1917: Leitmotif of the Unknown
1917’s score doesn’t use many repeating themes, however there is one leitmotif that stands out throughout the score and film: the leitmotif of the unknown.
“Gehenna”
The motif begins in no man’s land. The characters are unsure of what awaits them and the tension of that unknown increases as they get closer to the German trench, causing the theme to also increase in intensity. The soft piano is joined by a string orchestra and slowly crescendos. The melody creates a pulling feeling, emulating that fear of the unknown, until the line abruptly ends as Blake and Schofield finally discover that the trench is abandoned, ending the initial uncertainty.
“Milk”
The next time the motif appears is as Blake and Schofield approach the abandoned farmhouse. The melodic piano once again signifies the unknown. The soldiers are unsure as to what or who they’ll find and the appearance of this motif notifies the audience of the underlying fear of what could be there. Additionally, there are many unanswered questions at the farmhouse, such as the mystery of who milked the cow and why it’s still alive.
“The Night Window”
The theme reappears again as Schofield wakes up from being unconscious. At the beginning of the piece, the theme is slower than it usually is and almost out of time, reflecting Schofield’s disorientation. He doesn’t know what time it is or what’s happening, once again relating this piano motif to the unknown. As the music continues, the small piano motif is drowned out by an orchestra as the city is revealed, just as the questions and unknown are momentarily drowned out by the awe of the visuals the film presents to both Schofield and the audience. The theme then later reappears as a counter melody in the lower string section. This is appropriate as while there’s still a sense of wonder in the visuals, the questions and the feeling of the unknown return as Schofield stumbles his way through the city.
“Croisilles Wood”
Unless I’m mistaken, the theme never directly returns. However, the melody in this piece feels as if it’s trying to get back to that previous motif, though it never quite gets there. This is highly appropriate as Schofield has almost no idea where to go or what to do because he is overcome with exhaustion. This feeling of emotional and physical exhaustion causes Schofield to really feel anything but this, just as the theme is prevented from emerging. The lack of the motif appearing or being alluded to after this scene shows how everything becomes more certain and clear.
Special thanks to @angeee17 for helping me out a bit and contributing ideas!
