Behind the Scenes of ‘Warfare’: Crafting Realism in War Film
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza’s film ‘Warfare’, currently in theaters.
Drawing from History
The new war film ‘Warfare’, directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, aims to present an authentic narrative based on the challenging experiences of Mendoza and his unit during a pivotal mission in Iraq in 2006. The film’s driving force is its commitment to realism, particularly evident in its depiction of an intense IED explosion.
Impactful Sound Design
To create the harrowing soundscape of the explosive scenes, the sound team traveled to the Czech Republic, capturing genuine gunfire sounds. Oscar-winning sound designer Glenn Freemantle explained, “We had some information from Ray and his memory about how different explosions sound: some of them have a crack, some of them have more of a boom-y impact.” He emphasized the importance of accurately recreating the auditory experience associated with such traumatic events, highlighting the need to include various sound elements that contribute to an explosion’s power.
Perspectives of Chaos
In a crucial scene where an explosion occurs, the film employs a multi-perspective approach to immerse viewers in the chaos the soldiers face. “Some of them were hearing nothing, some of them experienced tinnitus, some of them were hearing the cracking and popping of their eardrum,” noted Freemantle. The disruption contrasts sharply with the preceding moments of eerie silence, emphasizing the tension before disaster strikes—a detail recalled vividly by Mendoza, who noted that the stillness allowed for even the faintest sounds to be heard.
Realistic Set Design
Production designer Mark Digby crafted a comprehensive 360-degree set on an old airfield at Bovingdon Airfield Studios. This set was designed using Google Earth references and Mendes’ personal recollections, encompassing both the exterior street scene and the interior spaces where soldiers retreat after the explosion.
Digby remarked, “The traditional way of doing it would have been to build the exterior of the street as a backlot and then, once we step up to the threshold of the house, go into a studio. But for the practicality of both the timing and resources, it was very important to render it inside and out as one singular building.” This approach added to the film’s authenticity, allowing actors to naturally transition through different spaces.
Attention to Detail
The production timeline required all sets to be ready from the very first day of shooting, leading to a meticulous process to depict the aftermath of explosions. Digby explained how they managed the visual effects, stating, “We took a mold of our pre-damaged wall, rebuilt it in plaster, and slicked off the good wall to put back in our damaged wall. It was like a lego kit.”
Prosthetics and Realism
Oscar-winning prosthetics designer Tristan Versluis considered the IED scene as pivotal, particularly when portraying severe injuries sustained by soldiers. One striking example is the fictional character Elliott Miller, whose leg is critically injured in the blast. Versluis’s team utilized 3D scanning technology to create a lifelike prosthetic leg that accurately reflected the actor’s real injuries.
Versluis detailed, “The silicon leg had to be broken at the right place and bent at the ankle to look twisted. And then we made a fake body and dragged it around.” This level of detail was crucial in delivering a visceral representation of the consequences of war.
Emotional Impact of Authenticity
The presence of Mendoza on set throughout filming provided unique insights that enhanced the film’s development. Versluis recounted a powerful moment when the real soldier visited the set: “Everyone was on edge and slightly nervous because it was like, ‘Have we got this right?’ It was the first time he’s revisited that moment…. To have one of the real soldiers come and revisit this horrific day — I’ve never had that experience before.”
Conclusion
Incombining detailed sound design, realistic set construction, and intricate prosthetic work, ‘Warfare’ aims to honor the experiences of soldiers while creating a gripping narrative. The collaborative efforts of the cast and crew reflect a sincere dedication to portraying the realities of combat, making this film a noteworthy addition to the genre.