Film analysis of Dunkirk

Abstract

This study is an analysis of a 2017 war film Dunkirk using Structuralism and Historical Approach. The movie is written, directed, and produced by Christopher Nolan that depicts the Dunkirk evacuation of World War II. This study analyzed the three timelines of the movie and identified the plots which exemplify historical relevance, identified the general themes, and determined the message incorporated in the film. Based on the analysis, the film has a postmodern, historical, fictional and dramatic genre. In this study, Structuralism Theory and Historical Approach were used. Structuralism is used in study which examines the structure and elements of the film specifically the themes, moral messages, and the plots. Historical Approach helps interpret the literary work based on the moment underlying the creation of it by comprehending and analysing the content related to its historical moment. Under analytical research, specific and factual information in analyzing the subject were obtained. Historical Research, Philosophical Research and Review were also used in determining all the necessary information in analyzing the film. The dominating themes of the film highlight the themes of self-sacrifice, simple heroism, powerlessness, nationalism survival. The film, even though set during the terrifying period of the World War II, has something didactic to offer to the audience. The film offers the people a language to speak to each other across national, class, economic and racial lines -that allows them to understand cultures and humanity. This movie is greatly recommended to all people in general. This is a creation to make them realize how devastating the effect of the war and how hopefulness and goodness of others that they expose despite of their harsh environment. Dunkirk is one of the iconic films that we need to watch.