One of the greatest films ever, says the dissident.

Rating: 10/10 (30 March 2006)

Patton is the greatest biopic ever filmed. It is arguably the greatest war film as well. George C. Scott plays Patton brilliantly: a man with a fascinating personality and a fascinating history. The most beautiful thing about this film is that it can be interpreted several ways, despite the fact that it is not an abstract film. One can appreciate Patton for what he is: a brilliant strategist and tactician, a true leader, a man for getting the job done. However, the film also shows the darker side of his pride and showmanship, qualities that may have gotten men killed for the sake of his place in the history books. These two qualities have layers of interplay, referencing each other and giving insight into the other, which alone is a serious feat for any film. Beyond even these relatively shallow aspects, which are already far greater than most films, there are levels of sophistication and insight here beyond what most people are capable of seeing. This film manages to ask questions that most films could never even dream of asking, all at the same time. What relationship do individual personalities have to the course of history? Is the enemy of my enemy always my friend? Do the ends justify the means? What is the relationship between leadership and democracy? Is preemptive military action justified, and under what circumstances? What is the relationship between diplomacy and war? Is war a glorious endeavour? Is war a part of human nature? How has war changed throughout history, and how do societal changes and changes in outlook affect the conduct and outcome of a war? I could write a book on these questions alone. On my last viewing, I was struck particularly by the fact that it often takes a brilliant warrior to end a war, and that we as humans too often see right and wrong based upon whose side we are on. This film brilliantly portrays a man whose time had passed, and yet who found himself perfectly aligned with the times. A warrior in the true sense, Patton took pride in being part of the bloodiest war ever; he is an anachronism, and yet perfectly placed in the modern world. This is a film for the thinker and the philosopher, and it offers new insight into classic problems of human nature and society upon each viewing. I never say this, because it is almost never true, but anyone who cannot appreciate this film is not a very insightful or thoughtful person. There is something for everyone here, except the person who refuses to accept or even ponder the lessons of the past; someone who refuses to analyze themselves and the way they fit into the world. This film is so complex and layered that it makes the Godfather look simplistic; no easy task. I might also mention that this film includes brilliant cinematography, groundbreaking war footage, a great soundtrack, and some of the best acting I've ever seen. Highly recommended.