Today’s quick review: Patton. In 1943, General George Patton (George C. Scott) takes command of American forces in Tunisia and begins the push to link up with British forces on the other side of North Africa. Patton’s bold strategies earn him a string of decisive victories and renown. But as the war goes on, Patton discovers that the greatest threat he faces is not the German military but the Allied politics that threaten to cut short his command.
Patton is a biographical war drama about one of World War II’s premiere generals. George C. Scott delivers a memorable performance as General Patton, a born soldier whose daring in the field is matched only by his poor political acumen. The movie paints a detailed portrait of its subject, capturing his greatest victories and his most crushing defeats. Along the way, Patton covers a significant portion of World War II, as seen from the command post.
General Patton cuts a fascinating figure. His boldness, tenacity, and classical education make him a terror to the Germans and allow him to accomplish feats of war that few others would dare to even attempt. But his audacity comes with a steep cost. His hasty strategies endanger the lives of his men, and his thirst for personal glory often clouds his judgment. More subtly, his inability to temper his speech has a profound impact on his career.
Patton does an excellent job of portraying these conflicting qualities. The movie unfolds at a deliberate pace, showing each step of Patton’s journey through the war as he’s buffeted about by the shifting tides of political favor. Patton’s hands-on leadership keeps him close to the action, and the large-scale tank battles help keep the movie engaging and moving forward. The result is a capable biography that does justice to its subject.
Patton makes for a solid choice for anyone interested in World War II or the diffrent ideologies of war. The slow pace of the movie and its relatively flat emotional arc mean that it simply will not appeal to some viewers, especially those hoping for a tense, visceral look at war. But those willing to take Patton on its own terms will find it to be a rewarding watch, thanks to a multifaceted lead character and a story that encompasses an entire war.
For more visceral tank action from World War II, watch Fury. For a satirical take on the war, try Catch-22. For the fictitious biography of a flawed man, try Citizen Kane.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a robust and comprehensive character portrait.