How Long Did It Take to Make the Movie 1917?

The creation of 1917 is a testament to the meticulous planning and execution that goes into crafting a cinematic masterpiece. From the initial conception to the final edit, the process was nothing short of a mammoth undertaking. While the exact timeline varies between phases, the entire project spanned approximately two years. This in-depth look at the filmmaking process will provide a clear understanding of the time and effort involved.

Conception and Screenplay

While Sam Mendes and his team probably had the idea for 1917 years before production began, the actual writing of the screenplay took a substantial amount of time. Screenwriting is a critical phase that requires extensive research and storytelling, and for this epic World War I tale, it likely took at least 3 to 4 months to develop the script. This initial phase laid the groundwork for the entire film.

Preproduction and Principal Photography

The preproduction phase kicked off in June 2018. However, the principal photography lasted for 65 days—quite a significant period, given that big-budget films often have tight shooting schedules. According to Sam Mendes, these 65 days went by rather quickly, as the filming process was described as "complicated and gruelling."

During this time, the film was shot in a military training base in Salisbury, where 500 extras were handpicked by Mendes, adding authenticity to the scenes. The intense claustrophobic journey through the battlefields of northern France required careful planning, with the crew working tirelessly to capture the essence of the story.

Post-Production and Awards Success

Post-production, including visual effects, sound design, and color grading, took place after the principal photography wrapped in October 2019. The editing process was crucial, as the film is often described as one continuous take. Indeed, the film was created through a multitude of shots meticulously woven together by the editor, Lee Smith, to create the seamless experience that audiences enjoy.

The film's success has been celebrated with numerous accolades. At the 2020 Golden Globe Awards, 1917 won both the Best Motion Picture and Best Director awards for Sam Mendes. This win was followed by an even greater achievement at the BAFTAs, cementing the film's reputation as one of the finest in recent cinematic history. Many industry experts predict that the film will replicate this success at the Oscars.

The critical acclaim for 1917 is also due to its cinematic style. The film's unique approach to storytelling has been lauded, particularly its use of a single continuous take. This choice adds a sense of urgency and intensity to the narrative, immersing viewers in the chaotic world of the battlefields.

Challenges and Success

Throughout the production, Sam Mendes himself admitted to facing numerous challenges, including the complicated process with little room for error. The film's reported budget was ￡90 million, which funded the large-scale production and the extensive use of extras. This level of investment was necessary to create a visually stunning and historically accurate film.

The result of all this effort was a film that was not just critically acclaimed but also commercially successful. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its compelling narrative, stunning cinematography, and the seamless editing that creates the illusion of a continuous shot. The success of 1917 has proven that with dedication and attention to detail, even the most challenging projects can be turned into masterpieces.