In 1970 a film with George C. Scott playing General George S. Patton was released in the United States.  In it Patton is portrayed as a philosopher warrior of sorts, believing in reincarnation (while remaining a devout Catholic), and a fan and writer of poetry. Although the film took many liberties in the portrayal of Patton it begins to open the space where one can think on this mythical character and his own contemplations through his poetry. (The film actually only had one poem written by Patton and it was heavily re-edited.) In the film Patton stops at the site of the ancient Battle of Zama, in Carthage. He speaks of reincarnation (particularly his own, and his involvement in past battles with the Cathaginians), and the inescapable history of Carthage and other sites of conflict.

 

Through this re-enactment of sorts it will, hopefully, help lead to a better understanding of Patton, his poems- and if they reveal something about him, war, the military, conflict, power, violence, the law, sovereignty, and sites of inescapable violence.