A Comparative Study of the 1930 and 2022 Film Adaptations of All Quiet on the Western Front and the Shifting Politics of War

Abstract

This extended essay examines the evolving portrayal of war in cinema by following its development through the lens of All Quiet on the Western Front, comparing the 1930 and 2022 film adaptations with Erich Maria Remarque's original novel. The comparison of each movie reflects on the cultural, political, and ideological concerns of their respective times, highlighting the rift between nationalism and culture in this media. While the 1930 version is more faithful to the anti-war narrative, the 2022 adaptation expands its scope to critique the broader political mechanisms that fuel war. Through cinematic, psychological and potential ideological analyses and enigmatic compression highlighting the sound design characters and the narrative structure, the study concludes with an explanation of the shifting attitudes towards war cinema and the role of filmmakers in honoring the legacy of those whom Erich Maria Remarque wanted to honor.