I've watched "Gettysburg" probably ten times since I acquired it on DVD a few years ago. I also own "Gods and Generals" on DVD but for some reason never got around to watching it until last evening, and then only the first half hour of it, I am planning to watch in increments while using my recumbent bike because it motivates me to get those workouts in.
Anyhoo...as you probably know, General Lee was played by Martin Sheen in "Gettysburg" but ten years later, Robert Duvall played him in G&G. For those of you who have seen both movies, which performance/impersonation did you prefer and Why?
Personally, I much preferred Robert Duvall in the role. He was much more soft spoken and kindly looking which are two qualities that seem to have defined General Lee based on what I've read and heard about him over the years. There was a warmth and softness in his expression that I see in photographs of General Lee, especially around the eyes, that Martin Sheen lacks. In fact, in watching Martin Sheen portray Lee I see an almost mean expression on his face and hard eyes, as opposed to Mr. Duvall and I just don't see a trace of that in General Lee .
As far as the acting, I've just seen a small part of G&G so far but it did heavily feature Mr. Duvall as General Lee and I think he also did a better job with the accent. Martin Sheen seemed at times to really exaggerate the Virginia accent and give it kind of a Foghorn Leghorn or Muskie Muskrat quality, although that may not have been his fault so much as that of the director or dialogue coach.
Anyway, for me it's Mr . Duvall, hands down.
Anyone else?
Anyhoo...as you probably know, General Lee was played by Martin Sheen in "Gettysburg" but ten years later, Robert Duvall played him in G&G. For those of you who have seen both movies, which performance/impersonation did you prefer and Why?
Personally, I much preferred Robert Duvall in the role. He was much more soft spoken and kindly looking which are two qualities that seem to have defined General Lee based on what I've read and heard about him over the years. There was a warmth and softness in his expression that I see in photographs of General Lee, especially around the eyes, that Martin Sheen lacks. In fact, in watching Martin Sheen portray Lee I see an almost mean expression on his face and hard eyes, as opposed to Mr. Duvall and I just don't see a trace of that in General Lee .
As far as the acting, I've just seen a small part of G&G so far but it did heavily feature Mr. Duvall as General Lee and I think he also did a better job with the accent. Martin Sheen seemed at times to really exaggerate the Virginia accent and give it kind of a Foghorn Leghorn or Muskie Muskrat quality, although that may not have been his fault so much as that of the director or dialogue coach.
Anyway, for me it's Mr . Duvall, hands down.
Anyone else?
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