Review of Patton (1970) by Timothy S — 29 Mar 2008
A searing and unsentimental filmic biography of one of the most self-consciously bombastic historic figures of the 20th century. George Patton stands alongside Hitler and Churchill as a man who knew history and wanted desperately to become a leading character in it.
Throughout this gripping, almost painterly epic, we see how Patton contructed nearly every moment of his existence as a reflection of history. His ferevent belief that he was a reincarnation of previous warriors led him to pursue what he thought of as his manifest destiny.
Of course, he was also a tactical genius and certainly a terrifyingly able warrior, but as George C. Scott's career best performance demonstrates, this came part an parcel with his obsession with history. Patton had memorised every tactical manouvre made by every commander from 400AD onwards.
Although perhaps slightly over-patriotic thanks to Jerry Goldsmith's rather suitably enthusiastic score, Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece of a script ensures that this biography is one which is not afraid to show the negatives of it's subject.
This review of Patton (1970) was written by Timothy S on 29 Mar 2008.
Patton has generally received very positive reviews.
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