Born 92 years apart, both versions of ‘All Quiet On The Western Front’ let us see the gruesome realities of World War I through the eyes of young German soldiers, but they have differences in style, perspective, and narrative. But which adaptation stands superior, the classic 1930 version or the more recent 2022 take?
Cinematographic Evolution
The 1930 adaptation was a Hollywood production with unusually fluid camera work for its time. It has remarkable tracking shots that defied the static norms of early sound cinema, despite the lack of music. In contrast, the 2022 version has modern visual effects to render trench warfare realistically and a harsh and dissonant score, nominated for an Oscar.
So, we see the evolution in filmmaking techniques in both works, with Berger’s adaptation benefitting from advancements in visual storytelling. The stylistic tones differ, with the new adaptation feeling lean, relentless, and almost journalistic, similar to Remarque’s novel.
Cultural Authenticity
Although considered one of the best war movies, the 1930 film featured American actors playing German soldiers. In contrast, Berger’s adaptation is a German production starring German actors, offering a more authentic viewpoint on the war that holds significance in German history.
Narrative Differences
While both films follow the narrative arc of young German soldiers losing their idealism in the face of war, the approach to storytelling varies.
Based on Erich Maria Remarque’s novel, the 1930 version places emphasis on the soldiers’ lives outside the battlefield, exploring the impact of war on the home front. It’s praised for its emotional punch, character-based storytelling, and exploration of deeper political and moral questions.
In contrast, the 2022 adaptation opts for a more relentless and action-focused tone, cutting many civilian scenes and introducing a subplot about Germany’s leadership.
Character Development
Both films share similarities in their portrayal of Paul, a young German soldier losing idealism after facing the war’s horrors. However, there are differences in their approach to character development.
Milestone’s 1930 film takes time to develop the main characters and their relationships to provide a deeper exploration of the soldiers’ changing attitudes toward war. In contrast, Berger’s 2022 version is criticized for prioritizing realistic action over emotional storytelling, which resulted in a less impactful exploration of the soldiers’ lives beyond the battlefield.
Sociopolitical Exploration
The 2022 adaptation introduces a subplot about Germany’s leadership and provides historical context for modern viewers. However, critics argue that it transforms the condemnation of war into a simpler story of virtuous soldiers and cynical leaders. Due to that, they claim the 2022 version lacks the sociopolitical exploration present in the 1930 version. The latter provides a broader perspective on the war’s impact by showing us the soldiers’ exposure to patriotic propaganda and the culture clash between veterans and the civilian population.
Final Verdict
Comparison between the 1930 and 2022 adaptations of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ presents us with a natural evolution in cinematic techniques, cultural authenticity, and narrative approach. While Milestone’s 1930 film remains a benchmark in war cinema, Berger’s adaptation offers a contemporary perspective by reflecting the changing landscape of filmmaking and storytelling over the past century.
