The war game

Lesson 1 TWG

1. The War Game (1965) dir. Peter Watkins

2. Overview The War Game depicts the impact of a possible nuclear attack on Britain. The horrific events depicted within the film resulted in its release being delayed by 19 years. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1966

3. Style The film bases its style on news magazine programmes of the time and uses reportage like images to attempt to create verisimilitude . Interviews are used at several stages in the film to show the views of the public. Several of these interviews are juxtaposed with horrific images to further illustrate the films overarching message, on of the futility of nuclear war. ‘Voice of God’ narration is used throughout the film as a narrative device, framing the film and adding to its overall news feature style.

4. Message The War Games overall message is one of futility and desperation, illustrating the devastating effects that nuclear war would have on the country. It challenges the government attempting to show that they have not realistically prepared for such events and that any adequate preparation may be impossible. Because of this overarching message The War Game was seen as ‘cause celebre’ for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and many early screenings of the film were organised by this group.

5. Audience Reaction The War Game caused controversy within the BBC with many deeming the film too horrific and graphic to be shown to the public. They initially delayed the films release in order to consult the government, holding a closed screening for cabinet members. After this screening and undisclosed communications with the Home Office the BBC announced in November 1965 that the film would not be shown. The BBC maintains that its decision was an independent one. This announcement caused further controversy in the press at which point the BBC chose to screen The War Game to politicians and reporters hoping to illustrate why the film could not be shown to the general public. Many of those invited to these screenings agreed with the BBC denouncing the film in the press and in parliament. However these screenings also allowed the film to gain support from notable critics such as Kenneth Tynan who stated that The War Game might be “the most important film ever made”.

6. Further Reviews Roger Ebert stated that: The War Game should be shown “in every public park. It should be shown on television, perhaps right after one of those half-witted war series in which none of the stars ever gets killed.” (1967) Amber Wilkinson also stated that: “The War Game still remains a startling testament to the fears that existed long before and, though we are now more inured to the violence of conflict, it is as chilling today as it ever was.” The full version of these reviews can be found on the blog.

7. Which particular filmmaking techniques do you feel have been most effective in making you engage with ‘The Real’?

8. ‘The Real’ ‘Film Making Techiniques ’

9. Task In your groups look at your designated scene and bring out the key points that answer the question. This will be presented to the class at the end of this session.