105 Must See Films: Patton (1970)

Starring: George C Scott, Karl Malden, Stephen Young

Director: Franklin J Schaffner

In this film, co-written by Francis Ford Coppola, and spread over almost three hours, tells the story of the famous general Patton, from his time in Tunisia to the Battle of the Bulge in WW2, to his dismissal. Sometimes called the definitive biopic of the 70’s, its a war movie of epic proportions.

It’s A Must See Because: Patton is a fascinating man. Although the film is long, it takes in so many aspects of war, from the battles to the bureaucracy, from the men making democratic decisions to those in the front lines. And there is Patton in the middle of it all. He’s a man who identifies with his role in the army, but also is highly independent and flies in the face of the superiors who would get in the way of his career.

Patton does not believe in things like PTSD, and notably in one scene sends a shell shocked man to the front line for being weak, but then in other scenes he’s incredibly tender with his men who are injured. He’s a man who wins battles, but his self interest means that he often pushes and disobeys orders to further his reputuation. It’s a masterful and well researched film which portrays a complex man.

See It If: you like war epics, the length of this film might put off some.