Patton (film)

Patton (film)
source
Name	Patton
Director	Franklin J. Schaffner
Producer	Frank McCarthy
Writer	Francis Ford Coppola, Edmund H. North
Starring	George C. Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young
Music	Jerry Goldsmith
Cinematography	Fred J. Koenekamp
Editing	Hugh S. Fowler
Studio	20th Century Studios
Released	1970
Runtime	172 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$12 million
Gross	$61.7 million

Patton (film) is a 1970 American epic biographical war film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, produced by Frank McCarthy, and written by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North. The film stars George C. Scott as George S. Patton, a prominent United States Army general during World War II, and explores his leadership and tactics during the North African Campaign and the European Theater of Operations. The film also features Karl Malden as Omar Bradley, a fellow general and friend of Patton, and Stephen Young as Lucian Truscott, another notable general. The film's narrative is interspersed with references to historical events, including the Battle of El Alamein, the Invasion of Sicily, and the Battle of the Bulge.

Plot

The film's plot follows the career of George S. Patton from his appointment as commander of the II Corps in North Africa to his leadership of the Third Army in Europe. Along the way, Patton interacts with other notable figures, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bernard Montgomery, and Winston Churchill, and participates in key events such as the Casablanca Conference and the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The film also explores Patton's relationships with his colleagues, including Omar Bradley and Lucian Truscott, and his subordinates, including Creighton Abrams and George M. Patton IV. Throughout the film, Patton's leadership and tactics are contrasted with those of other generals, including Erwin Rommel and Heinz Guderian, and his actions are influenced by events such as the Battle of Kasserine Pass and the Sicilian Campaign.

Production

The production of the film was a collaborative effort between 20th Century Studios and Frank McCarthy, who had previously worked on films such as The Great Escape and The Dirty Dozen. The screenplay was written by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North, who drew on historical sources such as Patton's memoirs and Omar Bradley's memoirs. The film was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, who had previously directed films such as Planet of the Apes and The War Lord. The film's score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who incorporated elements of military music and classical music into the soundtrack. The film's cinematography was handled by Fred J. Koenekamp, who had previously worked on films such as The Towering Inferno and The Getaway.

Cast

The cast of the film includes George C. Scott as George S. Patton, Karl Malden as Omar Bradley, and Stephen Young as Lucian Truscott. The film also features appearances by Michael Strong as Allyn R. Dine, Carey Loftin as General Bradley's driver, and Albert Dumortier as Major General Charles de Gaulle. The cast also includes John Barrie as Air Vice-Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, Richard Münch as General Alfred Jodl, and Siegfried Rauch as Captain Steiger. The film's cast is notable for its inclusion of actors who had previously appeared in World War II films, such as The Longest Day and The Great Escape.

Release

The film was released in 1970 to critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of the cast, particularly George C. Scott as George S. Patton. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $61 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film's release was accompanied by a significant marketing campaign, which included trailers and television spots featuring footage from the film and interviews with the cast and crew. The film's success can be attributed in part to its timing, as it was released during a period of renewed interest in World War II and the United States military. The film's release also coincided with the Vietnam War, and its themes of leadership and patriotism resonated with audiences.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the performances of the cast, the direction of Franklin J. Schaffner, and the screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North. The film holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its historical accuracy and attention to detail. The film also received several awards and nominations, including seven Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. The film's success can be attributed in part to its ability to balance action and drama, as well as its thoughtful exploration of complex themes such as leadership and patriotism. The film's reception was also influenced by its historical context, as it was released during a period of renewed interest in World War II and the United States military.

Historical_accuracy

The film's historical accuracy has been the subject of some debate, with some critics arguing that it portrays George S. Patton in a overly positive light. However, the film's attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy have been widely praised, with many noting that it is one of the most accurate World War II films ever made. The film's portrayal of events such as the Battle of El Alamein and the Invasion of Sicily has been praised for its accuracy, and the film's use of historical figures such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchill adds to its authenticity. The film's historical accuracy can be attributed in part to the research and consultation that went into its production, including interviews with World War II veterans and historians such as Martin Blumenson and S.L.A. Marshall. The film's commitment to historical accuracy has made it a valuable resource for historians and scholars, and it continues to be studied and admired for its thoughtful portrayal of one of the most significant events of the 20th century. Category:American epic films