Film Trivia - Con't: 19. The filmmakers used 200 extras along with another 200 reenactor as
"core soldiers." These men were cast for long hair among other things,
so that the production could save on wigs. The extras spent two weeks at soldier
training camp, learning such 18th century skills as shooting and marching. The
reenactors served as the instructors. They all portrayed Patriot, British and
French soldiers and were used over and over in the battles and often 'died'
several times.
20.
The Martin house and accompanying crops as well as Pembroke Villiage, were
built by the production. They were built east-west so that Director
Roland Emmerich could use natural backlighting.
21. Peat moss was used to simulate exploding dirt from the mortars. Flour
was shot out of the cannons to create the "smoke."
22.Benjamin
Martin's statement, "Why should I agree to swap one tyrant three
thousand miles away for three thousand tyrants one mile away?" is a variation
of a comment made by the Loyalist clergyman Reverend Mather Byles, "Which
is better - to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away or by three
thousand tyrants one mile away?"
