I once said casting Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee (in the movie "Gettysburg") was like casting Jane Fonda as Mother Theresa," Robertson said.
And I quote Bert Lahr -
"AIN'T IT THE TRUTH ... AIN'T IT THE TRUTH!!!"
Posted on 01/30/2003 8:52:27 AM PST by stainlessbanner
DANVILLE, Va. - Dr. James I. "Buddy" Robertson said Wednesday that emotion is the key element in the movie "Gods and Generals."
Robertson, a renowned Civil War historian, was the historical consultant on the Warner Bros./Ted Turner movie that features Confederate Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson as its main character.
"Gods and Generals" is an adaptation of a book written by Jeff Shaara and is the prequel to "The Killer Angels," on which the film "Gettysburg" was based.
The movie deviates from the book with a healthy dose of Jackson's character taken from Robertson's biography.
"This is the greatest Civil War movie ever made," Robertson said as he spoke to a Danville's Wednesday Club. "What college professor can say his book was made into a mega-movie? This is not a war movie like 'Gettysburg.' It is the emotion that will sell this movie."
While discussing the movie, Robertson always returned to the central character.
Robertson spoke about Jackson as one speaks of a favorite relative, with an understanding and reverence that seemed to elevate the esteem of the general in the eyes of the audience.
"I probably know Stonewall Jackson better than any person alive today," Robertson said. "Unless you understand the emotion of the Civil War, you can't understand the war."
Robertson offered a thumbnail sketch of Jackson's life - including the fact that his mother gave him up when he was 7 years old, and he worked on his uncle's farm until he was old enough to leave. Robertson also told the audience that he had gone to a family psychiatrist and asked about an unnamed person with Jackson's background in order to better understand him.
The primary points Robertson said the movie captured was Jackson's faith and his personality.
Robertson said when the first three battles of the Civil War fell on Sunday, Jackson changed the days of the week, allowing for a day of worship every week.
"When Jackson hits you with a prayer, you will not be ready for it, but you will be better for it," Robertson said. "Stephen Lange (the actor who plays Jackson) paid me one of the most supreme compliments. He was being interviewed by a reporter and the reporter asked Stephen how he could play the part so well. Stephen said, 'It was easy. I had a Bible under one arm and Bud Robertson's book under the other.'"
Robertson offered the audience insight into actor Robert Duvall, who plays Robert E. Lee. According to Robertson, Duvall took the role because he said he always wanted to play Lee in a movie.
Robertson showed the audience a picture of Duvall as Lee and commented, to much vocal agreement, that he looked very much like the Confederate general.
"I once said casting Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee (in the movie "Gettysburg") was like casting Jane Fonda as Mother Theresa," Robertson said.
The four-hour movie will be in theaters in February. A full-length DVD version - 6 1/2 hours long - will be available next year.
Contact Cathy Koplen at ckoplen@registerbee.com or at (434) 793-2311 Ext. 3043.
Humble, aren't we?
I hope that he is close to right - Gettysburg was an excellent movie, and this looks to be also. Despite Ted Turner being involved, I'll be seeing this.
Thanks for posting this. I read this line and about fell out of my chair. Can't wait for the movie
Shaara wrote the book, I recommend reading any of his or his father's books and Jeff was consulted on the production of this movie. It would be interesting to hear what he thinks about the movie "deviating" from his work....especially Roberston's input about Jackson.
...and lemon peels.
I actually hear that Jackson and Lee are portrayed as very strong Christians, just as they were in life.
Now I've read some of Shaara the younger's work and have concluded he ain't his old man. I'm hoping the movie can improve upon his work.
...Longstreet, to whose sturdy breast the approach of battle seemed to bring gayety, said to Jackson: "General, do not all these multitudes frighten you?"
He replied: "We shall see very soon whether I shall not frighten them."
~Prior to the battle of Fredericksburg, as the generals looked upon the vast Union army lining up to do battle~
The younger Shaara wrote "Gods and Generals". Haven't read it, don't plan to. He continues in his father's footsteps as a hagiographer of J. L. Chamberlain, an officer for whom I have little use.
I once said casting Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee (in the movie "Gettysburg") was like casting Jane Fonda as Mother Theresa," Robertson said.
And I quote Bert Lahr -
"AIN'T IT THE TRUTH ... AIN'T IT THE TRUTH!!!"
It comes out 2-21-03.
I'll let y'all know how good it is.
You better tell us how it is - make sure you enjoy it.
PS: Wear the 'ol butternut and gray to the preview : )
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.