This article delves into the thematic and narrative differences between two films centred on World War II veterans attending D-Day commemorations: “The Last Rifleman” and “The Great Escaper.” While both movies share a similar premise, they diverge in their storytelling approaches, with “The Last Rifleman” focusing on personal trauma and “The Great Escaper” emphasizing an enduring love story.
Introduction
World War II remains a profound source of cinematic inspiration, with filmmakers continually exploring its multifaceted impact on those who lived through it. Two recent films, “The Last Rifleman” and “The Great Escaper”, offer unique perspectives on the experiences of World War II veterans. Both centred around the D-Day commemorations and the veterans’ escape from their care homes to attend these events, the films diverge in their thematic focus and character portrayal. “The Last Rifleman,” directed by Terry Loane, tells a story of personal trauma and redemption, while “The Great Escaper,” directed by Oliver Parker, intertwines a touching love story with themes of war and remembrance.
This article was inspired by my Mom, and a friend’s Mom, who both, separately (but with other friends), went to the cinema to see the films, and “persuaded” me to too.
Comparative Overview
“The Last Rifleman” and “The Great Escaper” are two distinct films, each with their unique storyline and thematic focus. Both are based on the true story of Bernard Jordan, an 89-year-old British World War II Royal Navy veteran who “broke out” of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France in June 2014.
“The Last Rifleman” is a feature film directed by Terry Loane and written by Kevin Fitzpatrick. It’s inspired by the story of Bernard. The film follows Artie Crawford, a Northern Irish World War II veteran portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, who decides to secretly escape his care home on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. His journey takes him through Ireland and across to France to pay his final respects to his best friend and confront the ghosts of his past (Wikipedia).
On the other hand, “The Great Escaper” is a 2023 biographical drama film directed by Oliver Parker, written by William Ivory, and starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson. It is directly based on the story of Bernard. The film explores Jordan’s adventure, his relationship with his wife Rene, and the impact of his experiences during the war. Michael Caine’s portrayal of Bernard Jordan was met with critical acclaim, and the film is noted for its emotional depth and exploration of themes like the enduring impact of war, the importance of remembrance, and the power of love (Wikipedia) (DMT) (Evening Standard) (Zeffirellis).
While both films are centred around World War II veterans attending D-Day commemorations and escaping from their care homes to do so, they differ in their narrative focus and character portrayal. “The Last Rifleman” is more about a personal journey of facing past traumas, while “The Great Escaper” also delves into the enduring love story of the main character and his wife, alongside the themes of war and remembrance.
Detailed Comparison
“The Last Rifleman”
- Personal Journey and Trauma: The film’s core revolves around Artie Crawford’s personal journey, highlighting his internal struggles and desire to confront his past. This journey is both physical and emotional, depicting a veteran’s need to make peace with his experiences in the war.
- Character-Driven Story: Artie, played by Pierce Brosnan, is the central character, and the film follows his solitary escape and the challenges he faces. It’s a deep dive into his character’s psyche, exploring themes of ageing, regret, and the haunting memories of war.
- Reflection on War’s Impact: “The Last Rifleman” seems to focus more on the lasting psychological impact of war on individuals, showcasing the personal toll and the struggle to reconcile with one’s past actions and memories.
- Realism and Historical Context: Based loosely on a true story, the film might offer a more realistic depiction of a veteran’s experience post-war, underlining the historical context of the D-Day landings and their significance.
“The Great Escaper”
- Love Story Amidst War Themes: While it also deals with a WWII veteran attending D-Day commemorations, this film intertwines the main narrative with the enduring love story between Bernard Jordan and his wife, Rene. It adds a layer of emotional depth and explores the support systems of veterans.
- Character Relationships: The dynamic between Bernard and Rene, played by Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson, respectively, is central. Their relationship provides a backdrop to the war memories, highlighting how personal relationships are affected by and survive despite the backdrop of war.
- Themes of Remembrance and Legacy: The film delves into the themes of remembrance, not just of the war but also of the relationships and lives built post-war. It emphasizes the significance of commemorating those who were lost and the legacy they leave behind.
- A Broader Social Context: “The Great Escaper” seems to offer insights into the broader social impact of war on families and communities, not just the individuals who fought.
Comparative Insights
- Narrative Depth: “The Last Rifleman” is more introspective, focusing on personal trauma and resolution, whereas “The Great Escaper” presents a more relational and social perspective, encompassing the impact of war on both personal and communal levels.
- Emotional Resonance: Both films likely resonate emotionally with viewers but in different ways; “The Last Rifleman” through its portrayal of personal struggle and “The Great Escaper” through its depiction of enduring love and companionship in the face of adversity.
- Historical Representation: Each film offers a unique lens on history — one through the eyes of a solitary veteran and the other through the shared experiences of a couple, both affected by the same historical event.
Conclusion
These differences in narrative and character portrayal enrich the cinematic landscape, offering varied perspectives on a period of history that continues to be a source of fascination and learning. “The Last Rifleman” and “The Great Escaper” both honour the sacrifices and experiences of World War II veterans, yet they do so in ways that reflect the complex, multifaceted nature of human memory, love, and resilience. Through their distinct approaches, these films provide audiences with a deeper understanding of the lasting impacts of war and the enduring power of personal and shared histories.