Trailers are tricky business. As a studio, you have to figure out how to properly sell a film to an audience in a span of two minutes. Do you put a ton of teases with no context, hoping that will be enough to intrigue moviegoers? Or perhaps you have to include the basic explanation of the plot, some key moments (maybe the best moments), showing that your film is something that can’t be missed? Well, sadly, the newest trailer for “1917” does the latter, while previous trailers did the former.
READ MORE: ‘1917’: Sam Mendes Crafts An Epic, Harrowing & Visceral Modern-Day War Classic [Review]
In the new trailer for “1917,” the basic plot is laid out verbatim to how it is explained in the film, via a monologue from Colin Firth. That, alone, isn’t a terrible inclusion in the trailer. However, what comes next is almost the entire sequence from the middle of the film, which is one of the most harrowing experiences you’ll have watching a film all year, and then various clips showing some of the most exciting moments that director Sam Mendes gives audiences. Basically, it spoils all the best parts. And that’s a damn shame.
I almost decided against sharing this trailer because, as a film fan, I would hate for anyone to have key moments from “1917” spoiled before they walk into the theater. The WWI film is so good, with tons of incredible cinematography (Roger Deakins outdoes himself) and pulse-pounding sequences (made better by the “one-take” gimmick). Not only that, the performances, specifically from the two leads, are beautiful.
READ MORE: Sam Mendes Couldn’t Have Made ‘1917’ Without Directing James Bond First [Interview]
But, as an editor of a film website that shares trailers with its readers, it’s my duty to make sure that you have the opportunity to watch a new trailer for one of the most anticipated films of the holiday season. Just know, that if you watch the entire two-and-a-half-minute clip, you’re going to see things you probably would have enjoyed more on the biggest screen possible, with the best sound, and completely in context.
However, if that doesn’t bother you, the new trailer for “1917” is pretty great.
“1917” arrives in select theaters on December 25.