History Extra podcast Peter Jackson on the First World War
Oct 15, 2018
Peter Jackson, renowned director of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, joins forces with Jenny Waldman, director of the arts program 14-18 Now, to dive into the transformative power of visual storytelling. They discuss how Jackson's documentary 'They Shall Not Grow Old' revolutionizes World War I narratives through colorized footage and authentic audio, bringing the soldiers' personal stories to life. The duo reflects on the importance of artistic commemoration, the evolution of war journalism, and the need to remember diverse contributions to history.
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Humanizing WWI Through Film Restoration
- Representing WWI soldiers as humans required restoring footage to lifelike speed and color.
- Color and natural movement reconnect viewers to the soldiers' true experiences.
Trench Time Was Limited
- Soldiers only spent a few days continuously in the frontline trenches.
- Rotations and breaks were essential to preserve their mental health and keep them operational.
WWI Soldiers' Unexpected Positivity
- Soldiers from WWI showed a lack of self-pity despite the war's horrors.
- Many saw the experience positively, as an important and character-building time.