It was the largest and bloodiest war the world had ever known, claiming the lives of millions and dividing human history into two categories: “Before” and “After.” The last few years have been an extended commemoration of World War I’s centennial, with 2018 being the final year.
Back in 2014, when Silent-ology was still quite new, I co-hosted the World War I in Film Blogathon with fellow blogger Movies Silently. Now that we’ve reached 2018, I feel that I simply can’t let the rest of the centennial pass without notice. So throughout the month of August Silent-ology will be taking an extended look at the history of the vast conflict–from the perspective of the movie camera. The Great War had a big impact on film history, so it’s an angle well worth exploring.
So please stop by often this month as we take time to remember the tragic events of World War I, and how they shaped our modern world–and more specifically, cinematic art.
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Silent-ology 
Oh, I’m so looking forward to this! Somewhere around 2012 or so, I realized I didn’t know much about WWI, started reading… and reading… and kept reading. By the time the centennial started, I was a full-blown WWI buff. If you’re going to cover The Battle of the Somme, which I assume you are, I recommend you read How I Filmed the War, by Geoffrey Malins (available at the Project Gutenberg website for free). He omits his partner, but it’s a fascinating background story nonetheless.
And if you want any context, clarification, etc., through the month, just shoot me an email. I’d love to share my knowledge with somebody who actually cared. 😉 (Or we could go have tea or something. I mean, I’m literally right across the river from where you said you live.) Happy (or something) centenary!
The Battle of the Somme is a contender for this month’s coverage, that’s for sure. It’s great to know I have a contact who’s a big WWI buff–I may take you up on that offer for tea! 😉 Yes, it’s nice to share our passions with people who appreciate them, eh?
There is something about World War 1 that emphasizes the personal experience, that despite the millions killed, offers private letters and poetry and prayers of many unworldly inexperienced young men, that one can almost hear their voices beckon from their graves. I find the silent movie footage of soldiers heading off to war especially poignant. In many ways, silent film makes me “hear” their voices much more clearly than films in the sound era. I guess that the absence of sound (aside from musical accompaniment) makes one focus on the images of the soldier even more, and leaves us alone with our uninterrupted thoughts of the complete utter destruction and loss that was World War 1.
The personal experience–absolutely. Oddly enough, my interest in silent films, as well as early 20th century literature and art, has made WWI seem a little more real to me than even WWII.
I can’t wait to read this. WW1 is an event that I find difficult to truly comprehend, it was sheer slaughter and waste. It also changed war in general for ever and made the injuries(both physical and psychological)suffered by soldiers more horrible than they had ever been before.
I am hosting a WW1 film Blogathon in November if you would be interested in taking part. https://maddylovesherclassicfilms.wordpress.com/2018/06/23/announcing-the-world-war-one-on-film-blogathon/
Thanks for invite, maddy–I think I’ll join in!
Oooo this is going to be great! And also…..probably a little depressing. (I wouldn’t have it any other way!)
Oh, it will be both of those things–but that’s fitting!