Thank You NASL For the prescreening of this Film
Past depictions of war captured that will always stand out to me: The Red Badge of Courage, All Quiet on the Western Front, K-19 The Widow Maker, and now Devotion. To paraphrase a statement from one of the commanding officer’s, "Don't let this one moment in battle define you....war is never ending...no one remembers their history..." Much more profound hearing it of course, but it sets the tone for this review. What horrid conditions these men faced in past battle trenches, boats and subs. The women who later experienced warfare or the ones at home, all suffered.
Thank you to our Veterans and to those who currently serve. Movies like this serve as a much needed reminder.
There's no way to fully capture the thoughts and minds of another. Film adaptations only give us a glimpse into the character of the actual person they're attempting to portray. What stands out in Devotion is that of Jesse L Brown's devotion to his wife, so well captured in the love letters and dates included in the film. First, before anything, before being a Naval Aviator- the first African American one, he was a devote husband and father.
The extra pressure put on him that he shares with his wingman that he experienced during training: weights added to his suit, being held under water, told repeatedly he didn't belong, made him superior. In the film he expresses that if he had done what he was told, he wouldn't be where he is today. There's a lesson for all of us in that sentiment. At times, we must be willing to chart our own course.
From the film, (and the reason I believe the rating was lower from other reviews ) it was difficult to see how his character or demeanor was shaped and formed. The audience was forced to spend time figuring things out as the scenes transpired, which to an extent is good and creative, but also disconnecting and limiting. Jesse Brown did not drink, spoke French, and was disciplined and focused on his performance as a Naval aviator, not as a black man who happened to be a pilot. His past trauma and training was discussed, and we accepted it as is. His integrity and character, well established. My only major criticism, a bit more biographical foundation to put things in perspective to connect us to his character. (Perhaps there is more bonus content from deleted scenes?)
The intro felt as if it were missing an introduction, but the film flowed nicely aside from a slow beginning. Transitioning towards the end was subtle and collective. Everything well packaged and on the surface; enough for you to grasp the heaviness, but not too intense where you're depressed experiencing real trauma from the events depicted.
Amazing camera angles, cinematography, color schemes, musical scores, facial expressions, flight scenes, war reenactments. An annual movie to watch. Overall a great inspiring, uplifting character review.
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