus on battle seems uninspired.

Visually captivating with a non-linear structure that holds the attention but fails to deliver anything beyond thrill.

Rent It.