Comparative Analysis of 1917 and All Quiet on the Western Front – the Portrayal of Heroism through Narrative Structure, Cinematography, and Mise-en-scène

Abstract

This essay compares Sam Mendes’s film 1917 and Edward Berger’s 2022 German adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front, focusing on their different portrayals of war due to their distinct cultural contexts. The cultural background of British commemoration of humanity and sacrifice in the film 1917 leads it to highlight a profound heroism. On the other hand, drawing from Erich Maria Remarque’s anti-war novel and a modern, post–World War II perspective, All Quiet on the Western Front critiques nationalism and heroism, portraying war as a cycle of death that dehumanizes soldiers. Through analyzing narrative structure, cinematography, and mise-en-scène, the essay highlights the distinctive depictions of heroism in these modern war films: one honoring a hero despite the futility of war, whereas the other rejects glorification, presenting war solely as a destructive, dehumanizing force.