Saving Private Ryan Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Saving Private Ryan - Movie Review Example A subjective point of view usually shows the viewer what the main character is experiencing in the story. To create this point of view, Spielberg had to show us shots of Captain Miller looking at something and then shows us how the captain reacts to what the captain witnesses. This subjective point of view, not only appears during the first epic battle scene but also in other battle scenes throughout the film. There is another remarkable battle scene later in the film where the soldiers encounter German troops in the bombed-out remains of a French town. Spielberg is keen to show the viewer that men who fight in the war put their life on the line for others, not for heroism, but because it is their duty to do so. He clarifies this point by using Captain Miller’s point of view. Miller is a delightful, soft-spoken individual that experiences the horrifying violence of the battle scene as he sees other soldiers lose their lives. As the leader of his group, Captain Miller lets us i n on the importance of winning the war and at the same time shows the viewer on his determination to complete his mission of saving Ryan’s life so that he can go back home. Question 2 One controlling motif in the film is the use of noise and silence. This motif is clearly brought out especially since Spielberg uses Captain Miller’s point of view. ... This happens during the first battle scene on the beach where a soldier tries to ask him for orders, and he snaps out of the silence back to the noise. The elimination of sound is an effective expression of Captain Miller’s state of mind at that time. It could be logically significant because his hearing could have been damaged by the blasting noise of the battle machines, or a psychological trauma of his emotional pain. This motif helps to enhance the subjectivity of the film as well as the theme of courage. In a way, a soldier has to face his opponents and to Miller blocking out all the noise so as to see things clearly helps him to be courageous to face the battle. By alternating between the noise and silence during battle, Spielberg shows his mastery of sound editing while he lets the viewer experience what the soldiers are going through on the battlefield. It is doubtless to say the Spielberg expertly uses this motif to enhance the theme of the film as well as carry the v iewer through the battle experience. Question 3 Spielberg uses Tom Hanks as Captain Miller and in doing so succeeds in portraying him as a human. He conveys his humanity through his ability to lead his group of men in their quest to save the life of one man. In doing so, they need to stay alive amid exploding bombs and flying bullets. Captain Miller knows that it is necessary to win the war but what drives him is the desire to survive it all and go home to his wife and family. This desire drives him to complete his mission because he knows that family is an extremely fundamental aspect of one’s life.