ACT Wall of Fame
PWHS is currently in the process of creating an "ACT Wall of Fame" display near the front office. Soon students and visitors will see framed pictures of current PWHS students who scored a 25 or higher composite on the ACT. If you received a 25 or higher composite score on the ACT, please see Mrs. Copley to get a picture if you haven't already. Interested in improving your ACT score? See Mrs. Copley or Mr. Conrad for ACT resources.
Miss Edwards' Students Review 1917
Collaborative Review by PWHS Dual Credit ENGL 1105
1917 is a triumphant victory for the war movie genre! Two friends Lance Corporal Tom Blake and Lance Corporal William Schofield are sent on a mission to deliver a critical message that will save 1,600 soldiers if received in time.
Viewers will immediately notice the cinematography. 1917 is cinematographer Roger Deakins’ 15th movie, and he did a fantastic job. The movie starts out in the British war trenches, and it is almost as if the viewer is walking through the trenches, bumping into the soldiers and carrying on other activities. The camera glides so smoothly along the scene, it makes the viewer question how the scene was filmed. The angles of the shot during the scene where Blake and Schofield climb the ladder to cross the trenches for the first time, looks like the viewer is climbing the trenches with them. The film is so high-definition that when the characters go through the barbed wire we can see the spikes enter one of the character’s hand. Later, as the German trenches cave in, we can “run along” with Blake and Schofield racing through the debri.
Another noticeable aspect of 1917 is the use of its intense action sequences which make the viewers feel as if they are a part of the mission. One scene that does this successfully is when Blake and Schofield are crossing no man’s land. We as viewers are expecting the two men to be killed by the German army. Once they reach the bunkers of the German’s and realize that they have abandoned their trenches, we experience a sense of relief. Another scene that includes significant action is when Blake and Schofield are traveling through the bunkers and a rat runs over a trip-wire. A bomb detonates and results in the bunkers above them collapsing. Blake is blown back, while Schofield is buried in stones and wooden rafters. This scene creates suspense in our minds because we are unaware of what will happen next. Will Blake’s friend pass away this soon in the movie? Will they both die and the movie include a major plot twist?
Along with cinematography and action, acting plays a prominent role in the success of the film. Sam Mendes did a fantastic job directing Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay who in turn did a stellar job of fulfilling viewer’s expectations. They fit the part and express emotions which match the events taking place. In the beginning, Chapman’s character Blake is assumed to be the lead. When told that his brother’s life was on the line, Blake is solely determined to save his brother, and Chapman showed the deep worrying that was needed. His acting reached a new level of excellence when he saved Schofield’s life after the trench started collapsing. Chapman showed a true determination to save his own life and his friend. His acting stayed at a constant level of intensity until his death. After Blake’s death, Schofield (George MacKay) becomes the main lead. MacKay’s acting is very natural and fluid. He shows a range of emotions from shock of his friend’s death, to terror running through the burning city to compassion with the young woman and baby she rescued. Overall, the acting was superb. Even within the minor characters, they portrayed emotion needed for the events: being scared, fearful, and ready to fight.
These are just three of the aspects that make this a spectacular film. The special effects and music contribute significantly to the overall experience.This film is rated R and deservedly so because of the explicit language, multiple scenes with dead bodies and war violence, but this should not keep parents from taking younger children to become educated with the reality of war.
