Difference between revisions of "329--Week 15 Questions/Comments"
From McClurken Wiki
(→Comments on Reading in ''Reel History'') |
m (→Comments on Reading in ''Reel History'') |
||
| Line 117: | Line 117: | ||
Throughout this class, we have evaluated the historical accuracies and inaccuracies in historical films. At times, I feel as if our nitpicky attacks of historical inaccuracies as scholars might be too harsh. Several times throughout the reading, Toplin discussed the format of the historical film in Hollywood and how diversions from the formula can sometimes have financially disastrous consequences for directors. I agree with Toplin that it is more important for a historical film to portray the bigger picture, and sometimes the small fictional details which help make the movie more appealing to audiences do not matter that much. If a director inundated audiences with every historical detail and perspective, the movie most likely would not be very successful. If a movie is unable to reach a wide audience, than whatever story the director is attempting to tell gets lost in obscurity. ~Juliann Boyles | Throughout this class, we have evaluated the historical accuracies and inaccuracies in historical films. At times, I feel as if our nitpicky attacks of historical inaccuracies as scholars might be too harsh. Several times throughout the reading, Toplin discussed the format of the historical film in Hollywood and how diversions from the formula can sometimes have financially disastrous consequences for directors. I agree with Toplin that it is more important for a historical film to portray the bigger picture, and sometimes the small fictional details which help make the movie more appealing to audiences do not matter that much. If a director inundated audiences with every historical detail and perspective, the movie most likely would not be very successful. If a movie is unable to reach a wide audience, than whatever story the director is attempting to tell gets lost in obscurity. ~Juliann Boyles | ||
| + | |||
| + | Toplin mentioned movies that attempt to recount one specific event or one or two historical figures are more prone to criticism because, well they are easier to criticize. The movies we have dubbed the most historically accurate this semester are ones that explain history from the "community's" perspective (''Matewan'', ''Gone With the Wind'', ''Long Walk Home'' to name a few). Lately this semester, we have focused on historical films revolving around one or two characters - ''Born on the Fourth...'' and ''All The President's Men''. These movies, along with my ''Cinderella Man'' project, have made me admire the efforts of these filmmakers focusing on one event or historical figure. While these films tend to be under the microscope when viewed by film critics and historians, when they are done accurately, it provides viewers with facts and a specific perspective about the time period. I personally enjoy these types of films because there is always another side to a story, but it's not always clear what that side is. History is never viewed by only one set of eyes, and movies are a great way to explore other visions. - David F. | ||
