History vs Hollywood

**mrpharr** · 10th May 06, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by longshadows

Todd is correct, as long as the producers of historical films and books have some integirty. It would be nice if historical motion pictures could get some sort of "Historians Seal of Approval" if their production is authentic and has made an effort of portray a reasonable version of the actual events, characters and ways of life.

The problem is, like Todd also said, when this is not done, the public comes away with some skewed understanding of historical events and "professionals," like historians, librarians, social scientists, etc. then try to correct.

Unfortunately, as in the case of the movie, "that dare not speak its name," they are having one heck of a time doing so. Readers of the book and those foaming at the mouth to see the upcoming movie are flooding places like Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland because it's been implicated in the plot, even thought scholars and historians all disagree on this. But don't confuse the public with the facts!

I guess "honesty (historical and otherwise) is the best policy," but it may not sell as well.

mp

i believe this is where my original thread began. my entire family enjoyed the move Braveheart as an inspirational movie but the Craig character being a semi-villian really shocked us. im glad this part of the film was not accurate as far as i can tell.

**mrpharr** · 10th May 06, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Brilliant...pure dead brilliant, AA! :mrgreen:

This quote is at the top of my class syllabus:

"History repeats itself because no one was listening the first time."
-- Anonymous

I always tell students that this not only applies to history, but to their grades as well!

Todd

and if you don't know your past, you don't know your future.

**mrpharr** · 10th May 06, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by KiltedKnight

This thread has really saddened me to the point of one uncontrolled tear escaping my eye. To doubt Hollywood as you have is unthinkable! Next I'd expect you all to tear down wonderful historical films such as "Little Big Man" and "Forrest Gump". Well, I won't have it and I won't read anything against such wonderfully informative movies that with them and a Seven and a half minute series map I could find any place in Europe!

Chris...

Yeah, Wallice should have been played by Tom Cruise...

**Southern Breeze** · 10th May 06, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by mrpharr

Yeah, Wallice should have been played by Tom Cruise...

No way, Arnold Schwarzenegger should have played Wallice!

**highlander_Daz** · 11th May 06, 02:05 AM

hasta la vista longshanks !

**An t-Ileach** · 11th May 06, 02:39 AM

Ah'll bee back!

(Anyway, wasn't WW a little taller than TC?)

But, what about Viggo?

**David Dalglish** · 11th May 06, 03:40 AM

I think the Uma Thurman should have played Wallace, If she fought as well as she did in Kill Bill, England would belong to Scotland now

**An t-Ileach** · 11th May 06, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by David Dalglish

I think the Uma Thurman should have played Wallace, If she fought as well as she did in Kill Bill, England would belong to Scotland now

Well, according to certain newspapers here it does seem like a Scottish colony.

**Moosehead** · 11th May 06, 08:19 AM

(Anyway, wasn't WW a little taller than TC?)

Heck 90% of the population is taller than TC.

**Joe Gondek** · 11th May 06, 08:39 AM

It would be nice if historical motion pictures could get some sort of "Historians Seal of Approval" if their production is authentic and has made an effort of portray a reasonable version of the actual events, characters and ways of life.

Great idea!

Next I'd expect you all to tear down wonderful historical films such as "Little Big Man" and "Forrest Gump".

Don't forget "The Patriot", We all know that Brits like to burn people in churches. I saw it in a movie.