Obviously we are not bias just favoring newer movies that
were created during our generation, as both Maximus and myself are from a more
recent generation, missing out on some of the great of all time. Thankfully they were recorded and most transferred
to DVD for our viewing pleasure. So
though this movie is not as ancient as a few of the movies that have made the
list, let’s just say I wasn’t even a thought in my parent’s minds when this
movie was released.
Patton is a biographical depiction of George S. Patton and
his triumphs and misgivings throughout World War II. Patton was by far one of America’s top
Generals in WWII and showed it time and time again as he rolled his tank
division through Africa, Italy, and then into the Fatherland itself.
Throughout the film, Patton is shown as a fearless and
brilliant General who’s outspoken and order defying behavior leads him into
losing his command more than once. The
film begins with a brief monologue and then moves to Africa where Patton begins
his path to victory. He itched to go
head to head with Ernest Rommel, one of the most revered tacticians of the
Third Reich. He does not get that chance
in Africa which makes his victory there bittersweet for him. This alone shows the man’s competitiveness
and his warriors thirst for battle against the best and the glory he would win
if given the chance. He finds himself in
trouble because of his outspoken behavior so is forced to follow a British
commander into Italy instead of leading himself. Next he defies orders through his actions by
dominating his opposition and rolling in to conquer cities ahead of his slow
moving British counterpart. So he wins
glory again but finds himself sitting out on one of the biggest invasion in
history, D-Day. After awhile though the
heads of the US forces in Europe could not keep his talent out of the fight so
they give him the Third Army, which he forms into one of the most crack
divisions in the US Army. He becomes a
juggernaut, pounding into the enemy lines, rolling through France and other
occupied territories until he drives his tanks right into Germany itself.
George S. Patton was played by, and don’t get confused now,
George C. Scott. Scott was so perfect in
this role, much different than the type of characters he played in his other
movies in my opinion, that he was nominated for Best Actor. He refused the Oscar nomination with a letter
saying “The whole thing is a go***** meat parade. I don’t want any part of it.” Evidently his performance was too outstanding
to be denied as he went on to win the award for Best Actor. He did not accept it and it is now in the
Virginia Military Institute museum in Lexington, Virginia.
Since this was a historical movie, I did mention some of the
events that happen throughout the movie.
I mean we all know who won, right?
What you may not know much about is one of the main figures behind
America’s eventual victory over the tyranny of the Nazi Third Reich. I would highly recommend taking a few hours
on a weekend sometime and watching Patton, especially if you enjoy
history. If you do, you won’t be sorry. Make sure to let us know what you thought of
the movie!
-Diomedes
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