Preview of Gods and Generals

[Trytostaydead]

The other night I went to the first preview of Gods and Generals, a KCET sponsored event at the Camelot Theater in Palm Springs with the director attending (and free booze!). For those of you who don't know, Gods and Generals is based off of the book by the same name written by Jeff Shaara (Last Full Measure). Gods and Generals portrays the time from the beginning of the Civil War up to Jackson's death following such well known characters as Robert E. Lee, General Jackson, Hancock, and Chamberlain.

The first thing that I can say about Gods and Generals, that like its predecesor Gettysburg, the recreation of the battle scenes were flawless and tragic. From the Battle at Mannassas (that's Bull Run for you Yankees), to Chancellorsville the fighting was intensive and heartwrenching and from all accounts, reasonably historically accurate. The second thing to be said, is that this film is very Southern orientated. Even major characters like Chamberlain and Hancock are given precious little screen time, but they had their chance to shine in Gettysburg, and will have ample opportunity in the upcoming The Last Full Measure.

The movie started off excellent with the standards flying as the haunting song "Going Home" by Mary Fahl set the tone for the movie, of home, love, and tragedy. However, it is in the beginning that the movie is at its weakest. The director tried his best to show that war does not only affect the soldiers, but their families as well and thus veers off from the book in this regard. While it was a good attempt, the dialogue and acting between the women (not girl, but I'll get to that later) seemed a bit disjointed and hackneyed and thus slowed down the movie's pace considerably.

The soldiers though, were flawless. Robert Duvall as General Robert E. Lee played his part well, as that "single honest man," who had to come to grips with fighting against an army that he had once dedicated his life to because he would not lead them against his home, Virginia. Duvall's almost grandfatherly presence was very well done, as the paternal General that everyone loved and respected, yet was able to wreak havoc upon his enemies.

Stephen Lang, I do not even know where to begin with his portrayal as General Jackson. It was simply too astounding. Lang perfectly captured how one would think Jackson to be, a man of extreme fanaticism on all subjects; religion, home, and war. To see him praising God with all his might and then quickly flashing an angry glance yelling, "Kill them all!" was slightly disconcerting but awe inspiring at this man's versatility as an actor.

But perhaps Lang's most memorable work was not done on the battlefield, but when he was with that little girl Jane. To see a man so feared and revered as Jackson be reduced to tears, or making horse noises in front of an army to bring a smile to a little girl was incredibly heart touching. Perhaps the best accolade that can be given to Gods and Generals is the humanity that was brought forth in the face of the bloodiest conflict this nation has ever known. The little girl Jane, also deserves recognition for bringing the innocence that won Jackson's heart to the screen in scenes that are sure to bring smiles and tears to anyone's eyes after the massacre at Fredricksburg.

When all is said and done, and not enough can be said about this film without spoiling it for other people, Gods and Generals is NOT a movie. It is a painting. Only a painting can give us so much insight into an event that happened almost two hundred years and has changed this nation forever that no simple "picture" can do. If you can spare 3 and a half hours to watch Gods and Generals, I heartily recommend you do so or for the 6 hour DVD release.

[Captain tycho]

I might just go see it.