Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk (2017) is a masterful depiction of one of World War II’s most pivotal events. The movie immerses viewers in the chaos, bravery, and desperation of the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940, where over 300,000 Allied troops were rescued from the beaches of France. To bring this monumental story to life, Nolan and his team employed groundbreaking filmmaking techniques, historical authenticity, and an immense attention to detail. Here’s a closer look at some of the fascinating behind-the-scenes facts and stories that went into making Dunkirk.
The Survivors at the Premiere
When Dunkirk premiered in London, it wasn’t just critics and moviegoers who got to witness its gripping portrayal of history. Around thirty survivors of the Dunkirk evacuation—many in their mid-90s—attended the event. Upon seeing the film, they shared their thoughts with the filmmakers, noting that while the film accurately captured the experience, the soundtrack was far louder than the actual bombardment they had lived through. This comment brought laughter to writer, producer, and director Christopher Nolan, who is known for his meticulous sound design.
The Spitfire Scene: A Near Disaster
One of the film’s most intense sequences involves a Spitfire ditching into the English Channel. To film this scene, an IMAX camera was strapped inside the cockpit to capture the pilot’s (played by Jack Lowden) desperate attempt to escape. However, the plane sank faster than anticipated, and the camera’s housing filled with water. In a race against time, cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema used an old film technique of keeping the film wet to ensure it could still be processed. The film was shipped back to Los Angeles, where it was processed just in time, preserving the critical footage that would eventually make its way into the movie.
Casting Young, Inexperienced Soldiers
When Nolan first heard first-hand accounts of the Dunkirk evacuation, it became clear to him how young and inexperienced many of the soldiers were. To capture this feeling on screen, he made the decision to cast relatively unknown young actors for the roles of soldiers on the beach, lending authenticity to the film’s portrayal of raw, inexperienced youth facing unimaginable circumstances.
Reenacting the Dunkirk Evacuation: A Personal Touch
In a unique act of homage, Christopher Nolan and his wife, producer Emma Thomas, crossed from England to Dunkirk on a boat, similar to how civilians did during the original evacuation. The journey took 19 hours due to adverse sea conditions, allowing Nolan to immerse himself even more in the historical context of the event.
The Return of the ‘Little Ships’
The film pays tribute to the heroic civilian vessels—known as the “little ships”—that helped evacuate soldiers from Dunkirk. The end credits proudly note that twelve of the original little ships made an appearance in the film, reenacting their participation in the 1940 evacuation.
A Real Spitfire Lands on Dunkirk Beach
In another astounding feat of realism, the film features a scene where a Spitfire lands on Dunkirk beach. This was no CGI trickery—an actual Spitfire performed the stunt, marking the first time a plane had landed on that beach since 1940. However, after the successful landing, the plane became stuck in the sand, leading to a frantic rush to move it before the incoming tide could damage the valuable aircraft.
The Ticking Sound: A Signature of Tension
One of the signature elements of Dunkirk’s haunting soundtrack is the constant ticking sound, which creates a palpable sense of urgency. Composer Hans Zimmer recorded the ticking of one of Nolan’s own pocket watches, then manipulated the sound using synthesizers to create an escalating, tension-filled atmosphere throughout the film.
Filming on Location: The Real Dunkirk Beach
Authenticity was a key priority for Nolan, and Dunkirk was shot on the actual beach where the evacuation took place. While scouting the area, Nolan found a button from a British soldier’s uniform in the sand, a striking reminder of the history beneath his feet.
The Absence of German Soldiers
Though the film depicts the constant bombardment of the Allied forces by German troops, the actual German soldiers remain largely unseen. They don’t appear clearly on-screen until the final moments of the film, and even then, they are out of focus or shrouded in shadows. This creative choice emphasizes the focus on the human experience of the soldiers rather than the enemy.
Realism in the Cockpit
Nolan is known for his commitment to realism, and this was evident in the film’s aerial sequences. For many of the cockpit shots, Nolan had a two-seat plane rigged so that the actor could play the role of the pilot while the real pilot flew the plane from the rear cockpit. This allowed for true, in-flight shots. Furthermore, cameras were mounted on reconditioned Spitfires, and camera operators even filmed from the water during scenes involving actors in the sea.
The Triple Narrative and Symbolic Color Palette
The title Dunkirk is divided into three distinct color segments—sky blue, dark blue, and white—representing the film’s three interwoven narratives: air, sea, and land. This tripartite structure is symbolic of the complex, multifaceted nature of the evacuation, where the survival of thousands of soldiers depended on the coordination of different elements working together.
Historical Accuracy and Strategic Decisions
In exploring the historical significance of the Dunkirk evacuation, Nolan has remarked that this event was pivotal in the outcome of World War II. Had it failed, Britain might have been forced to surrender, which would have dramatically altered the course of history. The success of the evacuation, though a military defeat, was later framed as a moral victory by Winston Churchill, helping to galvanize the British public and military morale during a time of desperation.
The Role of the Royal Air Force
The movie also highlights the frustrations felt by the soldiers on the beach, many of whom cursed the Royal Air Force (RAF) for not protecting them from the Luftwaffe bombers. In reality, the RAF was already engaged in dogfights with German bombers further inland, and many bombers that made it through had already evaded the fighters. This discrepancy was not addressed in the film, but it serves to highlight the misunderstanding and frustration of the soldiers, who did not see the fighters during the evacuation.
Aircraft and Vehicle Authenticity
For the aerial combat scenes, the production made use of real vintage planes, including two Mk1 Spitfires from American billionaire Dan Friedkin’s collection, which were valued at five million dollars each. Friedkin’s collection is one of the largest private collections of vintage military aircraft in the world, second only to the Queen’s collection.
Silent Movie Inspirations
Nolan drew inspiration from silent films like Greed (1924), Intolerance (1916), and Sunrise (1927) when crafting Dunkirk’s crowd scenes. He analyzed the movement of extras, the evolution of space, and the staging techniques used in these silent films to build suspense without relying on dialogue. This attention to detail created an immersive atmosphere where the visual storytelling took center stage.
A Family Affair
Christopher Nolan’s creative journey for Dunkirk was a deeply personal one. The idea for the film had been simmering in his mind since 1992 when he sailed to Dunkirk with his girlfriend (now wife), Emma Thomas. His connection to the place and its history profoundly influenced the film’s emotional and thematic core.
The Heroic Leadership of Commander Bolton
Sir Kenneth Branagh played the role of Commander Bolton, who was based on several real-life officers, including Commander James Campbell Clouston. Clouston, a Royal Navy officer who played a crucial role in the Dunkirk evacuation, was a hero who coordinated the evacuation efforts despite overwhelming odds. He was awarded a posthumous Mention in Despatches for his bravery.
Dunkirk stands as a testament to Christopher Nolan’s unique filmmaking vision, blending technical innovation, historical accuracy, and emotional depth to craft a film that is as thrilling as it is poignant. Through groundbreaking cinematography, sound design, and meticulous attention to detail, Nolan brought one of history’s most significant moments to life in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide.