Patton (1970)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Mike S

  
  Grandiose war epic, centered around the life and achievements of famous American general George S. Patton. Some interesting trivia about the film, as told to us in the introduction, is that Francis Ford Coppola - who wrote the original screenplay - actually got fired from his writing… More
  Grandiose war epic, centered around the life and achievements of famous American general George S. Patton. Some interesting trivia about the film, as told to us in the introduction, is that Francis Ford Coppola - who wrote the original screenplay - actually got fired from his writing assignment, as they thought the opening scene was too "out there". A scene which later became one of the most iconic moments in classic cinema. Besides George C. Scott's fantastic performance, I also found Patton to be a very fascinating historic figure. He might not have the most likeable of personas, and in some ways you'll even detest him. But as a leader and human being, he's one of the few real warrior poets to have ever walked on this earth. His own obsession of ancient history and belief in past lives, is something that really struck a chord with me. Especially as I too share a very similar spiritual conviction. It's this nuanced portrayal of him that drives the movie forward, and makes the battles themselves secondary in relevance. A little too long for my taste, but yet a sweeping biopic, majestically directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. I also had the great benefit of watching this on Blu-ray, which made the experience all the more fulfilling. With a clean, crisp and amazingly detailed picture quality, the restoration job is so incredibly well done, it looks like the film could have been made today. So if you get the chance, I can really recommend you to see it in this format. It's truly worthy of such a beautifully crafted film.

• Daniel P

  
  Lots to like about the 1970 Best Picture winner, but not quite a perfect film. It's longer than it needs to be, and as it goes on, Scott gets stagier and stagier in the lead role, begging for that last kick at the can. However, though its title suggests a biopic, it's really… More
  Lots to like about the 1970 Best Picture winner, but not quite a perfect film. It's longer than it needs to be, and as it goes on, Scott gets stagier and stagier in the lead role, begging for that last kick at the can. However, though its title suggests a biopic, it's really kind of just a straight-ahead war movie, and a very good one at that. It takes apart just what it meant to fight this war, for this man, and puts it back together in a way that recognizes the polarizing figure that Patton (according to Coppola, who wrote the script) was. Also: maybe Bastogne and other places in northern France look generally the same, but the final missions of Call of Duty 2 seem to be visually inspired (is "copied" too strong?) from parts of this movie. A well-written, well-shot, entertaining film, one of few modern ones that carry that grandeur of Golden Age Hollywood. Also of note: the 2006 double DVD contains two very interesting documentaries that compare the real Patton to the one in the film. This first -"Patton: A Rebel Revisited" appears to be part of a series called "History through the Lens," and it's narrated by Burt Reynolds. It's 90 mins long and well worth it as well, very thorough and provides a great perspective on the challenges that come with fictionalizing reality for a big screen epic. What's most interesting to learn is that the prologue scene (Patton in front of the big flag) was shot last, because Scott refused to do it first. He said it was "too high" and that the film would never come back to that level. The director and producer feigned agreement, then put it first anyway... and the rest is history.

• Jeff "

  
  Right from the opening scene where George S. Patton delivers his iconic speech, you know that Patton will be a monumental film. Patton is one of the greatest war films ever made, and also examines the life of a very complex man. George S. Patton was one of America's greatest… More
  Right from the opening scene where George S. Patton delivers his iconic speech, you know that Patton will be a monumental film. Patton is one of the greatest war films ever made, and also examines the life of a very complex man. George S. Patton was one of America's greatest generals, but he also a very controversial figure. Brilliantly portrayed by George C. Scott, the role of General Patton fits Scott like a glove, and he is definitely THE actor to play the part. No other actor could have delivered such a unique performance as George C. Scott did. Patton is one of the best war films in the history of cinema. A thorough portrait as well as a war film, Patton examines the career of one of America's greatest commanders. Patton has a fair amount of action, drama and conflict that gives you a glimpse of the man behind the myth. Fact is, General George S. Patton was a larger than life hero who was one of the generals that the Germans feared the most. What the film does so well is go behind the man, it goes behind the myth and the legend, and shows Patton's successes as well as his lapses, most notably shown in the film when he slaps a shell shocked private. Which in turn cost him the command of Allied forces invading Normandy. Patton is a masterwork of cinema that remains a classic of the war genre. The film is worth watching for the opening speech alone. A truly remarkable war film and a real cinematic classic.

• moon r

  
  A vivid personality profile of a soul who knows his own destiny and struggles to achieve just that: to be the greatest general of his time. Not every one agrees with his assessment, neither among his enemies or his "friends". Ultimately a film then about one personal fight… More
  A vivid personality profile of a soul who knows his own destiny and struggles to achieve just that: to be the greatest general of his time. Not every one agrees with his assessment, neither among his enemies or his "friends". Ultimately a film then about one personal fight to be human. Scott lives and breathes the great man with an intensity that terrifies.

• Chris W

  
  Before anything else: is this film anti-war or pro-war? Well, surprisingly enough, it simultaneously manages to be both, but also neither. It is instead en epic, fascinating, and brilliantly made character study focusing on part of the lifie and career of General George S. Patton- one… More
  Before anything else: is this film anti-war or pro-war? Well, surprisingly enough, it simultaneously manages to be both, but also neither. It is instead en epic, fascinating, and brilliantly made character study focusing on part of the lifie and career of General George S. Patton- one of the greatest and most interesting figures in U.S. History. The film focuses on the last two years of Patton's life (1943-45) covering his campaigns in Africa, Italy, and the Battle of the Bulge (among a few other things). George C. Scott absolutely owns in the title role. For his efforts, he won numerous awards and acclaim, including an Oscar for Best Actor (which he famously refused to accept). The role also became the one that defined his career. He is absolutely perfect, truly capturing the essence and complex character of this most stunning and multi-faceted military genius. The film does take liberties, but is mostly true to history and the spirit of things. There are battle scenes, and they are well done, but this isn't about the fighting, but instead about how it impacted Patton and vice versa. This film is all him, with other roles receiving some (but not very much) fleshing out. That's totally okay though, as this is a biography of one man, not a bunch. The films really doesn't do a whole lot wrong, and was totally deserving of all the many Oscars it got (including Best Picture). Curiously though, it didn't win for cinematography or music, both of which are just completely top notch. This is a memorable film, mostly because the story and the lead performance are so memorable. The film does a great job in showing Patton's complexitiy, but unfortunately could have done a bit more to present an overall balanced portrait that is a bit more critical of the man than what is on screen. Overlooking his flaws, the film does a lot of celebrating. It's okay though, but is nevertheless a small blot on an otherwise flawless canvas. By all means I recomend seeing this film. It is a tremendous experience, and a great illustration of how to be a great leader, despite the fact that the man in question may have been a bit too drivem, too obsessed, too much of a loose cannon. Even then, he's a guy you definitely want on your side.

• Randy T

  
  George C. Scott's signature performance in the role he was born to play. Few actors ever become so strongly identified with one character. It's a safe guess that, in America's collective memory, Scott is more Patton than Patton himself. Completely iconic.

• Stella D

  
  i don't know why i'd always assumed this was some gung ho john wayne propaganda bs...maybe the cover lol. it's actually a really good film; 3 hours long and never boring. george c scott in a tour de force for which he famously turned down oscar

• Pierluigi P

  
  George C. Scott was born to play the irascible and implacable american general George S. Patton in this eye-catching war film that depicts with grandiosity the allied assaults in europe and north africa, and the general's courageousness, straightforwardness, his somewhat… More
  George C. Scott was born to play the irascible and implacable american general George S. Patton in this eye-catching war film that depicts with grandiosity the allied assaults in europe and north africa, and the general's courageousness, straightforwardness, his somewhat questionable treatment over his troops, and his peculiar but firm beliefs about the reincarnation of his soul. This eccentric character is one of the best representatives of the madness and nonsensicality of war.

• Michael G

  
  There is nothing that is bad about this movie. George C. Scott's performance alone is worth it. Lots of great dialogue, a great score--you can't go wrong. I'm guessing that the story built Patton up to be greater than he actually may have been (dramatic license and… More
  There is nothing that is bad about this movie. George C. Scott's performance alone is worth it. Lots of great dialogue, a great score--you can't go wrong. I'm guessing that the story built Patton up to be greater than he actually may have been (dramatic license and all), but if these events are entirely factual, I'd love to see what have happened if The Allies let Patton off the leash. I never knew much about Patton, but I liked how the movie portrayed his character, his razor-sharp wit and his humanity.

• Mister C

  
  Classic!

• Curtis L

  
  Awesome movie.

• Christopher M

  
  A solid movie that gives us the great George C. Scott's best performance ever. Also some of the best battle scenes ever filmed, really liked it.

• Dillon L

  
  A decent character study biopic with an iconic performance by George C. Scott. It kind of gives the impression that America has always been the hero when it comes to war, but it doesn't quite cross that line.

• Cameron J

  
  George C. Scott as George S. Patton? That name similarity is a bit too coincidental. I'm on to you guys. ...I don't get it either. But seriously though, the film suffers from overdrawn points, expendable scenes, unengaging points and worst of all, slowness. Still, the film… More
  George C. Scott as George S. Patton? That name similarity is a bit too coincidental. I'm on to you guys. ...I don't get it either. But seriously though, the film suffers from overdrawn points, expendable scenes, unengaging points and worst of all, slowness. Still, the film is supported by an effective hook, great production designs, fine cinematography, a good score, some good dialogue, grand action sequences, some emotional resonanse at points and a progressive increase in compellingness. As for Scott's legendary performance, it sure is a heck of one. The late, great George C. Scott as the late, great George S. Patton (again, I'm on to you) is one of the first and one of finest examples of how the '70s ushered in a new standard of acting. He almost fully embodies the role and carries the film with a compelling atmosphere that's unlike most during his time. Now, his performance holds up and he still carries the film with his being deeply immersed in the role. I'm not fully on board when people call it one of cinema's greatest performances, but it's certainly one to remember. In the end, though its long length is palpable, "Patton" and leading man George C. Scott's performance were once milestones in cinematic abilities and now, they're still quite the sight to behold in this classic epic war biopic that's worth experiencing.

• Danny R

  
  Winner of seven 1970 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for George C. Scott 's monumental performance as one of the Twentieth century's greatest military geniuses General George S. Patton is one the finest in the history of the cinema. A milestone in… More
  Winner of seven 1970 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for George C. Scott 's monumental performance as one of the Twentieth century's greatest military geniuses General George S. Patton is one the finest in the history of the cinema. A milestone in screen biographies: Scott totally captures the essence of Patton who was tough, cultured, fearless, resilient, patriotic, bull-headed, charming and uncompromising. It's a gutsy, honest and fascinating portrait of 'a pure warrior, and a magnificent anachronism, who loved war. Patton was the greatest field General of World War II, he was also the most feared by the the Nazis, more than any other Allied General. The film boasts a series of brilliantly staged battle sequences, tracing Patton's career in the North African, Sicilian, and European campaigns. Stunningly directed by Franklin J. Schaffner with a tremendous supporting performance by Karl Malden as General Omar Bradley one of Patton's closest friends. An exquisite Oscar winning screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North, this was a real breakthrough for Coppola, who went on to write and direct "The Godfather". Jerry Goldsmith wrote one of his finest scores for this film. Extraordinary cinematography by Fred J. Koenekamp, who shot the film in beautiful 70mm widescreen. A stirring and spectacular epic. Highly Recommended.

• Mike T

  
  George C. Scott delivers a fantastic performance in this sprawling epic of a biopic. It is a tad too long, but it is well-written and directed and acted with a sure hand.

• Brian R

  
  Surprised to notice this picture came out during America's involvement in the Vietnam War, clearly a patriotic picture although I prefer the movie "MASH" "Patton" is a great epic picture, George C. Scott as the military strategist George S Patton, famous for… More
  Surprised to notice this picture came out during America's involvement in the Vietnam War, clearly a patriotic picture although I prefer the movie "MASH" "Patton" is a great epic picture, George C. Scott as the military strategist George S Patton, famous for the opening speech with a huge American flag behind him preaches war confidence. For all you know Patton could have been made President.

• Simeon D

  
  In 1967, Francis Ford Coppola was fired from writing the script for the biopic of a well known WWII General. Three years later, Patton was made and won the Oscar for Best Picture, as well as Coppola's first Oscar for Best Screenplay. Patton really set the base for all… More
  In 1967, Francis Ford Coppola was fired from writing the script for the biopic of a well known WWII General. Three years later, Patton was made and won the Oscar for Best Picture, as well as Coppola's first Oscar for Best Screenplay. Patton really set the base for all subsequent war films. It also redefined the term "Oscar Bait". What I mean is that all Oscar Bait movies pretty much try to copy this and fail by not having George C. Scott's larger than life performance, the excellently handled epic scope and cinematography, and deft dramatic depth. It truly is a marvelous film that stands unparalleled to other biopics, war films, and cinematic spectacles because of its visual poetry and resonate story of a modern day giant. 96/100

• Lauren D

  
  I think the main reason I didn't like it was because I didn't understand the context. I don't even know anything about the history of my own country (Australia) and so know even less about US history. The only thing I know about World War II was that Hitler pwned the… More
  I think the main reason I didn't like it was because I didn't understand the context. I don't even know anything about the history of my own country (Australia) and so know even less about US history. The only thing I know about World War II was that Hitler pwned the Jews. So, if a WWII movie isn't about Jews or Hitler, I don't get it. I get that I sound ignorant, but I honestly don't care about history at all, which probably accounts for my love of science fiction and things set in the future. Anyway, the movie... I thought it was boring, obviously. I don't have a clue who the hell Patton was and I don't get what made him so important. I also didn't like George C. Scott or anyone else for that matter, all the dialogue sounded forced and they seemed very amateur-ish. I also hated the character of Patton because he has got to be the most boring person who ever existed, so I really didn't care about anything he was doing. The whole movie just seemed pointless, but eh, that's just my opinion.

• Lord N

  
  "Now I want you to remember, that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. he won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" and with that line, the first in a long line of great 70's Best Picture winners begins. what to say about George C.… More
  "Now I want you to remember, that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. he won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" and with that line, the first in a long line of great 70's Best Picture winners begins. what to say about George C. Scott's performance that hasn't been said a million times before. it is one of the greatest performances I have ever seen. He did such a great job making the character so fun to watch "ROMMEL YOU MISERABLE BASTARD I READ YOUR BOOK!" I could watch this movie over and over again. the character of Patton is one of the best. "God have mercy on my enemies, I wont." pure genius. Final Verdict: Right on. George C. Scott's powerhouse performance combined with everything about this movie being amazing makes this an excellent Best Picture winner.

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