Gods and Generals
Short description
Gods and Generals is an epic American Civil War drama set in the early 1860s, when the country was splitting apart. The story follows Confederate general Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a gifted but deeply eccentric officer, from the war's outbreak through its middle years, while also tracing the Union officers who would become his opponents. The film moves through the major eastern battles of the conflict's first half, including Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and follows the families left behind at home. It serves as a companion piece to the earlier Gettysburg.
The film was written, produced and directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, who had adapted Michael Shaara's novel for Gettysburg a decade earlier; here he turns to Jeff Shaara's book covering the years leading up to the events of that film. Stephen Lang plays Jackson, Jeff Daniels portrays Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, and Robert Duvall takes the role of Robert E. Lee. The large production, with forty credited cast members and seventy-three credited crew, runs 219 minutes.
Made for roughly 56 million dollars, Gods and Generals earned about 13 million worldwide, a fraction of its cost. Audiences rate it modestly, at 6.2 on IMDb from around 18,000 votes and 6.4 on TMDB from over 200 votes. The film critics' score of 3.9 out of 10 from 118 reviews indicates that critics judged it considerably more harshly than viewers did.
What's left behind the scenes
- To film the scene of the Confederate infantry assault at the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 11-15, 1862), special effects supervisor Thomas J. Smith used digital technology to create over 17,000 low-resolution soldiers who ran, marched, or crawled, wounded, depending on the staging. He then “added” 3,000 casualties. They had to resort to “digital” methods because, in light of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center towers, many of the historical reenactors involved in the filming preferred to go home. The scene was initially filmed with the remaining extras, but during post-production, their insufficient number in the frame was too noticeable, and the problem was solved in this way.
- The film was initially given an “R” rating (containing material intended only for adult audiences), but by cutting a significant portion of the violent scenes, the filmmakers achieved a rating change to “PG-13” (some material may be inappropriate for children under 13).
- Approximately two hundred historical reenactors were on standby (24 hours a day, 6 days a week) to participate in mass scenes during filming. They were the only enthusiasts of historical reenactment whose participation in the filming was paid.
- In early September 2001, Martin Sheen was in Washington filming the series “The West Wing” (1999-2006). He planned to fly out of Dulles Airport on the morning of September 11th if Warner Bros. agreed to pay $1 million for him to reprise his role as General Lee, which he played in Ron Maxwell’s historical drama “Gettysburg” (1993), but due to problems at Warner Bros. (where financial difficulties led to a change in legal status), he never boarded the flight, and the role of General Lee went to Robert Duvall.
- The historical reenactors involved in the film largely volunteered their time. In return, the film company agreed to donate at least $500,000 to a program for preserving Civil War battlefields.
- The film alters or somewhat smooths over certain eccentricities of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. In reality, Jackson rode horseback with one arm constantly raised, believing this helped balance his bodily fluids. In the film, however, he only rides with his arm raised in one scene, to stop bleeding after being wounded. Furthermore, it is claimed that Jackson constantly ate lemons, believing it was necessary for his health. In the film, he gives lemons to the bride of one of the junior officers.
- The role of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson (1824-1863) was originally intended for Russell Crowe. He initially expressed interest in participating in the project, but ultimately declined to film, citing fatigue and a desire to rest in Australia. The role then went to Stephen Lang, who was already preparing to reprise, as in “Gettysburg (1993),” the role of General George Pickett (1825-1875). Ultimately, General Pickett was played by Billy Campbell.
- Some scenes were filmed at Robert Duvall's estate (he played General Robert Edward Lee, 1807-1870) in Virginia, where actual battles took place during the Civil War (1861-1865).
- Mira Sorvino (who appeared on screen as Fanny Chamberlain) is one of director Ron Maxwell's favorite actresses. He initially cast her in the lead role in a film about Joan of Arc, but when that project was shelved during pre-production, Maxwell offered her a role in "Gods and Generals" – his next film.
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