Patton - "Rommel you magnificent bastard, I read your book!"

Rating: 10/10 (22 December 2007)

Patton (1970)
Number 1 - 1970
Top 10 - 1970s
Top 100 - All Time
"The Carthaginians defending the city were attacked by three Roman legions. The Carthaginians were proud and brave but they couldn't hold. They were massacred. Arab women stripped them of their tunics and their swords and lances. The soldiers lay naked in the sun. Two thousand years ago. I was here." (Patton)
This exceptional war film capturing George Patton's controversial phase during WWII is not only a fascinating inside into the operations of the Allies against the Germans, but a triumphant examination of one of the most colourful Generals in recent military history.
Firstly I will start by highlighting the performance of George C. Scott - Perfect... Undeniably deserved the Oscar for Best Actor, Scott becomes General Patton in this film, he delivers his performance with restraint, appropriate emotion and characteristics. This is exactly the kind of role that stays with an actor for lifetime. George C. Scott has become the man who played Patton! This performance is quite possibly the best of all time.
Scott himself, an intense and intimidating personality in real life, seemed perfect for the role, yet he was not the first, or second, nor third choice for the role, he so masterfully consumed. The theatricality of the character is inspiring. Patton, stands up in his Jeep, makes speeches, quotes history's finest figures to his subordinates. The only weakness of Patton, which was also his strength was his ego; listening to no one, acting alone, slapping a disturbed soldier, getting himself in trouble.
Anyway, the film itself is magnificent. The direction is exceptional, the score by Jerry Goldsmith is a pounding, intense one that thoroughly suits the themes of the film.
Glorious battle sequences, military wit and passionate quotations from different times of history, I am happy to say that 'Patton' is one of my favourite films and one of the greatest war films ever to be made.
10/10