Long-Winded

Rating: 7/10 (5 September 2009)

Scott is terrific in the title role, creating a well-rounded portrait of the controversial general. He won a well-deserved Oscar, although he refused the award in protest. While the film is generally well done, the script is too long-winded, like a boring history lesson. Unless one is a military buff, the story (co-scripted by Coppola) isn't interesting enough to sustain a running time of nearly three hours. Tighter editing, particularly with regard to the early battle scenes, would have made for a more absorbing film. Schaffner tries to enliven things with flashy camera work, but it comes across as occasionally goofy instead. Goldsmith's score is well suited to the military theme.