War is Hell. Taxes, Too.
Moviegoers the past few years could be forgiven for thinking comic books had taken over Hollywood. So much of the “sophisticated adult drama” that grownups used to see in theaters has migrated to streaming video, that it seems suburban multiplexes are reserved for Batman, Superman, and their cape-wearing cronies. (Or are you more of a Marvel Cinematic Universe fan?)
Last month, director Sam Mendes released a welcome tale of actual
human
heroes based on his grandfather’s service in World War I.
1917
follows two British soldiers with impossible orders to cross into enemy territory and deliver a message to save 1,600 of their comrades — including one’s own brother — from walking into a deadly trap. The film is presented as being shot in a single unbroken take, which some reviewers have said comes across as gimmicky and grandstanding. Still, it’s a visual feast, and it’s already grabbed the Golden Globe for Best Drama.
Most viewers aren’t going to be thinking about taxes when they see
1917
. But we don’t review movies here, we review taxes. And there
is
a connection.
