FOUNDING FATHER

WASHINGTON WAS NOT ALWAYS INVINCIBLE

by PETER THOMAS BUSCH

The great people always have to start somewhere, and General George Washington got started in Ohio.

Washington, played by William Franklin-Miller, gets commissioned by Virginia’s land baron, Lord Fairfax, to survey millions of acres west of the mountains. The young Washington soon enough stumbles across a fort constructed by the French, when the French are not really supposed to be there.

Director Jon Erwin takes the camera back to 1755 when the Frontier was still being settled by the European empires. The 13 American Colonies only settled so much land, when there was so much more still left westward.

Casting director Daniel Edwards finds a cast to play already established gentry, such as Lord Fairfax, played by Kelsey Grammer, Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie, played by Ben Kingsley, and General Braddock, played by Andy Serkis, each of whom play small parts from within an ensemble of new actors playing the young colonialists around Washington.

The dialogue underscores Washington’s intellect, after having been home schooled on the classics by his older half-brother, Lawrence Washington, played by John Foss. Scenes tend to carry a bit of vitriol as the basis for the founding ideals of America, just a few years before the start of the American Revolution and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

Washington though is humble, and purposefully modest knowing he is without official title, since he is ambitious and wants to volunteer his way into a position of authority.

The first test is a failure, but the young Washington eventually regains his muster and returns to the battlefield to prove himself to his fellow colonialists.

Erwin takes his time getting all the characters to that point of glory, so as to introduce some formalities of the time, such as those that exist between social classes, by going from house to house, and room to room.

For example, the narrative slows down enough to note the differences in social grace as a result of Washington’s father owning 250 acres in Virginia, and Lord Fairfax’s immense wealth and title to millions of acres of land.

Of course there is a love interest in all of this, with Washington writing many letters from camp to the one that lights his heart in Virginia.

Erwin makes a point of touching other topics, such as slavery and the loyalties of the indigenous tribes, some of whom fought with the French and some of whom fought for themselves.

And this issue orientation is completed with the use of a linear narrative.

Near the early parts of his career, Washington becomes responsible for beginning the war between the British and the French, before being appointed to lead the Colonial Regiment.

The film is a nice little historical piece about an important historical figure during a time before he took on the causes for which he has become remembered.