The Best Years of Our Lives tells the story of three World War II veterans who have a lot to get used to when they come home after the war. Each of the three men faces challenges with their love lives, families, and finding employment after they have returned. This film shows the authentic struggles of men returning from war and the trials and tribulations they go through with others who just don’t understand what they have been through. The message is positive and the movie ends happily, with each of the three main characters pursuing what (and who) they love.
The production elements are incredible and even create some themes of their own. The cinematography is what stands out to me the most and adds the most to the story. In many of the scenes, the camera films a mirror or mirrors in the room that reflect the characters in the scene. For example, when Peggy and Marie are in the Ladies’ room freshening up, the camera films their reflections instead of their bodies as they have a conversation. Another instance of this is when Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson are in their bedroom and Peggy enters. The audience sees Peggy enter the bedroom through the reflection in the mirror. The cinematography in these particular scenes helps form a certain theme throughout the film – the three veterans only see what’s on the surface of their lives and fail see what is really going on in their friends’ and families’ lives. The mirror(s) represents the “surface” or “reflection” of what they see. Fred fails to see how his wife treats others. Mr. Stephenson fails to see Peggy’s struggles.
Another great part of the cinematography that I noticed is whenever there is a scene in the Stephenson’s house that involves Mr. Stephenson, there is usually a long shot used somewhere within the scene. This is used to show that he is distanced from his family and all that they’re dealing with. He is more concerned with himself and his affairs than theirs.
Overall, The Best Years of Our Lives is a wonderful, classic film. It has a good story, great character development, and amazing cinematography. If any filmmakers out there are doubting whether they should watch it, I definitely recommend watching it!
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