A somber reflection on war: ’Battleground’ and its heavy narrative
The year of victory, but at what cost?
1918 in Italy is often remembered as “the year of victory.” However, Gianni Amelio’s WWI-set film, Battleground, opens with anything but triumphant scenes. The initial visuals are stark and haunting: a pile of bloodied soldiers’ bodies glistening in the moonlight, a scavenger rifling through the wallets of the dead, and a blanket thrown over a shell-shocked survivor. The irony is palpable, as the film’s heavy atmosphere underscores the grim reality faced by Italian soldiers and civilians alike during most of 1918.
A nation in despair
The national demoralization is vividly portrayed through the sluggish pacing and disjointed storytelling of Battleground. This sense of despair is keenly felt by Stefano (Gabriele Montesi) and his old friend and fellow doctor Giulio (Alessandro Borghi). The two doctors patrol the crowded wards of a military clinic in Northern Italy, sharing a deep but unexplained bond. Despite their friendship, they hold very different views on their Hippocratic oaths during wartime.
Stefano, driven by a fierce sense of patriotic duty, is quick to declare unwell patients fit for battle, scornful of those he deems “traitors” for using their injuries to avoid further fighting. In contrast, Giulio, aware of the hypocrisy of sending young men to their probable deaths while he himself has evaded such a fate, is increasingly moved to help his patients get sent home, even if it means deliberately maiming them or making them more unwell with their consent.
The secret surgery
Unbeknownst to Stefano, Giulio has set up a clandestine surgery in an attic lab, ostensibly used for his experiments with bacteria. After hours, he “treats” a steady stream of war-weary patients by giving them venereal diseases that cause deafness or performing unnecessary amputations. The variety of ailments on display showcases impressive prosthetics, with the make-up department excelling in creating realistic, gruesome injuries.
A missed opportunity for deeper character exploration
As Giulio tends to his dubious calling with stoic determination, there are moments when a semi-fanatical gleam in his eye hints at a more intriguing character and film. However, instead of delving into the complex ethics of a doctor who feels bound to make his patients sicker, Battleground opts for an underdeveloped romantic subplot.
Anna (Federica Rosellini), a nurse whose medical career was hindered by institutional sexism, arrives at the clinic. Despite her stiff demeanor and lack of chemistry with either man, a love triangle unfolds. This subplot feels inert and underwhelming, detracting from the film’s potential to explore more profound themes.
Period details and atmosphere
Battleground does excel in its period detailing and atmosphere, capturing the sterile and sickly environment of a wartime clinic. The film highlights the ruthless prioritization of military needs over medical care, as seen when a young guard refuses to open the gates to feverish local children turned away from overwhelmed civilian hospitals.
Structural issues and missed connections
Despite its formal polish and occasional insights into a terrible historical moment, Battleground suffers from fundamental structural issues. The lack of connective tissue between scenes, thin characterization, and subplots that feel hacked off like gangrenous limbs contribute to a sense of disjointedness. The film trundles from one anticlimax to another, making it difficult to connect with the true suffering, slaughter, and pandemic devastation depicted.
Final thoughts
Battleground is a film that aims to portray the grim reality of war and its impact on both soldiers and civilians. While it succeeds in creating a somber atmosphere and showcasing impressive period details, it falls short in its storytelling and character development. The film’s heavy-handed approach and disjointed narrative make it challenging to fully engage with the profound themes it seeks to explore.
For those interested in exploring the film further, you can watch the trailer and find more information on the Battleground page.