Biographical Drama

Rating: 6/10 (26 January 2010)

Recap: General Patton assumes command of the seventh army in North Africa, leading it to one victory after another. But his ambitious, bombastic and flamboyant ways, along with his often ill advised remarks to both public and enlisted men, lands him in trouble more often than not. Despite his success on the battlefield he is relieved of command, something that pains him a lot. He is a commander, made for war, and not to be in The War of his time vexes him. Finally he gets the chance to lead the third army in France, once again able to win the glory of the battlefield.
Comments: A movie that won many awards, including the Acadamy Award for Best Actor, Best Director and Best Picture, that has since grown into a classic. But to me it isn't that good. Don't get me wrong, it is still a movie, not just that good.
It seems to follow historical events pretty much, even though some things have been changed for dramatic effect or to save time (even though it still runs over 160 minutes). The main events in Patton's World War II career seem to be there though. What makes me doubt is that Patton seem to have only one mode, all out attack, no restraints what so ever. That may be the truth, and a correct depiction of the real Patton, but it also makes the character a bit one dimensioned, something I am sure the real Patton was not.
The story doesn't add much dramatic effect or suspense either, as it is seen from either Patton's or Bradley's view, i.e. the commanding officers, not the front line troops. It may also be very accurate, but not the typical war movie.
Patton's speeches and remarks do live it up a bit though, as they always add some spice to the story. From the viewpoint of the movie it is those talks that drives the story. It is both a little funny, and maybe the most dramatic that's in there. The situations his words put him into are quite tense and lends some suspense to a story.
In conclusion you could say it is a biographical drama. Seems pretty accurate but also made to be entertaining to watch.
6/10