Gods and Generals was one of the greatest disappointments. I doubt I’ve watched it twice, it was so bad. Bad reviews probably did in the 3rd movie. Gettysburg was based on Michael Shaara’s Killer Angels. His son, Jeffrey Shaara, was responsible for the prequel and sequel and he was certainly not up to his father in skill.
It does seem to have been a more religious time. Much of my own religious research centers around the Revolutionary War period, so I’m not that knowledgeable about mid 19th century religion.
Having read both books and having seen both movies your analysis is spot on. Well done.
I live near Perryville, KY, where they have re-enactments every year. After watching the first one, I realized where they got all those “extras” for the movie. The scene where the camera scrolls by all the firing canons gave me goosebumps. Heck, just writing about it brings tears to my eyes.
You really got a fairly good feel for what it would have been a participant in such an event. Well, as good as a movie can bring. Your own understanding can add to it.
On a side note, having now lived in Kentucky for six years and learning all about ticks and chiggers on my forested property, I honestly don’t know how any of those soldiers back then survived the bugs.