The Standard-Bearer of Biopics!

Rating: 9/10 (17 May 2005)

When I was a boy, my father introduced me to this movie (among many others), and I was swept up in it from the get-go. To this day, "Patton" remains at the top of my list of favorite movies of all time. So, I will apologize in advance if I begin to rave too much about this film.
The opening monologue is a display of some of the finest acting ever put on film. As Patton, George C. Scott gives a fantastic performance from start to finish. The real General Patton wrote poetry, believed in reincarnation, was highly religious, and lived for the honor and glory of battle. At the same time, he was crass, vulgar, disruptive, and he severely frowned upon cowardice with conviction. George C. Scott captured all of these facets of Patton's life and delivered a look into a man who seemed in constant conflict, whether it was against the Germans, his superior officers, or himself.
Told from the perspectives of both Patton himself and the German command that monitored him, "Patton" also shows how the general seemed to single-handedly bring down the morale of Nazi Germany. This is especially evident following the "slapping incident," in which the Germans (incorrectly) focused on Patton while the Allies prepared for Operation Overlord (D-Day).
The supporting cast is quite strong here, too. Karl Malden is a perfect choice as General Omar Bradley, an average soldier who happens to wear stars on his epaulets, and who serves as Patton's moral center. Michael Bates is a dead ringer as British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, right down to the mannerisms and the hooked nose. Fans of "Star Trek" may recognize Michael Strong, who guest-starred in one episode of the original series, as General Hobart Carver, one of Patton's aides.
On a side note, there is one glaring glitch in this movie: The tanks used were not Panzers and Shermans; they were American M48s. This is a Hollywood convention. But, considering that American tanks are named for well-known generals, and the M48 was called the Patton, I think we can let this slide.
"Patton" is part war movie and part biopic, and it works well on both fronts. This is a must-have for any DVD collection.