An act of patriotism

Rating: Null/10 (29 June 2000)

Accuracy should not be an issue with a work of art. Who talks of the "accuracy" of a poem, whether it's by Keats or Homer? And The Patriot is a magnificent work of art. And judging by the early reviews, like most art, it is both polarizing and misunderstood. Of course the English hate it. But what of their great WW11 movies, of which there are many (e.g., the many starring Jack Hawkins) that capture the spirit of the war beautifully, and portray the Germans one-dimensionally, but "accurately" (understandably so) from the English perspective? Movies aren't documentaries, they're tales. The best transcend facts, which are most dishonest, and get at the essence beneath. The Patriot is from the heart and soul, not the head. And it is true. Read Barzun regarding imperialism. Many could reach for the crown of imperialist over the last 500 years, but the English would take it. Hands down. All over the globe. Has anyone met a true aristocrat? I have, and they deeply believe their bulls**t. It's about superiority in the blood, it's not about superiority through annoying things like achievement or elections. The English crown treated the colonies, once at war, as they would Indians (in India), the Chinese, the Irish, and so on. Cornwallis was captured perfectly. Brilliant, ruthless...actually the portrait was too kind. Gibson is unique. He doesn't care about the boxoffice in England. He picks material that goes against the Hollywood multicultural grain. Cruise, Cage, Carey, and every other major male and female star chooses the most cynical crap possible. They're putting TV shows on the screen (at best), Mel Gibson brings novels to life. Novel meaning a story, with characters, with values, all in conflict, riveting our attention. I give Gibson all of the credit because we all know the movie wouldn't/couldn't be made without him. And what a compliment to America, and what a debt of gratitude all Americans owe him! For this citizen of Australia to put so much of his life, his passion into the most patriotic American movie ever made, is a remarkable act of generosity. This is one American who says, "Thank you".