“Gods and Generals” Movie Review

    “Gods and Generals” was the ambitious prequel to “Gettysburg” once again showcasing key events in the American Civil War.  The film shared many of the same positive and negative treats as it’s predecessor.  “Gods and Generals” received a fair amount of backlash and negative reviews from critics who felt the film championed “The Lost Cause” ideology.
   One of the major flaws of the film that did not plague “Gettysburg” is it’s long and drawn out speeches.  Characters don’t tend to have normal conversations, instead everything is a monologue about why they feel a certain way.  You see, I personally believe the film ‘does’ lean towards supporting the Conferderate side without meaning to.  You see, the main characters of this film are “Stonewall” Jackson and Robert E. Lee.  The only main character from the Union side was Chamberlain.  When a film is told from the viewpoint of an individual (or in this case, half the country) who also happens to be on the wrong side of said history, it’s easy to see how people might feel like this film is championing “The Lost Cause” ideology and deem it to be racist.  I didn’t write this film but I personally believe this is more of a problem with the script than any racist intent.  That being said, you can’t blame people for thinking that either.  I certainly am not trying to change anyone’s views, but I wanted to give my two cents into the matter.
    Now that I included this note, I will get into what I thought worked and didn’t work about the film.  First of all the cast is solid.  Jeff Daniels once again reprises his role of Chamberlain but he isn’t given a lot to work with. Robert Duvall replaces Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee but doesn’t seem as invested as Sheen was which is a shame since Duvall is said to be a decedent of Lee.  The highlight of the film as far as acting is concerned is Stephen Lang as Stonewall Jackson.  Lang is given clunky dialogue and makes them as close to Shakespearean as possible.
    The film, like “Gettysburg”, also can pride itself on it’s authenticity.  That being said, it is also way too long.  “Gods and Generals” to most people will feel like the time a friend drug you to a civil war re-enactment and decided to stay for eight hours.  A movie you pay to see shouldn’t feel like a history class assignment.  Throughout all it’s faults and controversy, there is something for history buffs to enjoy and debate about.  Just be aware “Gods and Generals” will test your patience and once again, your bladder.  Proceed at your own risk!

Grade: C-

“Gettysburg” Movie Review

    I remember my parents taking me to a special movie screening when I was a kid.  I was excited to go to a movie theater because we rarely got to see a movie in theaters.  We were a middle class family of five so trips to the movie theater weren’t usually in the budget.  My parents and oldest brother picked the movie and we got to see...”Gettysburg”.  Not exactly the type of film a young boy is excited to see.  I sat through it and the main thoughts I had were ‘I really have to pee’ and ‘When is this movie going to end?’  When I thought the movie had went to credits, I was introduced to the concept of an intermission and the realization that I had more film to go.  Oh yeah, I think I also had to pee again.
    Thankfully I have matured a bit and my bladder has grown as well.  As an adult rewatching “Gettysburg”, I appreciate it far more than I did as a child.  It did give me a lot to think about though.
    I guess I will start by giving praise to the cast.  Jeff Daniels, Martin Sheen, and Tom Berenger all shine and give some of their best performances of their careers.  The cast all seems very invested in their roles.  That also helps the overall authenticity of the film.  Everything shown on screen is as close to era specific as possible.  From the uniforms to the smoking pipes.  The attention to detail is unbelievable.  The authenticity of the film also helped convey the mass horrors that occurred at the battle.
    One thing I didn’t remember wrong as a child, the film is very long.  The film was originally envisioned as a TNT mini-series before Ted Turner decided to release the film in theaters.  At over four hours long, the film is one of the longest movies to ever hit theaters.  Believe me, it feels it as well.  Part of the reason for it’s length was to give you a sense of everything that happened that helped turn the tide of the war at Gettysburg.  In that respect, the film was interesting.  I do believe the film could have been a little more streamlined.
    I guess the originality and scope of the project leaves me impressed to this day, so much so that I can overlook a long run time.  This is not something a lot of people can overlook however.  You definitely have to be a history buff with a lot of time on your hands to enjoy this film, but if you are, you are in for a treat.

Grade: B+