Up, Simba

Wallace’s ultra-descriptive technique used throughout Up, Simba was both enjoyable and horrifying. Reading about John McCain’s stubborn pride while a Prisoner of War in Vietnam assures me that he truly loves his country, but then again, he might be crazy.
From the beginning of the article Wallace’s description of John McCain reminded me a bit of the way Franklin Schaffner portrayed George Scott as General Patton in the movie, Patton. Wallace began the article by listing the separate titles attached to McCain – “USN, POW, USC, etc.” This shows that McCain is not only very well-respected, but perhaps a perfect representation of a true “American War Hero.” Patton’s medals and badges decorating his uniform serve the exact same purpose. No soldier or useless punk is going to mess with someone in full decorated uniform, and they are not going to bullshit around with a former POW either.
Wallace continued his description of McCain by listing a few of his nicknames such as “The Straight Talk Express” and “The Real McCain.” Finally, Wallace refers to him as “a serious hard-ass – a way – Right Republican senator from one of the most politically troglodytic states in the nation.” Cleary he has solidified John McCain as someone who isn’t interested in telling jokes with other politicians. What about General Patton? Well, all of you heard George Scott’s version of his chilling speech. He and John McCain were undeniably straightforward.
Not only did McCain and Patton’s personalities run parallel to one another, but McCain seemed to model his speeches after George Scott. For example, Wallace talked about the large American flag that hung in the background during McCain’s campaign speeches. That idea obviously came from the movie Patton. Surely it was intended to add to the “prideful American” description of John McCain. And I bet it worked. The situation is honestly not much different from the movie. The flag was supposed to appeal to those watching the speech on television, just as that perfectly placed flag in Patton did. After all, it took up the entire screen for a reason.