This concise biographical profile of George Washington is not intended to have viewers stand up and cheer at the end. But it also does not seek to besmirch the character of Washington and promote the tearing down of statues. The filmmakers effectively portrayed Washington as an ambitious and flawed Founding Father. In the film, the layers are peeled away on various myths and preconceptions.
First, it was made clear that Washington's roots were not in the planter aristocracy of eighteenth-century America. He came from the middle echelon of the gentry class and was highly motivated to move up in society. It is stated in the film that "his modesty covered his ambition." That ambition drove him to become both wealthy and famous by 1776.
At age 20, Washington joined the Freemasons, hoping to establish influential contacts. He also married "up" in his contractual arrangement with Martha Custis, which brought him enormous tracks of land. The love his life may have been Sally Fairfax, a married woman who rejected his overt advances. But over time, he clearly became devoted to Martha.
The film also deflates the myth of Washington as a truth-teller, as set forth in the tall tale of the cherry tree that was retailed by Parson Weems. During the Revolutionary War, Washington engaged in the dark arts of spycraft, becoming a master of deception starting at Morristown. His ability to dupe the British into believing that his ragtag arm was much larger should not go unnoticed. His skills in intelligence helped to compensate for his substandard battlefield strategic abilities when compared with the British generals. His Culper Spy Ring in New York produced major results.
While the film did not cover Washington's two terms in office, which reveals a wiser and more astute leader, it nonetheless offers and incisive glimpse into the character of an American hero.
First, it was made clear that Washington's roots were not in the planter aristocracy of eighteenth-century America. He came from the middle echelon of the gentry class and was highly motivated to move up in society. It is stated in the film that "his modesty covered his ambition." That ambition drove him to become both wealthy and famous by 1776.
At age 20, Washington joined the Freemasons, hoping to establish influential contacts. He also married "up" in his contractual arrangement with Martha Custis, which brought him enormous tracks of land. The love his life may have been Sally Fairfax, a married woman who rejected his overt advances. But over time, he clearly became devoted to Martha.
The film also deflates the myth of Washington as a truth-teller, as set forth in the tall tale of the cherry tree that was retailed by Parson Weems. During the Revolutionary War, Washington engaged in the dark arts of spycraft, becoming a master of deception starting at Morristown. His ability to dupe the British into believing that his ragtag arm was much larger should not go unnoticed. His skills in intelligence helped to compensate for his substandard battlefield strategic abilities when compared with the British generals. His Culper Spy Ring in New York produced major results.
While the film did not cover Washington's two terms in office, which reveals a wiser and more astute leader, it nonetheless offers and incisive glimpse into the character of an American hero.
