Film Review - Patton

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I've seen it over and over again. Patton is the true story about a guy who just can't keep his foot out of his mouth. (Perhaps the source of my identification with the character?)

George S. Patton was respected by his enemies. The Nazis called him America's best general. Patton was one of those who lived for battle. He read the Bible every night, prayed on his knees, and believed he had been re-incarnated many times. He was not your fit-in-the-mold general. Perhaps that was his secret.

Patton's biggest battle was always with his mouth. He didn't think before he spoke, and insulted many without realizing it. One wonders that the war in Europe might have been shorter if Patton were able to rein in his mouth. There were many times Patton was ordered to stand down and let the political trouble he was in cool off. The man never realized that a general is more than a soldier: he's a politician.

Can you get all of this from a movie? I did. Patton is wonderfully written and shot. George C. Scott convinces you he is the man. Look into his eyes and you'll see Scott thinking like Patton. Scott also takes care to place Patton as a likeable man. His only fault? He just don't quite fit into a political war.

No Suction!

Film Facts

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner

Released in 1970

MPAA Rating: PG

Reviewed by Mongo