Fields of Freedom

My friend, Seth Isler, did a wonderful job of producing "Fields of Freedom." He, however, did not direct the film. I had that pleasure.I'm not sure where this information was obtained. There is a lot of misinformation about the creation of this film. If one wants to know, just contact any of the crew or Seth himself.

This half-hour IMAX "movie" is what you get when you spend tens of millions on production values for a documentary dramatization written as if for the small screen. Good and gory special effects and convincing, if repetitious, catapult stunt work, competent photography, lightning editing, a thousand extras, seamless compositing, an ex-President reading Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, all set to stirring music by the London Symphany Orchestra. But there is little character or story development that might have made for a more emotional experience. Then again, what can you expect in 30 minutes? The film reduces the entire Battle of Gettysburg to Pickett's Charge, and focuses on the narratives of a stereotypic, aw-shucks Confederate private and a characterless Union officer with no memorable qualities for the audience. The script spends much of its time inserting needless historical details instead of evoking the bug-eyed terror that must have prevailed that day, but then most of the actors look more like re-enactors. It would've been more effective without any narration at all, observing the visceral behavior and experiences of the soldiers on both sides, but who would've ever thought of doing that? And why is it that the Yankees, staring west at 3:30 in the afternoon, have the sun behind them, just like the Rebels do?

We saw the film on April 19th! It was amazing! The theater, sound, music was outstanding! I actually felt as if I should be ducking from the sounds of the bullets. Digital sounds, Trevor Jones' music, outstanding photography and perfect casting succeeded in producing a 30 minute movie worth the road trip to Gettysburg! When the film was over you felt as if "you were there" for Pickett's Charge! The pain of the confederacy filled us with compassion. The next day we walked the battle field reliving the film. Fields of Freedom should be required before touring the battlefield. All dialog and narrative were from actual diaries and letters! Pvt. Jeremy Johnston brought us to tears! Job well done! I'm returning with a bus load of 6th graders!

This film is being shown at the Gateway Center in Gettysburg, PA. I believe this is the only place you can see it. It's shown on a big (I-MAX like, but not quite I-MAX) screen, and it has great sound. The musical score (using some Civil War era melodies) is impressive.

This movie provides a 30-minute introduction to the Battle of Gettysburg's climatic action (the repulse of Pickett's Charge), told from the perspective of the soldiers who fought the battle. It was filmed on a farm in western Maryland, and there are no stars or even familiar faces among the actors. Given its purpose, I think Fields of Freedom is a success. Anyone visiting Gettysburg, should take time to go see it.

I've heard so much about it, and Seth Isler - but am still waiting for it to show up someplace other than Gettysberg. I wish HBO or SOMEONE would pick it up to televise or at least make available on DVD. Seeing it on IMAX would be incredible, especially with the sound systems to play the incredible score people keep talking about.

In reality, there just aren't enough quality films on this subject that teach as well as entertain. Under Seth Islers direction, aided by a meticulous crew and stellar actors, "Fields of Freedom" could become the template for other historical movies - making them more readily available to the general public would be the first step in the right direction for a potentially positive impact on future forms of bringing the past into our reality.