Now that Mel Gibson seems to be an integral part of my history lessons, with the barbaric Braveheart and cultural classic, Hamlet, I wish I’d have paid closer attention in school. His latest addition, The Patriot, is a bloody and somewhat winded look at the Revolutionary War.
Mel plays Benjamin Martin, a former war hero who renounces his soldier status for the sake of keeping his family together. Unfortunately, his preachy speeches about the dangers of war have no effect on his impressionable young son, Gabriel (Heath Ledger), who enlists himself in the draft. Through a series of confrontations and events, Benjamin is forced back into battle, only this time the battles are more personal.
With larger than life battle scenes and relentless force, we’re able to see the brutality of war firsthand. The vision is hauntingly real as rows and rows of soldiers face off while marching themselves straight to death. It’s hard to believe that this is a true piece of our history. Reading about it in books doesn’t quite give the impact a re-enactment does. Sure, Benjamin Martin and his brood are fictitious characters, but they’re based on actual men, men who gave their lives for the sake of our freedom.
When you think about the historical perspective, The Patriot is a pretty insightful look back in time (even though the British portrayal was a bit harsh for my liking). But when you delve into the actual movie, what you get is nothing more than a drawn-out saga equivalent to an emotional rollercoaster. The cries for freedom were more preachy and speech-like than passionate and moving. I guess you could call it a two hour and forty minute rally cry, a bit of overkill if you ask me.
Despite the length and emotional manipulation, some characters deserve recognition. Jason Isaacs as Colonel Tavington is absolutely chilling. His iceman glare and teeth grinding evil make him utterly despicable. His very presence on the screen left my stomach queasy. Now that’s acting! Also, Heath Ledger is quite endearing as the young Gabriel. He seems to possess many Mel-like qualities that make the father/son relationship that much more believable. And his constant fight to preserve the cause makes him a character worth rooting for.
Conveniently releasing near July 4th, The Patriot is sure to make a killing at the box office. Unfortunately, it’s not deserved. Its moralistic take and in-your-face brutality are overwhelming. A patriotic citizen shouldn’t need the rally cries of a blockbuster film, or Mel Gibson for that matter, to be thankful for our country.
+ Ashley Adams
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