Review of Patton (1970) by Joseph A — 30 Mar 2018

Patton is the greatest character study of a general ever.

George C. Scott plays the character of General Patton with great dexterity and calculated manner. Scott is the reason to watch Patton as the entire viewing experience gets devoted to watching Scott play Patton. It's a character study like no other. You are fascinated at the man that was Patton. Direct in his demeanor, while also intense in his manners, or lack thereof, you are hypnotized by his figure.

Scott plays Patton with a sense of patriotism that defines who Patton is, while also portraying a wild erratic nature to his depiction. Patton is the best war film for it's use of strategy and planning ahead for victory. Patton was likely insane, but also a genius tactician. His guile led to many notable victories in combat that changed the tides of battle during his war. Scott gives the performance of a lifetime displaying Patton's growing madness along side his brazen persona that alludes to the impending violence Patton would order.

Patton is beautifully shot, wildly scored, and brilliantly acted. You get it all with Patton. George C. Scott barks out orders, negotiates over the telephone, scans over his men like a meticulously, cruel, sentry. His gaze meant you were about to be scolded or ordered and his men would listen. In short, Patton is a character study into the mind of genius and madness during his war service. It is worth watching for the opening monologue from Scott's Patton alone.