Review of Patton (1970) by Jenna G — 08 Feb 2016

'Old Blood and Guts!" That's the nickname of General George S. Patton played by George C. Scott in this historic and terrific war film. It has brains and bronze, which is hard to come by with a war film. Balance of acting and action comes with this tale of bravery and audacity. There are epic battles. Tragedy within Patton's inner circle of officers. A descriptive and dramatic story written by Francis Ford Coppola. You may remember him as directing a film called...uh...The Godfather (1972)! And a patriotic and moving score by the famous composer Jerry Goldsmith. All of these movie making elements make for a great product, which I say is the best World War II biopic in cinema history.

George C. Scott does a terrific and convincing portrayal of the American general who was too aggressive and politically outspoken, which got him in trouble on the battle field and with the media. Scott gave Patton a personality that was flawed, and that is what we need to see. An imperfect hero. It keeps the audience active and entertained when the film takes us away from the front lines. It transfers smoothly between peace and war scenes. And he shines in front of that American flag none-the-less!

I want to mention that the role of Karl Malden as General Omar Bradley was a triumph! He plays opposite of Patton; that is exactly what he is, Patton's opposite. Malden gives Bradley a regular man vibe as we see Scott give Patton a persona of a military tycoon. Bradley brings Patton back to reality, or tries to anyway. Any tension that we feel facing Patton, Bradley comes in to remind Patton that he's not God and to look at the bright side. It is a successful sharing of screen time and character development as we see these two friends go through the entire North African and European theaters together. And each decision they make effects the other. It is as if we went through the war with them. If you love and hate General Patton, then Franklin J. Shaffner did his job. You really have to hate and love Patton as the protagonist. That's what you have to do with a general sometimes.