Identify aspects of cinematography – Saving private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan, 1998

The movie is set during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II after June 6, 1944. The beginning of the movie depicts the landing of the 29^th Infantry Division and Parts of the 2^nd Ranger Battalion which landed on Omaha Beach.

The characters often appear in military clothing, casual clothing and several worn-out uniforms. The characters were wearing M1 helmets, shirt, undershirts, trousers (green in color), M1938 dismounted leggings, socks and long underwear.

The sets was that of a war-torn French village. There was a river running through the village, a bridge going over the river, blown-up houses. Most of the buildings were flat-front buildings, however some were actually built. There was graffiti placed on the buildings.

The overall atmosphere is gruesome and realistic creating the sense that you are actually in the war. The atmosphere of the Omaha beach was as realistic as it gets. The characters are all acting as if they were in war being shot at or killed, especially the character of Capitan Miller who is terrified, nervous, instructive, and determined to find Private Ryan. The characters fit into the setting well, looking sweaty with battle wounds, cuts, bullet penetrations, and even as far as organs protruding outside of the characters bodies. The elements combined contributed to my enjoyment by making the action realistic, as if I was actually in the war. The props, costumes, and characters made the movie interesting and an eye-opener for those who do not understand war and or the setting.

The skillful position of the camera and chaotic movements gave me a feeling of being in the actual filed or striking force. The brilliant high angle shot focusing on a single aircraft made me aware that the force was actually larger…..