Lesson 1 TWG

2. The War Game depicts the impact of a
possible nuclear attack on Britain.
The horrific events depicted within the film
resulted in its release being delayed by 19
years.
The film won the Academy Award for Best
Documentary Feature in 1966

3.  The film bases its style on news magazine
programmes of the time and uses reportage like
images to attempt to create verisimilitude.
 Interviews are used at several stages in the film to
show the views of the public. Several of these
interviews are juxtaposed with horrific images
to further illustrate the films overarching message,
on of the futility of nuclear war.
 ‘Voice of God’ narration is used throughout the
film as a narrative device, framing the film and
adding to its overall news feature style.

4.  The War Games overall message is one of futility and
desperation, illustrating the devastating effects that
nuclear war would have on the country.
 It challenges the government attempting to show that
they have not realistically prepared for such events
and that any adequate preparation may be impossible.
 Because of this overarching message The War Game
was seen as ‘cause celebre’ for the Campaign for
Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and many early
screenings of the film were organised by this group.

5.  The War Game caused controversy within the BBC with many deeming the
film too horrific and graphic to be shown to the public.
 They initially delayed the films release in order to consult the government,
holding a closed screening for cabinet members. After this screening and
undisclosed communications with the Home Office the BBC announced in
November 1965 that the film would not be shown. The BBC maintains that
its decision was an independent one.
 This announcement caused further controversy in the press at which point
the BBC chose to screen The War Game to politicians and reporters hoping
to illustrate why the film could not be shown to the general public. Many of
those invited to these screenings agreed with the BBC denouncing the film
in the press and in parliament.
 However these screenings also allowed the film to gain support from notable
critics such as Kenneth Tynan who stated that The War Game might be “the
most important film ever made”.

6.  Roger Ebert stated that:
• The War Game should be shown “in every public park. It
should be shown on television, perhaps right after one of
those half-witted war series in which none of the stars ever
gets killed.” (1967)
 Amber Wilkinson also stated that:
• “The War Game still remains a startling testament to the
fears that existed long before and, though we are now more
inured to the violence of conflict, it is as chilling today as it
ever was.”
 The full version of these reviews can be found on
the blog.

9. In your groups look at your designated
scene and bring out the key points that
answer the question.
This will be presented to the class at the
end of this session.