“Gods and Generals” (Warner Brothers)
Little did we know that when we watched the lengthy Civil War epic “Gettysburg” a few years ago, that it was the centerpiece of a planned trilogy of films based on the writings of Jeff Shaara. But now that “Gods and Generals” is in release and it takes us up to “Gettysburg” then we know there has to be a final film about the conclusion of the War.
Ted Turner is the man behind these movies and his “Ted Turner Pictures” is the force behind their creation and distribution. In true “ego” fashion, Mr. Turner appears for a brief cameo in “Gods and Generals” just as he did in “Gettysburg.” In fact a lot of the same cast members repeat their roles in this movie. This time out however Robert Duvall, and not Martin Sheen, plays Robert E Lee.
“Gods and Generals” is primarily focused on the life of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson (Stephen Lang). He was a man of great faith who saw his role in the war as being of God’s choosing. He was a devoted family man who suffered being away from his wife (Kali Rocha) and his infant daughter. Still he was ferocious in battle and was brilliant in strategy.
The film starts with Virginia’s secession from the Union and General Lee’s acceptance of command of the Virginia troops. From that point on the film takes the audience through the battles that lead up to the Battle of Gettysburg. These “battles” involve a cast of hundreds doing battle and dying for the glory and honor of their cause.
The actors are good in their roles with Duvall making an excellent Lee and Lang creating an impassioned Jackson. The dialogue which the men and women of the story speak is stilted and pretentious. Perhaps this was the way with some of them in the old South but obviously not everyone would have spoken with such oratorical fervor.
The film is four hours long with a ten-minute intermission inserted after the first two hours have passed. This gives enough time for the full flavor of the War to be explored and the different aspects of Jackson and Colonel Joshua Chamberlain’s (Jeff Daniels) personalities to be revealed. Chamberlain is the only Union soldier to be a major character in the film.
The movie is rated PG-13 for battlefield violence and profanity.
“Gods and Generals” is a history lesson told from the Southern perspective. It paints a picture of the glorious South going into battle with brilliant generals and the power of God on its side. It is all celebratory in nature as the South has one win after another. In the next installment things will begin to go downhill.
Don’t be put off by the length of the movie. Time passes quickly as the individual personalities and the overpowering spectacle of battle keep you enthralled. It is a lengthy film but never a boring one, especially for Southern audiences.
I scored “Gods and Generals” a rebel 7 out of 10.
©2003 Jackie K. Cooper
