Intelligent, epic filmmaking with a standout performance at its core.

Rating: 10/10 (25 September 2002)

Hollywood biographies and war movies are a dime a dozen. But this deserved multi-Academy Award winner, a compelling portrait of U.S. Army General George S. Patton's experiences during World War II, stands out from the pack mainly due to a larger-than-life performance by George C. Scott, who's sadly no longer with us.
Though he bears little physical resemblance to his subject, Scott expertly captures the essence of warrior-philosopher Patton in both the heat of battle and in private, pensive moments. He's helped considerably in this by a psychologically insightful script by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North, as well as Franklin Schaffner's balanced, unobtrusive direction.

Beautifully shot in 70mm by Fred Koenecamp, the production boasts exhilarating epic scope in its vast tank battles, far-flung locations (both exterior and interior), and seasons ranging from hellish desert sun to the snow-clogged Ardennes forests. The supporting cast is for the most part fairly innocuous, probably deliberately so, with the most noticeable work contributed by Karl Malden, Edward Binns, James Edwards and a few others.
The film also takes the time to give a sense of the enemy's perception of Patton, particularly Rommel's. Scenes of the German command reacting to Patton's moves are vividly enacted, with authentic dialogue and subtitles.
Overall, an almost perfect meld of historical and personal drama, framed with epic sweep against the grand theater of war. A must for the DVD library.