Slaves and free blacks were essential to the working of South Carolina society and economy as well as in the armies on both sides of the conflict. My hope was that it would help viewers of “The Patriot” understand how disparate cultures from West Africa sought to coalesce themselves into a cohesive community as a result of the strictures of the slavery system. Not only did the members of the Gullah community serve as spies and guides during the revolutionary period, but their isolation, fierce sense of independence and community-building helped them survive the horrors of slavery.Īdding the Gullah to the story provided a nontraditional perspective of black life during the third quarter of the 18th century. Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque. Screenplay by Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan). Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent. Directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day).
Initially, I felt that the portrayal of African Americans in the movie lacked depth and that their absence was problematic.Īt my suggestion, the decision was made to include a scene that focused on the Gullah community in South Carolina. A reluctant South Carolina farmer (Mel Gibson) is forced to fight the British in this epic adventure of the American Revolution. My role as a historian was to look at the cultural aspects of the script and make comments and suggestions. Certainly a more comprehensive story could have been told about slavery and its pervasive impact on every aspect of life during the period.Īs consultants, the Smithsonian Institution contributed to “The Patriot” by examining Robert Rodat’s script and ensuring that it depicted possibilities of life during the period of the American Revolution. Certainly more could have been done to represent the black majority that lived in the Low country.
Get access to your favorite movies and TV shows for just 25/mo. I am in agreement with much of what he says, particularly as it relates to the contributions and presence of enslaved African Americans in South Carolina during the revolutionary period. Watch The Patriot (full movie) is available for streaming online with a Philo subscription. I read with great interest Spike Lee’s recent letter as well as Kevin Phillips’ article concerning the film “The Patriot” (“ ‘Patriot’s’ Skirmish With Truth,” July 7).