How Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk Finds New Ways to Subvert the Tropes of the War Film

The problem with Dunkirk and the campaign leading up to it is that to dwell on any aspect *OTHER THAN* the evacuation, is to open a can of worms that only Star Wars could finish. Let's see...

EPISODE I - The German menace; Germany invades the West by pulling off a forest crossing thought impossible. The eloquent use of propoganda to show the Wehrmacht as an invincible fighting machine will play a major role. German paratroops taking the elite fort of Eban Emal will also play into it.

EPISODE II - The French are unable to use an overwhelming superiority in men and materiel against drugged German invaders. Fifth column supporters and spies for Germany cause massive defections in the allied lines and start a refugee surge which floods the roads causing allied ineffectiveness.

EPISODE III - With the vaunted Maginot Line bypassed and French JCOS unable to form a cohesive defense, the allies pull back, drawing a line to defend Paris. Some French armor units will fight exciting battles, coming close to parrying German thrusts. Thrilling last minute saves will come from the Luftwaffe.

EPISODE IV - A new hope. The BEF prepares to evacuate. Lord Gort/Churchill pull all BEF control from France and start making plans to leave. Vicious rear guard actions and violent fighting retreats are constructed to give the illusion to the Germans that the BEF are "digging in."

EPISODE V - The empire strikes back. The RAF - hitherto thought dead by German propaganda, is actually very much alive and fights nail biting actions over the Dunkirk area. Squadron Leader Stanford Tuck will become an ace-in-a-day over the Dunkirk beach, much to the delight of the soldiers below.

EPISODE VI - Return of the BEF. The BEF evacuates over 200,000 much needed troops back to Britain, also coming back to take just over 100,000 allied (Belgian, Dutch, French) troops as well.

Considering the scope of what happened in that short amount of time, Nolan's film hit upon one aspect of it. Dunkirk was full of what-if's as well as failed and missed opportunities (both political and militarily). The German side alone with generals in-fighting and interservice rivalry would take an additional two films.

I have not seen this film but may have to add it to my list!

I thought the move missed the mark a little in the beginning. The movie did't really depict the British resolve as a nation to come together and bring their solders home. That wasn't really shown until end. Great question.