If you thought you knew Steve McQueen, the critically acclaimed director behind films like 12 Years a Slave and Widows, think again. His latest film, Blitz, is a World War II drama that captures the mood of the 1940s but falls surprisingly flat in terms of originality. What may take you aback, if youre a McQueen fan, is what a shockingly conventional and middle-of-the-road ersatz-Hollywood movie it is.
At first glance, Blitz may seem like a bold choice for McQueen, known for pushing the boundaries in filmmaking. Yet, upon closer inspection, it is evident that the film feels somewhat sanitized and bereft of the director's characteristic grittiness and nuance. Instead, it embodies the characteristics of a middlebrow Barry Levinson Oscar-bait movie from the 1990s – which, although highly praised by some critics, often sacrificed bold storytelling for comfortable Hollywood conventions.
On its own terms, Blitz is well done, with impressive visuals and detailed character development. McQueen's attention to historical detail and ability to craft tension-filled scenes have not waned. However, considering his previous films and his avant-garde reputation, Blitz feels almost unrecognizable. It's not an entirely bad film by any means – just a curiosity that seems out of place within the director's body of work.
Perhaps the problem lies in the expectation that Blitz would shatter some kind of mold, just as McQueen has done many times in the past. Instead, the film feels tame – the type of film you might watch with your grandparents. Not that Blitz lacks gravitas – it is undeniably a well-crafted war epic, but where is the spark? Where is the characteristic McQueen style that makes his films unforgettable?