Steve McQueen, the acclaimed director of films like 12 Years a Slave and Widows, is set to release his latest project, a four-hour documentary about the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam during World War II. Titled OCCUPIED CITY, the film has been in development for several years, and the first trailer has finally been released.
(Steve McQueen) Hope in the Dark
The trailer begins with a haunting image of a deserted Amsterdam street, followed by a montage of archival footage from the war. We see Jewish people being rounded up and deported, Nazi soldiers marching through the streets, and the city under siege. McQueen’s trademark slow-motion cinematography and haunting music create a powerful and emotional experience.
The trailer also features a voiceover from actress Melanie Hyams, who reads excerpts from the book Atlas of an Occupied City, by Bianca Stigter. The book is a detailed account of the war years in Amsterdam, and it provides the basis for McQueen’s film.
OCCUPIED CITY is a unique documentary in many ways. First, its four-hour runtime is ambitious, even by documentary standards. Second, the film does not feature any talking-head interviews. Instead, McQueen tells the story of the occupation through archival footage, narration, and music.
McQueen has said that he was inspired to make OCCUPIED CITY by his own experiences of growing up in a mixed-race family in London in the 1960s. He has also said that he sees the film as a warning about the dangers of fascism and intolerance.
OCCUPIED CITY is set to be released in theaters on December 25, 2023. It is sure to be one of the most anticipated and talked-about films of the year.
Why you should see Steve McQueen’s OCCUPIED CITY
If you’re a fan of Steve McQueen’s work, then you definitely need to see OCCUPIED CITY. It is one of his most ambitious and challenging films to date.
Even if you’re not familiar with McQueen’s work, OCCUPIED CITY is still a must-see film. It is a powerful and moving account of one of the darkest periods in human history.
The film is also a reminder of the importance of fighting for freedom and democracy. In a time when fascism and intolerance are on the rise again, OCCUPIED CITY is a timely and important film.
What to expect from OCCUPIED CITY
OCCUPIED CITY is a four-hour documentary, so it is important to be prepared for a long but rewarding experience. The film is not easy to watch, as it deals with some of the most horrific events in human history.
However, McQueen’s film is also a testament to the human spirit. In the midst of darkness, there is always hope. OCCUPIED CITY is a film that will stay with you long after you watch it.
But What I Think Is:
- The film’s four-hour runtime is both a blessing and a curse. It allows McQueen to tell the story of the occupation in great detail, but it also makes the film a bit of a slog at times.
- The film’s lack of talking-head interviews is a bold choice. It means that the viewer is left to draw their own conclusions about the events of the occupation. However, it also means that the film can be a bit dry at times.
- McQueen’s trademark slow-motion cinematography and haunting music are used to great effect in OCCUPIED CITY. The film is a visual and auditory feast.
- Melanie Hyams’ voiceover narration is excellent. She brings the stories of the occupation to life in a way that is both informative and moving.
Overall, OCCUPIED CITY is a powerful and important film. It is a must-see for anyone interested in World War II, the Holocaust, or the dangers of fascism and intolerance.
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