Broderick excellent as Shaw

Rating: Null/10 (12 December 2004)

There seem to be a great many comments listed arguing whether
Mathew Broderick was a good choice to play Col. Robert Shaw or
not. All I can say is that he makes the film work for me. Whether
Broderick under played the part or not, I couldn't imagine any other
actor being more appropriate for the part. Not only were his looks
and age ideal for the individual he was recreating, but his
performance gave Gould the personality he needed; as someone
who was idealistic, young and somewhat callow, yet ultimately
displayed great maturity and fantastic courage.
While Denzel Washington's performance was far more forceful
(and aptly so), I honestly found Broderick's character the most
compelling in the movie.
By the climactic battle, I felt great empathy for each of the
characters, especially Col. Shaw. I guess I feel that by playing
Shaw as a quiet rather than grand presence, Broderick is able to
more successfully highlight the extraordinary bravery and moral
fibre the man showed in his willingness to sacrifice everything for
his men and their cause. Though you could clearly see that he
dreaded his duty, he carried it out unflinchingly. Thats what
leadership is all about. I like heroes who show their humanity
infinitely more than those hollywoodised cutouts that actors like
Bruce Willis often play. I've never actually seen Ferris Bueller's day out. A lot of people who
write about Glory say that its hard not to see that character
wherever Broderick goes. I'll be interested to see Ferris Bueller
now that I've established Broderick in my mind as a Civil war
officer. I'll be happy to here anyones comments on the subject.