The Representation of World War One in Film and its Effect on Collective Memory

Thèse de Bachelor , 2023 , 43 Pages , Note: 2,0

Philologie Anglaise - Littérature

This Bachelor's thesis begins with theoretical chapters on the culture of remembrance (collective/cultural memory) according to Assmann, film theory and forms of representation of the First World War in films. This is followed by brief analyses of three different films (All Quiet on the Western Front 1930; Paths of Glory 1957; The Trench 2000), each of which is examined with the aid of the preceding theory. In the conclusion, this analysis is categorized and critically evaluated. First and foremost, the thesis that the same cinematic representation of the First World War since 1930 has led to our current conception of the First World War is discussed. It is also argued that the First World War was one of the reasons why the medium of film became the most popular worldwide.

Diese Bachelorarbeit beginnt mit theoretischen Kapiteln zu Erinnerungskultur (Kollektives/Kulturelles Gedächtnis) nach Assmann, Filmtheorie und Darstellungsformen des Ersten Weltkriegs in Filmen. Darauf folgen kurze Analysen zu drei verschiedenen Filmen (All Quiet on the Western Front 1930; Paths of Glory 1957; The Trench 2000), die jeweils mithilfe der vorangegangenen Theorie betrachtet werden. Im Fazit wird diese Analyse eingeordnet und kritisch bewertet. In erster Linie wird die These behandelt, dass die immer gleiche filmische Darstellung des Ersten Weltkriegs seit 1930 zu unserer heutigen Vorstellung des Ersten Weltkriegs geführt hat. Zudem wird argumentiert, dass der Erste Weltkrieg einer der Gründe war, dass das Medium Film das populärste weltweit wurde.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. INTRODUCTION.
• 2. COLLECTIVE MEMORY...
• 3. FILM.....
  • 3.1. Relation between World War One and Film
  • 3.2. Film Form.
• 4. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930) - LEWIS MILESTONE
• 5. PATHS OF GLORY (1957) – STANLEY KUBRICK.
• 6. THE TRENCH (1999) – WILLIAM BOYD....
• 7. DISCUSSION.......
• 8. CONCLUSION.

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis explores the influence of film on collective memory, specifically focusing on the representation of World War One. It aims to understand how cinematic depictions of this war have shaped shared memories across different nations and generations. The thesis examines three influential films: All Quiet on the Western Front (1930), Paths of Glory (1957), and The Trench (1999).

• The role of film in representing and shaping collective memory.
• The impact of cinematic representations of World War One on audiences.
• The evolution of cinematic representations of World War One across different decades.
• The influence of cultural context and film form on the portrayal of war.
• The effectiveness of film in conveying the horrors and complexities of war.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: The introduction establishes the relevance of studying the representation of World War One in film, considering the long-lasting impact of the war and the gradual passing of its direct witnesses. The focus is on understanding how films, as a powerful medium, have influenced collective memory of this significant event.
• Collective Memory: This chapter explores the concept of collective memory, defining its origins, characteristics, and ways of formation. It provides a theoretical foundation for understanding how shared memories are constructed and maintained within a group.
• Film: This chapter examines the history of film as a medium, focusing on its relationship with World War One. It discusses the emergence of film as a tool for documenting and representing war, along with the potential challenges and opportunities presented by this approach.
• All Quiet on the Western Front (1930): This chapter analyzes Lewis Milestone’s All Quiet on the Western Front, highlighting its revolutionary perspective and groundbreaking cinematic technology. The chapter focuses on how the film represents the war and its potential influence on collective memory.
• Paths of Glory (1957): This chapter examines Stanley Kubrick’s Paths of Glory, exploring its representation of war within the context of its cultural and historical background. The chapter analyzes the film’s unique approach to depicting the horrors and injustices of war.
• The Trench (1999): This chapter examines William Boyd’s The Trench, focusing on its portrayal of the life of ordinary soldiers in the trenches during the preparations for the Battle of the Somme. The chapter explores how the film contributes to a deeper understanding of the realities of trench warfare.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper explores the representation of World War One in film, focusing on the impact of cinematic depictions on collective memory. Key terms and concepts include: collective memory, film form, war iconography, cinematic representation, anti-war films, cultural context, and the influence of film on memory.

• Université: Technical University of Braunschweig (Institut für Anglistik und Amerikanistik)
• Cours: Film Studies
• Note: 2,0
• Auteur: Anonym (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2023
• Pages: 43
• N° de catalogue: V1482316
• ISBN (PDF): 9783389033784
• ISBN (Livre): 9783389033791
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Representation, Great War, World War One, First World War, Collective Memory, Memory, All Quiet on the Western Front, Im Westen Nichts Neues, Remarque, Erich Maria Remarque, Western Front, Kollektives Gedächtnis, Assmann, Darstellung des Ersten Weltkriegs im Film