Review of Sergeant York (1941) by Barry N — 20 Feb 2011
Director Howard Hawks injects many fine elements into this biopic. The scenes between Gary Cooper and Joan Leslie display Hawks' penchant for underscoring them with sexual tension. DP Sol Polito neatly contrasts the idyllic Tennesee countryside with the gritty, battle-ridden fields of France.
Laying those elements aside, it's obvious from the word go that this film was meant to stir up the American people into participating in the 2nd Great War. Hawks delivers the war propaganda, but his underlying message sobers the discriminating viewer.
Yes, Alvin C. York is a rags to riches story in the sense of coming from nothing and achieving great notoriety. On the surface, Sgt. York had it all, but he rejects the fame, the glory, and the success for a simpler life with those he loves.
The very nature of propaganda is to stir up the emotions, create a frenzy. The character of Sgt. York is calm and level-headed and a deep thinker. He fights out of a personal choice, which is removed from the blind obedience of his comrades.
Patriotism is important, but not at the expense of fighting through the internal war of conscience.
This review of Sergeant York (1941) was written by Barry N on 20 Feb 2011.
Sergeant York has generally received very positive reviews.
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