A Realistic Look At Patton's Life

Rating: 9/10 (29 July 2004)

This movie is another biography. This time it's about General George S. Patton, who was a famous tank commander during World War II. The film begins with Patton (George C. Scott) in North Africa. It continues with the invasion of Germany and the fall of the Third Reich.
There are touches of Patton losing his temper towards insubordination. The faults that he makes eventually lead to Patton being relieved as an Occupation Commander of Germany.
George C. Scott is marvelous in his best film. He finally won his Oscar for this performance, but he didn't want to accept it. In my opinion, Karl Malden is a little better as Patton's trusting friend, General Omar Bradley.
Francis Ford Coppola wrote the screenplay and Franklin J. Schaffner directed it, but they couldn't get the film made because Patton's wife wouldn't allow it. Once she died, they were able to make it. Schaffner made some great films, but this is definitely his best.
The film won seven Oscars including Picture, Director, Actor, Original Screenplay, Art-Direction, Editing, and Sound. It was nominated for Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Score.