All Flag and No Pole
I saw the movie Patton when it first came out, back in what now seems like another universe — 1970.
When Patton was released, Kent State was just a few months behind us. And as I drove to pick up my date for the movie, the radio was playing Edwin Starr's hit song War.
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect from Patton, but I had a pretty good idea it wasn't going to be some 50s-style John Wayne pap.
And I was right. The movie opened with what seemed to me a stunning caricature of American jingoism. George C. Scott, in the role he was born to play, rose up from below a stage, bedecked with medals and ribbons, and dwarfed by a huge American flag. It seemed less a scene from a movie than the Theater of the Absurd.
I'd seen American flags used as props in real-life, but never one anywhere near that big. But these days, giant American flags are used as backdrops all the time. And every time I see some puffed-up pol gesturing grandly in front of one, I think of George C. Scott in front of that absurdly inflated flag, looking both grand and ridiculous at the same time.
You can see the opening of Patton here on YouTube (if you dare).
Comments
I am getting a sense that there is a growing patriotism gap growing in the US.
Not, I should add, an anti country feeling, just the question being asked.
It sounds positive to me, but then I'm from a culture that has always rejected notions of flag and country and jut about any other imperative.
Posted by: Dennis Cartledge | July 7, 2008 02:41 AM
I think that attitude you sense has always been there. Lots of us are uncomfortable with the facile display of the trappings of patriotism. But I think too many of us are intimidated by the dittohead-types who are ready to jump all over us for saying so.
Posted by: abi | July 7, 2008 07:21 AM
Somehow I think Patton would have put Rumsfeld in his place. He then, of course, would have been relieved of his command by one of Bush's lap dogs like Tommie Franks. And now the Iraqi's want a timetable that we aren't going to give them. When are the trials going to start?
Posted by: Lev | July 8, 2008 04:56 PM
When are the trials going to start?
Lev, I'll be pretty disappointed in Obama if he doesn't pursue it.
Yes, I would love to know what Patton would have said about Rumsfeld and this admin.
Posted by: abi | July 9, 2008 08:10 AM