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Clip description
After a brief credits sequence the film introduces Captain Woodward (Brendan Cowell). Woodward has just arrived at the Western Front in France for the first time and – already lost in the tunnels – is clearly rattled.
Curator’s notes
This is an efficient and visually striking opening. An opening sequence usually does two important things: it introduces the viewer to the world in which the film is set, and establishes the identity of the protagonist (not necessarily in the very first scene, but quickly and unambiguously).
This scene fulfils that brief admirably, pitching the viewer straight into the tunnels central to its story and introducing Captain Woodward. Even in this brief extract we gain some important information about Woodward, learning that he’s new to the tunnels, a commanding officer and nervous about his capacity to find his way around in the dark.
We’re also introduced to a startled father and son working at the head of the tunnel, reflecting an important theme explored further in clip three.
