Patton's WWII role

Rating: 10/10 (24 June 2001)

This film is one of my all-time favorite movies. George C. Scott's portrayal of General Patton is not to be missed.
Patton is much more than a war movie. We see the battles from a general's eye, the coordinated war effort from the planners' eyes, and the influence politicians and diplomats have over the direction of the war. The actual fight scenes occupy only a small part of the plot, but are themselves captivating. A night battle with no sound later in the movie is mesmerizing.
Scott is a treat to watch. In a memorable, eerie scene he directs his driver and Bradley, at the time his junior, to an alternate battlefield. Although they protest that he is heading the wrong direction, Patton says he "can smell a battlefield". He describes a battle that took place on that spot 2000 years before. Being a historian (and believing that he actually participated in many famous battles throughout history) he used historical precedents to guide his decisions. For better or worse, beating Montgomery to glory was also a constant incentive.
There are so many memorable moments in the film: Bradley's incredulous stare at Patton exasperation that the war may be over too soon (before he gets another command); Patton saluting two children who show more spit and polish than the troops over which he has just taken command; Patton directing traffic at a crossing; Scott's expression slowly hardening upon learning that he will not be in charge of the invasion of Europe; and, again, the utter devastation on his face after a dressing down from Ike.
Patton is a film for thinkers. Even those who don't like war films will find the both movie and Scott's performance, masterpieces.