Patton (1970)

"The pure warrior...a magnificent anachronism." German Capt. Oskar Steiger on Patton.  General George S. Patton, Jr. is the template of the warrior poet, well-encapsulated by this film.  A philosophical conglomeration of reincarnation, Christianity, and uberpatriotism, Patton is memorable as both a WWII war hero and a his narcissistic wiles.  I knew little about Patton before watching the film, but apparently, George C. Scott nails his character.  Regardless of whether or not he was able to mimic the real Patton, Scott was excellent.  The film is excellent.  It is a military movie that even Amanda liked.  Patton is not just dramatically engaging but shows some fascinating insights into the strategy of the Allies during WWII and how Patton, "a magnificent anachronism," seems to be an ancient warrior stuck in a modern war.

Patton is a great character study driven by real history and sprinkled with several action battle scenes.  The battles were impressive, likely pulling a massive budget for the time.  Tight editing kept the action seamless and Patton kept the dialogue interesting.  It has a memorable score.  Well, really it has a memorable instrument--reverberating trumpets, but I honestly can't remember much else about the music.  My only technical complaint is that Patton always looked like he was shellacked in bad news anchor make-up.  Otherwise, you wouldn't know the film is 41 years old.

Patton, portrayed in Patton, is a somewhat self-promoting, disciplined, Jedi who truly believed it was his destiny to be a war hero, almost to the point of being a monger.  At a few points in the film he appeals to God for his mission to be a great war leader.  Naturally, that brings up the difficult question of how God feels about war.  (I'm not about to poke that hive).  But what was more central to the core of this film is how a man wants to be remembered. Patton wanted to leave a destiny of strong leadership and heroism.  It drove him to push himself and his soldiers beyond what some thought was possible.  He is accused, in what seems to be a critical tone, of loving his job as General.  It forces me to ask what my legacy will be.  How would George C. Scott play me?  What will people say that I love?  Prolly not Ben-Hur.

Next on the list: Love Story