In Blitz, Steve McQueen powerfully captures the grim realities of World War II through the eyes of a young boy navigating love, loss, and resilience amidst the chaos.
Steve McQueen's new film Blitz, which premiered at the London Film Festival, serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of war, especially as people increasingly tend to “look away.” The Oscar-winning director, who also penned the screenplay, focuses on the effects of the Nazis' relentless bombing of Britain during World War II through the eyes of a nine-year-old mixed-race boy named George.
A Child's Perspective
The narrative follows George as he attempts to return to his mother, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, and his grandfather, played by Paul Weller, after escaping a relocation to the countryside. McQueen chose a child's perspective to present war's “perversity,” explaining that adults often compromise or avoid confronting uncomfortable truths, whereas a child's viewpoint is more clear-cut, illustrating the “sobering” nature of conflict.
One pivotal scene features George, played by newcomer Elliott Heffernan, as he processes the devastation inflicted on his neighborhood by German bombs. Another harrowing moment captures him witnessing a fellow runaway being struck by a train.
Influences and Inspirations
McQueen's personal history and extensive artistic career influenced the film. His experiences, including a significant commission by the Imperial War Museum in 2003 to serve as an official artist during the Iraq conflict, shaped his understanding of war. The concept for Blitz crystallized when he stumbled upon a WWII photograph of a black child at a railway station, prompting him to explore this unique narrative.
The film also addresses issues of racism prevalent in 1940s Britain, along with themes of female empowerment that are often overlooked in conventional portrayals of the Blitz. McQueen pointed out that any film about society must reflect its underlying issues, including sexism, racism, and various forms of intolerance.
A Love Story
At its core, McQueen emphasizes that the film's “backbone” is a love story between a mother and her son, which he considers a "timeless" theme. While the central storyline is fictionalized, McQueen drew inspiration from real individuals and conducted extensive research to ensure authenticity. He aimed to highlight the experiences of "ordinary people," choosing not to include well-known figures like soldiers or Winston Churchill in the narrative.
Premiering the film in London was particularly significant for McQueen, who stated, “For me, there was no other place to debut this particular movie.”
Casting Highlights
The casting of Heffernan was a highlight, with McQueen praising his “stillness” and charisma, which evoked a silent film star quality. Ronan's chemistry with Heffernan added depth to the story, creating an authentic bond that translated well on screen. Ronan noted that their friendship developed naturally during filming, contributing to the film's organic feel.
Heffernan, reflecting on their connection, expressed gratitude for Ronan's support, stating, “When we first met, we just clicked.”
Blitz will be available in select theaters starting November 1, followed by a release on Apple TV+ on November 22.
With AFP
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