The Patriot Cast: Chris Cooper

In The Patriot
Chris Cooper's rugged persona again makes a great fit for his role in The Patriot as Colonel Harry Burwell. He wasn't given much to work with, but his interactions with Mel Gibson's Benjamin Martin left me wanting to see more of Burwell and Martin's friendship, rather than less of Burwell. In an early script, this role had a lot more to it. All that is left of Burwell is to be the lone speaking role that represents the Continental Army.

What is left in the film is that Colonel Burwell comes across tired and frustrated with the progress of the war, but ever loyal to the cause and yet respectful of Benjamin Martin and his own family responsibilities. Chris Cooper's acting style makes it easy for him to have chemistry with other actors. He does well with Mel Gibson, but Burwell defers to Benjamin Martin, even when he should not in the chain of command. He makes Burwell a likeable character, but the script makes it difficult for him to not come across as Benjamin Martin's doormat.

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