Patton

[PHArchivist]

Just watched the Digi-book Blu-Ray version, plus all the documentaries (three hours worth).

Scott was fantastic. Deserved his award; no doubt.

But...

Could Gene Hackman have been better?

Watching the docs, though Scott (in his make-up) receives accolades for resembling Patton, Hackman - naturaly - looks more like the real General.

And...

--Hackman was only three years younger than Scott, and both men were nearly 20 years younger than Patton (hence Hackman - with make-up too could have pulled it off)
--Hackman is ALSO an Academy Award winning actor (from the same time frame no less)
--And it is no secret that Hackman can provied a screen presence, intensity, and down-right temper like there's no tomorrow

So, just wondering...

By the way, this question is best addressed to those that have also seen the real Patton in the documentaries.

 

[Apollo]

Well my father served under Patton and saw him give a lot of the famous speeches and loved the Movie.

He said it was amazing how Scott looked close but not exacty like ole blood and guts

 

[Wes R]

I saw an interview with Patton's grandson and his dad said that Scott looked amazingly like the General at times.

 

[PHArchivist]

Scott did a fantastic job emulating Patton. And of course this is all for fun, really.

But here is a look at the three men:

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Sorry, I'm not seeing any resemblance between Patton and Gene Hackman.

 

[MooCriket]

I see it. Good God, now I have to go back and watch it again and picture Hackman playing the part.

 

[PHArchivist]

I think what intrigues me most about the concept is the fact that Hackman had (has) the acting chops to carry the role about as well as Scott.

Were it any less of an actor than Mr. Hackman, I don't think I would focus so much energy on fanciful revisioninst history, for fun or otherwise.

 

[PHArchivist]

Couple more photo comps - same images, just different juxtaposition...

 

[joker-scar]

I love that fact that now most people would associate the real Patton with the same harsh and gruff voice that George C. Scott had when in fact the real guy had a very high pitched voice which doesn't jive with his macho demeanor. :lol

 

[SmilingOtter]

Given this picture:

and just based on looks, I'd go with Tobin Bell:

 

[PHArchivist]

I love that fact that now most people would associate the real Patton with the same harsh and gruff voice that George C. Scott had when in fact the real guy had a very high pitched voice which doesn't jive with his macho demeanor. :lol

Totally. Regrettably, the documentaries seem to curtail footage of his speeches with clear audio. I wonder if this is intentional based on what you mention; a perhaps "engineered" image? Do they want to sustain or bouy the image of the more gruff Scott?

But there is enough audio from his speeches to convey exactly what you said. His voice is not as deep as Scott's, and lacks the gravel.

Which contributes to the (purely academic) concept of considering Hackman, since Gene's voice isn't quite as gruff as Scott's. Hackman isn't necessarily whiney, but play back his line from Enemy Of The State (for example) "I blew up the building! Because you made a phone call!!" Higher pitched (slightly) than Scott.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Well, Hackman can certainly produce the shrill voice, but I still don't see any resemblance.

 

[Vermithrax 4]

Hackman would have made an excellent Patton. But damn, didn't Scott just play the HELL out of the vanity characterisitic? The man just exuded excessive vanity and a belief in his own greatness.

"I'm not sure how this is going to be received, General. Praying for fair weather so we can kill our fellow man?"

"Chaplain, I assure you, due to my intimate connections with the Almighty I'm firmly convinced that if you write a good prayer we'll have good weather."

 

[tgreco]

I'm voting on George in this instance
for one reason

That voice.

Hackman has serious acting chops and does have a better resemblance, but I can't imagine him giving that first speech. I can picture him in the role, and I'm immediately jumping to him giving the town his big speech in The Quick and The Dead

 

[joker-scar]

I'm voting on George in this instance
for one reason

That voice.

Yup. Georgie earned that golden statue. But Gene got THE FRENCH CONNECTION so he made out ok.