Prestige in a pulse-quickening thriller
This week we’re handicapping the prospects of the nine Best Picture contenders at the Academy Awards on Sunday. Today: “1917.”
Quick pitch: In the thick of the First World War on the ravaged European battlefield, two brave young British soldiers (George MacKay and DeanCharles Chapman) cross into enemy territory in a bid to thwart a German ambush that threatens 1,600 lives.
Starring: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch,
Mark Strong and Claire Duburcq Written by: Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns Directed by: Sam Mendes Nominations: 10 Key early kudos: Golden Globes/BAFTA/PGA Best Picture; Critics’ Choice/DGA Best Director
Box office (domestic, U.S. dollars): $122.5 million Ladbrokes odds: 4/6 William Hill odds: 8/13 Ranking in Gurus o’ Gold critics poll at MovieCityNews.com: First place, as of Tuesday. Why it could win: It’s two great films in one: a prestige picture of historical importance and technical brilliance that also serves as a pulsequickening thriller. It has taken many prizes, including ones pointing to Best Picture victory.
Why it might not: Oscar generally doesn’t go for war movies — witness “Shakespeare in Love” beating “Saving Private Ryan” — and the lack of nominations for acting and editing may make the ultimate triumph for “1917” a bridge too far. Howell’s line: Uncommon valour and unconventional storytelling combine for unalloyed Oscar gold.