A24’s ‘Civil War’ Draws Inspiration from Iconic War Films in Crafting Its Action Sequences
In crafting the visceral and immersive action sequences for A24’s “Civil War,” filmmakers turned to a rich heritage of war films for inspiration, creating a cinematic experience that both nods to and builds upon past masterpieces in the genre.
The array of influence is deliberately varied, showcasing a blend of visual styles and narrative structures that have defined war films over decades. “Civil War” effectively captures the intensity and chaos of battle through techniques honed in iconic films that came before it. The filmmakers behind “Civil War” reached back to these touchstones to ground their narrative in a well-established tradition of powerful storytelling.
Steven Spielberg’s 1998 epic “Saving Private Ryan” is often credited for revolutionizing the portrayal of battle on screen with its harrowing depiction of the D-Day invasion, where technical craftsmanship merges with raw, emotional storytelling. The film’s opening 27-minute sequence is frequently cited by the team behind “Civil War” as a benchmark for authenticity and immersive audience experience.
Additionally, Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” offers another layer of influence. Known for its tense, non-linear narrative and minimal dialogue, “Dunkirk” showcases how atmosphere and pacing can convey the chaos of war. “The intensity of being in the moment, of feeling the ticking clock,” shares a representative from the production team, “was something we wanted the audience to experience in its most unfiltered sense through ‘Civil War’.”
The 2001 acclaimed HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers,” with its focus on camaraderie and the personal experiences of soldiers, also serves as an important thematic and stylistic precursor. By humanizing the larger-than-life scope of war through its intimate focus on relationships, it set a narrative standard that “Civil War” aspires to uphold.
Moreover, some unconventional sources like the video game “Call of Duty” offer a unique perspective on war’s frenetic pace. Known for its first-person immersive experience, it was a touchstone for creating sequences that place the audience directly in the line of fire, something the creative team aimed to replicate in “Civil War.”
By weaving these elements into its fabric, “Civil War” not only honors its forebears but pushes the envelope of what modern war films can achieve. The film promises to be a tribute to the enduring legacy of its predecessors while offering a fresh take on war’s cinematic portrayal.
Source: indiewire.com.