Review of Patton (1970) by Bryan C — 13 Oct 2013

"Patton" is the largest, most focused, and clearly unapologetic biopic of a military man, ever. It just is, whether you want to argue the scale of the production, the unmatched performance from lead actor George C.

Scott, or the stretched approach to the story of his years in the Second World War, this film is incomparable. It also looks at the ugly side of war, by way of approaching its lead subject without convention.

Instead of the reproachful general of lore, Patton is shown as both a man of prestige and knowledge but also a man plagued by war and grit. The layered individual is very well portrayed as both a man who understands the finer aspects of intelligentsia, but is always looking for the next battle, or really victory, over the Germans.

If this film had been made forty years earlier it would have heralded the man as an abject hero, but here he is criticized, ostracized, and broken down into little pieces. He gives a speech about camaraderie and heroism at the beginning of the film, but he also finds himself plagued by controversy at his tactics, at the meaning of bravery when it comes to the loss of human life.

The years covered in this film primarily deal with Patton's time around the media and his misspoken words after his many victories. George C. Scott commands the screen as the general, and though he himself was unsure he was portraying the complex figure to his advantage, he came out with a thoughtful performance.

Karl Malden, who is always the perfecting choice in any supporting role, works well as Patton's subordinate and later as his boss. Their familiarity towards one another creates an understanding ally for the pariah, but also he handles him, and keeps the blow-hard in check even when Eisenhower himself doesn't believe in Patton.

It's disparagingly honest, and speaks with a spirited authority that only a military biopic can. Though there's less heroism and brass than there is raw courage, it delivers on its promise to be a commanding film.