Posted by Diana S. on July 06, 2000 at 13:24:22:
In Reply to: The Patriot....Again???? posted by Dr. Uncle Mark on July 05, 2000 at 18:45:12:
: Oh, my....I wasn't going to do this....But, come on Sgt. Toot, I know you and the importance you give to authenticity!
: Well, I consulted with the spirits of Many Flags and Cpl. MacWilliam on the importance of authenticity. Their spirits were with me when I took the two lads and lasses to see the Patriot flick and after reading the postings, we put our heads together for a few more thoughts.
: I, too, grew up with Johnny Tremain (do you remember the song they sang about the Liberty Tree, it was great...when I was 10), Davey Crocket, Dan'l Boone, and all the rest. But, we have learned much since the 60s, especially about clothing, speech, 18th century culture, etc. My daughter Katie, 17 years old, said it best. "It wouldn't have taken any more money or effort to have made the clothing correct in the movie." Sure, most people won't notice, but why not strive for authenticity, just for those few people (other than reeanctors) who may come away from the film and say...."Oh, so they wore their hair up and under bonnets or hats, huh? Interesting!" Also, it would have taken nothing at all to have written the script to reflect Daniel Morgan's strategy and boosting the spirits of the lads the night before the last battle (Cowpens??), instead of fictional B. Martin. The scriptwriters threw in Cornwallis, why not a real American hero like Morgan who could have appeared in that scene...That is patriotic pride...knowing about a real person (Morgan) who beat Tarleton at his own game instead of giving credit to a fictional character.
: OK, I know, I could ramble on and on...AND, I do agree that the flick serves the purpose of boosting our pride in America and realizing the sufferings of our forefathers, but why not do it with some facts so as to educate the public. One final note...anyone see the latest edition of "Muzzleloader" magazine. Story by Mark Baker (do you know him...I shook the man's hand once) about his training of MG for the flick.... "Aim small, miss small" is discussed ...actually added to the film because of Frank House (who made the rifle in Patriot)....Anyway, an interesting article...but, then again, it's Baker, and I can run hot and cold on him.
: OK, I've gone on enough....been prodded by the Corporal and Flags to make some of these comments....hoo, hoo...bring out the ten pounders and let the barrage begin!!
: Pax Aye! (Cpl. MacWm. says...God Save the King!)
: Dr. Uncle Mark
Dr. U.M.,
I wholeheartedly agree regarding the Daniel Morgan sentiments.
In a companion book I read which I previously spoke about, there was a section on costumes and the costume designer went on at great length about the "color palettes" she chose for each character or group of characters. Subdued roses and plums for Charlotte and her soft nature, and then increasingly drab colors for the colonials as they lost heart, and oh, the Green Dragoons must have some RED on them so viewers will know which side they are on (Duh!). Those comments really burned me...puh-lease give me, as a viewer, SOME credit. I guess I can't speak to the effect that authentic colors may have had on the masses, and I will try to tell myself that they know more about those sorts of things than I do. But I felt a little cheated after the fact and would have much more greatly appreciated the real thing I think.
This same publication spoke briefly about Mark Baker and the fact that he trained DDL for LOTM, except with one glaring mistake... they referred to him as Mark *Barron*. Couldn't even get his name right! I guess for some of us a little more responsibility would be appreciated.
So much for that,
Diana S.