Posted by Juanita on May 11, 1998 at 12:07:43:
In Reply to: Re: Gettysburg....the movie!!....... posted by Elaine on May 08, 1998 at 19:41:17:
In regards to GETTYSBURG, it is an incredible film (number four on my all-time Top Ten). We watch it every July 4th. Saw it on the big screen, probably the only female that didn't walk out during the battle scenes.
Fave scenes: the Virginians getting ready to cross the field, Pickett psychologically wiped out after his division is decimated; Lew Armistead making it over the barricade - and getting shot point blank, to die in his friend's arms.
From my Southern point of view, I kept hoping the ending would change (you know , AGAINST history), and we - I mean - the Confederates would actually win! (*sigh*) Chamberlain came through - again. : ( My mom really liked Jeff Daniels as Chamberlain.
Like TITANIC, the actors were chosen not only for their talent, but how closely they resembled the actual Confederate and Union officers and soldiers.
The weekend before filming began, Tom Berenger hosted a getaway, inviting all the actors who would portray his officers and noncoms; he presented each of them with a Civil War sword, engraved with something like "From Gen. Longstreet to Sgt. Whoever, Gettysburg, July 199 (whatever year they filmed it)."
The hardcover companion book to the film, GETTYSBURG, has detailed paintings of the famous battle, using the actors' likenesses to their corresponding characters.