Lengthy but compelling

Rating: 7/10 (12 December 2016)

The story of the infamous WW2 American general George S. Patton is given the Hollywood epic treatment in this lengthy but compelling biopic directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, who had just come off the back of making PLANET OF THE APES so was clearly on a roll. PATTON tells an unhurried tale charting Patton's battles staged in Sicily from his base in North Africa, depicting how his rivalry with British forces led him to the greatest of success.
From this point on the man's infamously prickly character gets him into trouble with his superiors and later his ultimate superior, and the rest of the film follows various trials and tribulations in a tale filled with highs and lows. George C. Scott was one of Hollywood's most uncompromising actors and he truly gives the role his all here, so much so that he becomes synonymous with the character he plays. Also most impressive is the staging of the battle scenes, which are gritty and authentic and look fantastic, with every dollar of the budget put up on screen for the viewer's enjoyment. The supporting cast don't get much of a look in, but the likes of Karl Malden serve well enough in their parts.