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| Patton |
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  (9/10)
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Runtime: 171 |
| Public Rating: 9.59 (91 votes) |
Director: Franklin Schaffner |
MPAA Rating:  |
| Genre: war |
Year: 1970 |
| Writer(s): Francis Ford Coppola |
| Reviewed by: Dick Douglas |
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The historically accurate biopic of General George S. Patton is splendidly told through the eyes of director Franklin Schaffner. A winner of eight Academy Awards, including best picture of 1970, George C. Scott delivers his most critically acclaimed performance of his career. The film is based on works by Ladislas Farago (Patton: Ordeal and Triumph) and Omar Bradley (A Soldier’s Story).
An epic at nearly three hours, the film begins with Patton being brought in by Eisenhower to drive the Germans out of Northern Africa. He is successful and begins his legendary march across Italy. The focal point is not on the war at all, but on the eccentricities and brilliant field strategy of General Patton. His belief that he has been reincarnated over and over and that he fought in every major war in history adds to his war-horse persona and reputation.
His unorthodox style of charge hard and never stop moving delineates him from traditional military leaders. Interestingly, his nemesis Erwin Rommel followed his movements through Europe, and despite the invasion at Normandy, the Germans were convinced that Patton would lead the main assault, so they kept the majority of their forces at Patton’s position. He was feared by the opposition, but his unpredictable flair forced Eisenhower to keep him on a short leash.
The film does a good job showing the egocentric aura of high ranking military leaders of World War II. Patton has a playfully competitive time with General Montgomery of the British Forces. They are gunning for glory, both wanting to be the first to reach Berlin and end the European war. General Bradley complements them well as the “GI General” and Patton’s longtime friend and subordinate who adds a contrasting level-headed approach.
The opening scene sets the tone for the entire film. Patton is shown up on stage, giving a motivational speech to his men. The most memorable part is when he opens by stating “No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor, dumb bastard die for his country.” This pretty much sums up Patton’s philosophy.
Near the end of the film, you can see Patton is becoming a washed up old man. He seemed to be born to lead troops into battle and when the war finally ends, there is a detectable sense of bitterness and sadness in him. The interesting irony is that despite his constant grumblings about Eisenhower keeping him out of the war, he probably was more responsible for the fall of the Germans than any other General in Europe at the time.
The effects are well done for the time, and the acting is good. The cinematography however, is great. There are panning camera angles and stationary shots that added to the experience. Overall, I was impressed. This is a fantastic job by a relatively unknown director to tackle such an arduous task. I would say that this is one of the greatest historical war films of all time.
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