Based on the writings of World War I veteran William March, “Company K” delves into the true-life feelings and actions of an American military unit as told through the eyes of this soldier turned author as he uses a typewriter to try and drain himself of the nightmares of war. In doing so, he takes us back into the war with him as veteran Joe Delaney, recalling his fellow troops and the distinct characteristics that set each of them apart. Through the vivid memories of each of these men, do we gain varied outlooks on the war, different emotions and attitudes that, in the end, were towards a crippling event that acted the same in changing each of their lives, and not for the better. In his book, “Company K”, March provides a no bullshit first hand account of what war is really like and I think if he were alive today, he would be grateful for the fantastic job Robert Clem did of translating his stories to the screen.
Filmmaker Robert Clem definitely had a leg up by working from such gripping source material, but the rest of the heavy lifting was his. And that’s some major heavy lifting if you’re going to attempt to make an indie World War I movie that provides an in-depth look at the experience as a whole from several different points of view. This is the kind of stuff mostly reserved for the major studios. They can pull off a war movie no problem, even if the movie sucks, you’ll more than likely have no doubt that the characters involved are in the place and time of war that they’re supposed to be. Well, the combined efforts of Clem, cast and crew have created that very same effect. Of course, “Company K” doesn’t have all that big budget shine of a major Hollywood production, but nevertheless, I always felt I was where the story was taking me and that’s right down there in the trenches with these confused American soldiers on the European frontlines. I mean, there are tanks and planes and authentic weaponry and uniforms, not to mention battle scenes. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting such incredible production value and matching it is the amazing cast, each member bringing back to life these soldiers that co-existed in March’s living nightmare.
Robert Clem obviously has a lot of affection for this material and it shows in the love and care he put into this project, leading his own talented team of troops in a production that has adapted the words of an important voice, a voice that will hopefully gain even more recognition through this eye-opening film.
