A Field in England

Overview of the movie

A Field in England is a 2013 British historical drama set during the English Civil War. It follows a small group of deserters as they flee from a battle and stumble into an eerie and surreal landscape. Directed by Ben Wheatley, its a unique and utterly captivating movie. But whats it all about? Is it a horror movie? A drama? A psychological thriller? All of the above? Its hard to pin down, but one things for sure – A Field in England is a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Themes explored

When it comes to the themes explored in A Field in England, one cannot help but be struck by the range explored. From the depths of despair, to the heights of joy; from the battles of ideology, to the fear of the unknown; this film is a whirlwind of emotion and thought.

But perhaps the most prominent theme is that of fate. Are our lives predetermined or can we take control? This question drives the characters to make decisions which will affect their future. It is a thought-provoking concept which will surely stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Setting of the English Civil War

The setting of A Field in England is the English Civil War, a bloody conflict that lasted from 1642 to 1651, and which pitted the Royalists against the Parliamentarians. But why did this conflict take place? What was it about? Well, it was about religion, about economic and political power, and about who should control the English state. It was a period of great upheaval and tragedy, and it shaped the course of English history for centuries to come.

Social and political divisions

Have you ever noticed how much social and political divisions can affect the way we experience art? A Field in England (2013) is an excellent example of this. Set during the English Civil War, it follows a group of deserters who find themselves in a field, fighting off an unseen enemy. The characters in this movie represent the warring sides of the conflict, and their interactions with each other reflect the deep social and political divisions that were so prevalent at the time. Its an effective reminder that, even in art, the divisions of the past can still be felt today.

Role of superstition and folk beliefs

Have you ever stopped to wonder why superstition and folk beliefs continue to exist to this day? A Field in England (2013) explores this question in a unique way. Through the eyes of its main character, Whitehead, the audience is able to experience the power of superstition and folk beliefs first-hand.

The characters in the film use superstition and folk beliefs to bring order to their chaotic world, and Whitehead is no exception. He relies on superstition to make sense of the strange events that unfold around him, and also to protect himself and his companions from harm. A Field in England is a powerful reminder of the role superstition and folk beliefs still play in our lives today.

Characters and their motivations

In A Field in England (2013), there are four main characters. Whitehead is a cowardly deserter from the English Civil War, Cutler is a ruthless alchemist, Friend is a cowardly deserter and Jacob is a Quaker. Each character has their own motivations for their actions in the movie; Whitehead is desperate to get back to his family, Cutler wants to find the hidden treasure, Friend is in search of a better life, and Jacob is determined to stay true to his beliefs. But, what motivates all four of these characters to stay together, despite their differences? Could it be the promise of riches and freedom? Or, might it even be a sense of camaraderie among those who have been through a similar experience?

Tension between the characters

Tension between the characters in A Field in England (2013) is palpable from the very beginning. Where does it come from? Are they driven by fear of the unknown? Or are they struggling to make sense of the supernatural forces that govern their lives?

The answer may never be clear, but its easy to see why these characters are at each others throats. Whether theyre fighting over buried treasure or trying to outsmart a devious alchemist, they have to rely on each other to survive.

There are many moments of danger and suspense as the characters fight to stay alive. Every decision they make carries consequences, and their relationships are tested over and over again. The tension between them builds and builds until the very end, when their destinies are finally revealed.

Escalation of events

Throughout A Field in England, we witness the escalation of events as the characters progress further into the field. It starts off with the soldiers attempt to escape the English Civil War, but quickly turns into a dark and twisted journey as they discover a hidden alchemist and his mysterious box. With each new revelation, the tension and suspense build as the group is forced to confront a series of increasingly dangerous, and at times supernatural, challenges.

The escalating events lead to the groups eventual transformation from a rag-tag bunch of misfits into a unified force, determined to escape the clutches of the alchemist and his unearthly powers. As the stakes become higher and higher, we are left wondering what the consequences of their choices will be. Will they be able to make it out alive, or will they succumb to the ever-mounting pressure?

Use of black and white film

Have you ever seen a movie shot entirely in black and white? A Field in England (2013) does just that, and the effect is striking. What does this unique style bring to the movie? Well, for a start it creates an atmosphere of dread and fear that wouldnt be achieved with color. It also heightens certain emotions, making them seem more intense. Additionally, it gives the movie a timeless quality, as if it could have been filmed in any era. The use of black and white film in A Field in England makes it a memorable and haunting experience.

Unique camera angles

Have you ever seen a movie with unique camera angles that left you feeling a bit disoriented? Well, A Field in England (2013) is no exception. With its unusual and distorted camera angles, this movie is sure to surprise you. From wide-angle shots to strangely framed close-ups, the films cinematography creates a world of its own. Its like the director is playing a game with you, as you try to make sense of what youre seeing. And thats what makes this movie so special – the experience of being taken on a journey through an unfamiliar world of distorted perspectives.

Visual symbolism

When it comes to visual symbolism in A Field in England, director Ben Wheatley has created a unique, often surreal, experience. From the ale-induced visions of a white horse galloping across the field to the characters search for and discovery of a mysterious treasure, Wheatley uses visual symbolism to highlight key themes in the film. The horse, for example, symbolizes freedom and escape from an oppressive force. The treasure, on the other hand, is a representation of the characters inner desires and ambitions. By interweaving these symbols into the story, Wheatley creates a riveting and deeply symbolic narrative.

Power of superstition

The power of superstition has been a timeless theme in all genres of film, particularly in horror and thriller stories. In A Field in England, this power is presented in a subtle but effective way.

How much do superstitious beliefs influence our decisions and our lives? The characters in the film must confront this question as they travel through the eerie field, and they must decide how much they can trust their superstitions.

Do the superstitions they have been told since childhood hold any truth? Or are they just old wives tales? The film leaves this question unanswered, but its clear that the power of superstition has a strong hold on the characters, and on the audience too.

War and its effects on the individual

War is a devastating experience and its effects on the individual can be far-reaching and long-lasting. But what does war do to the individual? Does it create a hardened shell around them, or does it leave them broken and defeated? A Field in England (2013) explores this very question in its story of a group of English Civil War soldiers who find themselves lost in a desolate field. Through the characters’ journey, the film examines the long-term psychological effects of war on the individual and the ways in which people cope with such trauma. It is a powerful and timely reminder of the human cost of war, and a stark illustration of how even the strongest of us can be broken by its horrors.

Madness and its consequences

Madness: its something that can affect anyone, no matter how seemingly stable they may be. But what are its consequences?

The movie A Field in England (2013) certainly addresses this issue in a unique way. Through its story of a small group of deserters from the English Civil War, it explores the depths of madness and its devastating effects. The characters battle their inner demons and the power of their own minds, as the environment around them grows more and more oppressive.

Its a powerful exploration of the darker side of human psychology and a stark reminder that madness can have a long-lasting and potentially devastating impact on those it affects.

Summary of the movie

A Field in England is a 2013 British horror-thriller film. The movie follows four deserters from the English Civil War as they stumble upon an ancient and mysterious field. In their attempt to escape, the men soon find themselves in a living nightmare. Terrified and desperate, they must confront the menacing forces at play in the mysterious field. With a magical and surreal atmosphere, the movie is sure to leave viewers in suspense and terror. But, is it really a supernatural force, or is something more sinister at play?

Reflection on the themes explored

A Field in England (2013) is a unique and thought-provoking film that delves into a variety of themes. It explores the notion of power, the idea of freedom, and the idea of survival. But most of all, it reflects on the human capacity for resilience, even in the most desperate of times.

What does this film say about our capacity for resilience in the face of adversity? And how do we reconcile our need for freedom with the constraints of survival? These questions are at the heart of the film, and they offer us an opportunity to reflect on our own lives and the world around us.