Runtime: 172 minutes
Directed by: Franklin J. Schaffner
Starring: George C. Scott, Karl Malden, David Bauer, Edward Binns, John Doucette
From: 20th Century Fox
“Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.”
Last night this was on Turner Classic Movies as part of a night full of George C. Scott movies-always a good thing in my eyes. As I had the time for this near 3 hour epic movie that won seven Academy Awards in 1971, it was the time to discuss it now. I am always down for watching the first half of the 20th century war movies, anyhow...
This is an honest portrayal of a famous World War II General who was great in military life yet was controversial-among other things, he slapped two shell-shocked soldiers for being “cowards”-and got into trouble for running his mouth. While his bold style was apt for the battlefield, at times he was his own worst enemies and rankled various people that were his contemporaries in the Armed Forces at the time. He was complicated, in other words... and this does not even cover some of his worst alleged statements, which sadly were racial and even antisemitic. Some (rightfully) believed him to be a real SOB.
Even if you grow to hate this egotistical person who cursed often (apparently not as often as portrayed here) yet was a religious man, believed in reincarnation, believe he should have been born in an earlier century and was preoccupied with past battles... it was a performance so great from Scott that many still think of him whenever Patton comes up. George C. deservedly won an Oscar for the role—which he refused as he was against the entire concept of awards shows anyhow.
This covered the title character from him taking charge in Northern Africa-doing battle against Rommel-to his campaigns in Europe. There's not much in the way of war action but that's OK when such a complex character-an enigma-was covered and Scott was so tremendous bringing him to life. Of course the viewer was easily transported and believed in the World War II setting; another bonus was a great score from the legend Jerry Goldsmith. Naturally, there's also plenty of marching band music. And, I would be a fool if the legendary opening scene wasn't mentioned: the eponymous character standing in front of a giant American flag, speaking to an unseen regiment and in a not always elegant fashion urge them to fight their best.
While I haven't seen every one of the nominees for Best Picture that year, I've never seen any real complaint over this earning that honor; for those that love the World War II era in general of course the movie is a must... if you love legendary performances, this has that—although it's of a person that shouldn't be idolized except for his military prowess.
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