Making War Horse

Making War Horse is a captivating documentary from 2009 that gives viewers an inside look into the production process of the critically acclaimed stage play "War Horse." This behind-the-scenes feature provides a unique and comprehensive look into the world of theater and puppetry, delving into the artistry, effort, and creativity that goes into turning a beloved book into a stage phenomenon successfully.

The story of War Horse initially stems from the book written by British author Michael Morpurgo, published in 1982. The play is based in World War I, revolving around a young boy, Albert, and his horse, Joey. Their profound bond and journey provide an emotionally charged narrative that has touched hearts worldwide. The documentary deals with the adaptation of this deeply moving tale, the challenges the team faced, and how they overcame them to create theater history.

Making War Horse starts with the inception of the idea for the presentation of War Horse at the National Theatre in London. The viewer is privy to the brainstorming sessions, the nascent conceptualizations, and how Morpurgo's book gets translated into a script fit for the stage.

One of the main attractions of War Horse that sets it apart from other theater productions is the use of life-sized horse puppets crafted by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company. These magnificent equine creations are a significant part of making the story come alive on stage. Making War Horse takes the viewers behind the curtain to reveal the intricate craftsmanship and intense training that breathes life into these inanimate objects. It shows the sheer level of dedication that goes into manipulating the horse puppets, making them gallop, whinny, and even breathe so authentically that the viewers forget they are not actual horses.

The documentary introduces viewers to the master craftsmen Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones, the brains behind Handspring Puppet Company. It showcases their journey from drawing sketches to building prototypes, and finally creating the iconic puppets that would wow the world. It's not just about building a horse puppet; the goal is to make it truly horse-like, capturing the creature's soul and movements. Viewers will be fascinated to witness the time-consuming art form that manages to connect physical construction to the emotional narrative of the play.

The documentary does not stop at the construction of the puppets but also spotlights the puppeteers who bring the horses to life. Through rigorous training sessions and rehearsal footage, viewers witness how an actor learns to think, move, and breathe like a horse. A team of three puppeteers operates each horse – one controlling the head, one the heart, and one the hind. Through perfect coordination and resonance of movements, the team's synergy translates into the lifelike image of a horse on stage.

In this process, viewers also get introduced to the actors, directors, designers, and an array of creatives who work tirelessly as a dedicated team to craft and deliver the poignant story of War Horse. The documentary is interspersed with interviews of the team, where they share anecdotes, processes, and their individual journeys. We also hear from acclaimed playwright Nick Stafford, who adapted Morpurgo's book for the stage, and directors Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, who piloted this ambitious project.

Making War Horse also incorporates excerpts from the play that gives the spectators a taste of the live performance and aids in understanding the creative decisions and efforts behind the scenes. From initial workshops to triumphant performances, this documentary brings an awe-inspiring theatrical installation's anatomy and process to light.

In essence, Making War Horse from 2009 is a riveting documentary that offers an intimate and holistic view of the process behind the masterpiece - War Horse. It takes the viewer on a journey - from conception to birth - of a theatrical phenomenon. It manifests theatre's power and capability to leave an everlasting impact by appealing not just to the intellect but to emotions as well.