The Alamo

The Alamo (2004)

Dennis Quaid as Sam Houston. Houston sacrifices the Alamo for the greater good of Texas.

Billy Bob Thornton as David Crockett. Crockett is a politician that is clearly uncomfortable with the myths that surround him. He arrives in Texas thinking that all the fighting is over. Crack shot that knicks Santa Anna before battle starts. Superb anecdote about the potatoes. Crockett (on fiddle) engages in a music duel with the Mexican army band.

Patrick Wilson as Travis. Enigmatic character with some inconsistent ideas about honor. He is an unrepentant sinner but does not drink alcohol. Crack shot that saves Crockett before the real battle. Travis initially lacks the confidence to deal with the situation into which he has been forced (his commander left on “personal” business). Great scene where Travis picks up a dud cannonball and gives it to his own men to fire back at the Mexicans.

Jason Patric as Jim Bowie. Charasmatic leader whose terminal illness renders him almost useless.

Interesting portrayal of the Texans as a drunken rabble willing to die on general principles. The movie makes no attempt to conceal the racist attitudes of the time.

Unmistakable European influence on the Mexican army. Very spiffy uniforms. Aristocratic officers that drink from crystal. Santa Ana has nothing but contempt for the lives of his own soldiers.

The Alamo was for the Mexicans what Thermopylae was for the Persians. The price of victory was so extreme that they could not recover.

I read several reviews of this movie. One criticism was that the narrative does not flow. I agree with that criticism.

Another criticism was that there was too much emphasis on historical accuracy at the expense of making an entertaining movie. I am not opposed to a little artistic license if it really does improve the story.