The Patriot (1998 film)

The Patriot

The Patriot (1998) is an action film directed by Dean Semler and written by M. Sussman and John Kingswell. The film stars Steven Seagal as Dr. Wesley McClaren, a doctor and former United States government agent who finds himself in the midst of a deadly virus outbreak in a small town in Montana. The film explores themes of bioterrorism, patriotism, and survival in the face of a national crisis.

Plot

The story begins with Dr. Wesley McClaren, a respected physician and immunologist, who has retired from his work as a government agent to lead a quieter life in Montana. His peaceful existence is shattered when a group of militia men, led by the antagonist Floyd Chisolm, unleashes a deadly, genetically engineered virus as a part of their plan to overthrow the government. McClaren's daughter, Holly McClaren, is among those threatened by the virus. Utilizing his skills and knowledge, McClaren races against time to find a cure while protecting his daughter and the town from the militia's further attacks.

Cast

• Steven Seagal as Dr. Wesley McClaren
• Gailard Sartain as Floyd Chisolm
• L.Q. Jones as Frank
• Camilla Belle as Holly McClaren
• Dan Beene as Deputy
• Damon Collazo as Lieutenant Johnson
• Brad Leland as Militia Man

Production

Directed by Dean Semler, a cinematographer who won an Academy Award for his work on Dances with Wolves, The Patriot marked one of his few directorial efforts. The film was produced by Steven Seagal and Howard Baldwin, with the intention of showcasing Seagal in a slightly different light than his usual action-packed roles. Filming primarily took place in Montana, aiming to capture the state's natural beauty and the essence of small-town America.

Reception

Upon its release, The Patriot received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised Seagal's performance and the film's action sequences, others criticized its plot and perceived lack of originality. Despite this, the film has garnered a cult following over the years, particularly among fans of Seagal and action movies from the 1990s.

Themes

The film delves into several significant themes, including the threat of bioterrorism in the modern world, the concept of patriotism and what it means to stand up for one's country, and the importance of community and family in times of crisis. Through its portrayal of a small town's fight against a seemingly insurmountable threat, The Patriot raises questions about responsibility, sacrifice, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones and their homeland.

See Also

• Steven Seagal filmography
• Bioterrorism in popular culture
• Action films of the 1990s