Matthew Broderick is brilliant in this movie
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rondine — 14 years ago(April 16, 2011 06:35 PM)
I agree. I think this is his best picture thus far. I will never forget the first time I saw it nor my reaction to his portrayal of Col. Robert Gould Shaw. He is underrated and this is a piece of work he should be very, very proud of!
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USAFMXOfficer_2013 — 14 years ago(April 18, 2011 03:53 PM)
Totally agree with all posts. It also is amazing the physical resemblance between Broderick and Shaw. Has anyone ever seen any interviews with Broderick concerning his preparation for this movie?
Check these side by side photos out>
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm4043935232/ch0008075
Arguing with a Truther is like trying to teach a ham sandwich to play chess - Sivazh -
shayup — 14 years ago(April 26, 2011 04:48 AM)
I'm so glad to see a thread on this. I am in total agreement. Everytime I see this movie I am astounded on all the performances (except for Elwes who seemed goofy to me). Matthew's performance most definitely set the tone for this movie. While the movie was about war, it really was about self reflection, respect and dignity. He captured Shaw's growth as a timid reluctant leader to a great leader of men.
When you look back at the quality roles back the late 80's, it's more understandable that Matthew did not get a nomination. It's a total reflection of how few good movies and roles there are today. Without a doubt, if this movie was made 10 years later, Matthew would have be honored as well as the movie itself.
When the book is closed on Broderick's career, people will reexamine some of his roles and find that many are very underrated. He brings a subtley to his roles that is so refreshing to me. -
Chloe1251 — 14 years ago(April 28, 2011 07:02 AM)
While the movie was about war, it really was about self reflection, respect and dignity.
I couldn't agree more. I've seen this movie countless times and each time I'm newly amazed by the subtle yet powerful performances, especially Matthew Broderick's. This movie is extremely moving and touching without having even a touch of saccharine or sappiness. Even after so many viewings I'm still unable to watch the final scene on the beach (before the battle) without tearing up.
IMO, one of the finest films ever made, bar none. -
hachmom-1 — 14 years ago(May 15, 2011 04:52 AM)
I have always felt Matthew's performance in this film is superb, and like others have said I find totally lose him in Shaw when I watch this film.
Public appreciation of this film was partly a victim of bad timingthe film was released a year before Ken Burns' Civil War really awakened alot of people to our history. One wonders if the film would have done better if it had been released in, say, 1991.
It is not our abilities that show who we truly areit is our choices -
Hancock_the_Superb — 14 years ago(May 31, 2011 04:50 PM)
Agreed. I think Broderick was unfairly criticized just because he was cast - a lot of comments you read on the film are "What's Ferris Bueller doing in a Civil War film?" He is outshined by Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman, but they have flashier characters to play. Broderick hits Shaw's mixture of idealism, insecurity and haughtiness perfectly, and I can't picture anyone else in the part.
"That's what the elves call Justice of the Unicorn!" -
nooneishere — 14 years ago(July 07, 2011 05:00 PM)
Shaw died at 25 (or so), why were people ever complaining that Broderick was too you to play the character? I also think his young voice is perfect for the character's inexperience with the position, it adds a dimension to an already great portrayal.
"That's the karma again, I didn't help Kenny so she beat me up with a telephone" -
Jlcsoccer4 — 14 years ago(July 09, 2011 10:08 PM)
I recently did a research paper on Shaw for my Civil War studies class and all the research I did, including reading the numerous letters he wrote during the war, only further convinced me that Broderick played the role perfectly. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else for Shaw.
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digitaldiva — 14 years ago(July 27, 2011 12:48 PM)
Hi thrwmbgkdosbepmc,
Matthew was wonderful in this role. Shaw was a small, boyish young man who died at 25. He was Harvard educated, spoke with a Boston Brahmin accent, and Matthew captured it perfectly. A wonderful movie and he was wonderful in it. -
anneandwalt-1 — 13 years ago(February 09, 2013 06:43 PM)
Watching Glory again, I have reappraised Broderick's performance and found it quite strong. Let's remember that at only age 25 he was a Colonel leading a full regiment - and was not a professional soldier. Giving his horrific experiences earlier in the war, Shaw was understandably wrestling with fear and self-doubt as he struggled to fulfill his parents wishes in a politically thankless situation.
Casting a older, gruffer actor would not have been true to Shaw - well done Matthew. -
LDHRELL2003 — 12 years ago(December 25, 2013 02:09 PM)
The film was not even nominated for Best PictureDenzel spoke to that doing his acceptance for Best Supporting actor. The critics used Broderick's so called "weak" performance to diminish Glory. The only reason why Glory did not win Best Picture"Driving Miss Daisy"really? Matthew was simply amazing in the movie.