Writing & Publishing Storytelling At Its Best

[Accord64]

I recently rewatched one of the best wartime productions ever made: Band of Brothers.

In the 5-minute clip below, a scene plays out that's not only an incredible tribute to those who served in D-Day, but a masterclass in storytelling.

To set the scene, it's June 5th, 1944. The evening before the Normandy landings, 13,000 paratroopers boarded over 1000 airplanes to be dropped behind enemy lines. This particular scene recounts the 101st Airborne division departing from Upottery Airfield in England.

The scene opens with Lt Winters addressing his platoon just before they board their transport. There's hardly any dialog, but the expressions on the soldiers faces (and the somber music) tells you everything you need to know. To me, it's a visual illustration of "show, don't tell." There's no need for a narrator, or dialog between actors to convey the weight of the scene. It's simply great storytelling.

Then the music surges as the first transport plane rolls down the runway, which perfectly shifts the scene to display the scale of grandeur of the operation. It still gives me goosebumps.

I think this scene perfectly captures what these brave young men were facing, and what they were feeling. From a storytelling aspect, there's so much to learn from it.

And if you have never seen this series, I highly recommend it. It chronicles the incredible, true life story of the paratroopers of Easy Company. At times it's not easy to watch, but it's quite a journey. Their stories tell of unbelievable bravery and sacrifice. I don't think we'll ever see a generation like this again. They were aptly named "The Greatest Generation."

 

[suspensewriter]

Thanks a lot for posting that, @Accord64 ! I will watch it.

 

[Johne]

I recently rewatched one of the best wartime productions ever made: Band of Brothers.

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For many years, I rewatched this mini-series leading up to Memorial Day. I jumped the gun a little recently so I didn't do it this year, but it's one of my very favorite series of all time, if not the all-time favorite.

One of my favorite things about the series is the focus on Dick WInters, his faith, his work ethic, and his friendship with Lewis Nixon. I love aspirational stories, and he embodies a man of faith without being denigrated. He's low-key funny, super relatable, and an example of how to craft a Christian character in the worst of wartime settings. He commanded respect by his moral excellence, his superb military training and carriage, and the way he treated everyone he met with care. As a character, he is practically unique. In the early going, he kept finding himself in perilous positions, but he treated every situation with the same moral and situational ethics.

A crucial early crossroads was when he chose to go up on charges of court martial instead of submit to falsity. That went to his character. But perhaps even more impressive is late in the war after a successful night raid across a hotly contested river yielded two German prisoners at the cost of one of the men. This was a moment when... well, you'll see. (Some wartime language included, but the picture of a strong, capable believer who clearly viewed the lay of the land and cared for the men under his command. (I especially like how Captain Nixon volunteered to write up the fiction of the mission.)

I believe this show and the person of Major Dick Winters provides an example of how to write a strong man of faith without making him look like a zealot or a crackpot. He is the man you wish you were. He is the man we wish we each were. He handled problems without complaining, and he glorified his God without preaching. His life speaks for itself. This is how it's done.

 

[lynnmosher]

Wonderful example, Accord! Thank you. I think I watched this. I can't remember. I'll have to go hunting and watch again.

 

[Accord64]

I jumped the gun a little recently so I didn't do it this year, but it's one of my very favorite series of all time, if not the all-time favorite.

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I think it's the best short-run series ever made. Period.

One of my favorite things about the series is the focus on Dick WInters, his faith, his work ethic, and his friendship with Lewis Nixon.

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I think this scene (among many) really shows his friendship with Nixon in a more humorous way.

He's low-key funny, super relatable, and an example of how to craft a Christian character in the worst of wartime settings. He commanded respect by his moral excellence, his superb military training and carriage, and the way he treated everyone he met with care.

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I just saw the episode when Winters walks up the the back of the truck where his men are eating and drinking. He sticks his head in and surprises them by taking a drink of wine. He then proceeds to disclose (correct) Guarnere that he's not a Quaker. This just shows how Winters was a great leader. He knew how to interact with his men in a way that's human, but also clearly in charge. Couldn't help but to notice how he didn't overstay his welcome.

I believe this show and the person of Major Dick Winters provides an example of how to write a strong man of faith without making him look like a zealot or a crackpot.

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That scene towards the end when he passed by Sobel, who wouldn't salute him. Such a class act to say "You salute the rank, not the man."

 

[Darrel Bird]

I knew a man like Winters in 1961. He had an affect on me all those years ago. I've also known men like Sobel in the military. I agree its the best series.

 

[AHumbleWarrior]

I knew a man like Winters in 1961. He had an affect on me all those years ago. I've also known men like Sobel in the military. I agree its the best series.

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@Darrel Bird, me too (in my own times). @Johne, I've watched this series multiple times as well. I even used several clips when teaching leadership during my career.

All, don't just watch the theatrical series either. Buy the DVD(s) and watch the interviews with the actual soldiers the actors portrayed, THOSE are priceless.

I served with a USCG Auxiliarist in Maine. An amazing man who served at the end of WWII, in Korea, and at the beginning of Vietnam. Amazing men, those old soldiers!