Steve McQueen explores class divide in key scene from 'Blitz' set in WWII London

nytimes.com November 1, 2024, 07:01 PM UTC

Steve McQueen, the writer and director of "Blitz," discusses a key scene set in the Café de Paris during World War II. The nightclub symbolizes the divide between social classes, showcasing both luxury and the struggles of wartime life. In this scene, Rita learns that her son George is missing. The camera moves through the vibrant club, highlighting the lively atmosphere and the character Snakehips Johnson, a real-life bandleader known for his flamboyant personality. The song "Oh, Johnny," performed by Celeste, plays as a backdrop. It reflects themes of life and sexuality amid the war's dangers. The scene contrasts the club's opulence with the underlying class divisions present even during the Blitz.


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