People used to war films like Black Hawk Down might
experience a shock while watching Where Eagles Dare.
The camera is so still.
It doesn’t shake each time a bridge explodes nor bullet
ricochets. It doesn’t chop and change each half second, as though
it’s not a film but a music video.
In fact much of Where Eagles Dare depicts nothing more than men changing
into Nazi Wehrmacht uniform, or
planting explosives. People used to modern battle films might find themselves
squirming. But in fact the comparative slow
pace of the film has a purpose. It redirects our
attention from the explosions to the competence of the soldiers. Each time
Clint Eastwood ties explosives to a bridge it’s a chance to acknowledge
his cool under pressure. It means
people might not feel Where
Eagles Dare brings them close to the action. But it does instil admiration for people that can perform
such a job without losing their heads.
