Patton (film)
"Patton" is a biographical war film released in 1970, centered around the life of General George S. Patton, a prominent figure in World War II known for his dynamic and controversial leadership. The film, featuring a standout performance by George C. Scott, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor, is lauded for its historical and political accuracy, particularly in its portrayal of Patton's flamboyant personality and military strategies. Based on the autobiography of General Omar N. Bradley, who served under and alongside Patton, the film benefitted from Bradley’s direct involvement during its production, enhancing its authenticity.
Filmed in various locations, including Spain, Great Britain, and Morocco, "Patton" utilized real military equipment, contributing to its praised attention to detail in battle scenes. The film garnered several Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Director, and is noted for redefining the American war film genre, particularly during a period when such films faced challenges in the market. Its release also influenced public and political perspectives on war, with some historians suggesting it impacted decisions made by President Richard Nixon regarding the Vietnam War. Overall, "Patton" serves as both an educational tool about World War II and a compelling narrative about one of its most complex figures.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Patton (film)
Identification Motion picture
Date Released in 1970
Director Franklin J. Schaffner
This film about World War II American war hero General George S. Patton won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.>
Key Figures
Franklin J. Schaffner (1920-1989), film director
Many historians and film critics praised the historical and political accuracy, attention to detail, and battle scenes of Patton. Charismatic and flamboyant, the real General Patton believed he was a reincarnated warrior with multiple past lives. His brilliance, rebellious nature, self-confidence, and volatile personality were so well represented by American actorGeorge C. Scott that Scott won the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film’s other Academy Awards included Best Screenplay, Best Director, Best Art Direction, Best Sound, and Best Film Editing.
Patton was based on the autobiography of General Omar N. Bradley, who was both one of Patton’s subordinates and one of his superior officers during World War II. General Bradley was still alive during the film’s production and provided in-person advice for the planning, writing, and actual scene shooting; American actor Karl Malden played his role.
Much of the filming was done in Spain, and the Spanish army and air force provided soldiers and military equipment, including American-built 1950’s- and 1960’s-era battle tanks. Even with the liberal use of later-built military equipment, the detailed accuracy of the soldiers, equipment, and battle scenes was considered excellent by critics. Other filming locations included Great Britain, Morocco, and Greece.
One unique aspect that set the film apart from other films was its ability to withstand the scrutiny of war, film, and political critics alike. It provided drama; large-scale, re-created battle scenes; historical accuracy; detailed production locations; and inspirational acting. Many earlier World War II films could not withstand fair criticism from historians and veterans.
Scott was a gifted actor, and many film experts believe that his lead role as Patton was the highlight of his career. He brilliantly researched and immersed himself into the role and possessed additional realistic traits similar to those of Patton, such as physical appearance, mannerisms, and speech pattern.
Critics also noted that Patton redefined the American war film during the Vietnam War—a time when war films were considered unmarketable. Some political historians believe that U.S. president Richard M. Nixon was influenced by the motion picture to the extent that it affected his Vietnam War decisions and policies.
Impact
The film Patton proved to the film industry that war films could be made that are historically accurate, entertaining, and financially successful at the box office. Many people were educated about the history of World War II and the personal sacrifice made by soldiers during the war. The film stimulated study of George S. Patton’s aggressive leadership style and resulting battlefield success.
Bibliography
Bradley, Omar Nelson. A General’s Life: An Autobiography. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1983.
D’Este, Carlo. Patton: Genius for War. New York: HarperCollins, 1995.
Hirshon, Stanley P. General Patton: A Soldier’s Life. New York: HarperCollins, 2002.
Patton, George S. War As I Knew It. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1975.