Gripping, but flawed ----

Rating: Null/10 (28 January 2003)

Despite its length I thot Gettysburg was a gripping movie that for the most part captured the drama of this epochal event. My main complaints with it were the rotten treatment given to Union Gen. George Gordon Meade and one of his staff officers, Governeur Kimble (G.K.) Warren. Meade is given hardly any exposure in the movie, and Warren none, despite the pivotal role both played. Meade had only been in command for a few days and was under tremendous pressure from Lincoln, yet showed remarkable coolness when faced by Lee and his formidable army. It was Meade's decision to fortify the Union center in anticipation of Lee's attack, a fact not mentioned in the movie, nor was Warren's rapid reinforcement of Little Round Top. But at least Meade got more respect in the movie than in Shaara's book.
Throughout the movie one got the impression that the proper command decisions should have been obvious for both sides, but this is only possible with 20-20 hindsight. If the Federal center had been weak and Pickett's charge had succeeded, Lee would have been hailed as a genius. His daring gamble at Chancellorsville, when he split has forces, was a success. He gambled again at Gettysburg and this time he lost. The entire Union Army was not made up of the Irish, as the movies seemed to imply. Despite this it was an enjoyable movie & I'm looking forward to Gods & Generals.