The Least Historically Accurate Hollywood Films: A Review
When it comes to historical accuracy in Hollywood, certain films stand out as prime examples of liberties taken with the past. Despite the intention to provide an entertaining narrative, these movies often omit, misinterpret, or even fictionalize key events and characters. Wersquo;ll explore some of these films and analyze why they fall short in their historical depiction.
Introduction to Historical Accuracy in Hollywood
Historical events are rarely cut and dry. They are often interpreted through the lens of the victorious side, who craft narratives that support their own agenda. This can make it difficult for filmmakers to maintain historical accuracy, especially when they need to condense complex events into a two-hour film. Additionally, the dramatic conventions of Hollywood may distort historical facts for the sake of entertainment, leading to misrepresentations and inaccuracies.
Examples of Historically Inaccurate Hollywood Films
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
Elizabeth: The Golden Age, directed by Shekhar Kapur and produced by Universal Pictures and Working Title Films, is a prime example of a historically inaccurate Hollywood film. This movie, while visually stunning with exquisite costumes and sets, gets nearly everything wrong when it comes to the historical timeline and characters.
One of the most egregious inaccuracies is the portrayal of historical figures. For instance, Dr. John Dee, a prominent mathematician and astrologer, is depicted as a minor character who was not even present in England when the Spanish Armada set sail from Lisbon. Sir Walter Raleigh, portrayed as the leader of the English fleet, was in fact not even on any ship at the time. As for Queen Elizabeth I, the film incorrectly suggests that she was still actively courting suitors, despite her being around 60 years old.
The forced romance between Queen Elizabeth and Sir Walter Raleigh is perhaps the most unintentionally hilarious aspect of the film. This narrative element, combined with the illogical inclusion of the beheading of Mary, Queen of Scots, further emphasizes the filmrsquo;s historical inaccuracy. The depiction of the Spanish Armada invasion is particularly laughable, with no regard for the actual events and their impact.
Ultimately, Elizabeth: The Golden Age fails to capture the complexity and intrigue of the time period it depicts. Instead, it focuses on an exaggerated and romanticized version of events, which alienates viewers who seek true historical representation. The film's costume, color scheme, and set design, while visually appealing, do not compensate for its historical inaccuracies.
Conclusion
Historical accuracy in film is crucial for providing a truthful and engaging narrative. While Hollywood films can serve as entertaining stories, they often sacrifice accuracy for the sake of drama and spectacle. Cases such as Elizabeth: The Golden Age highlight the importance of striving for historical truth, even if it means making difficult choices in terms of storytelling.
So, for those interested in history, it is essential to approach these films with a critical eye and seek out supplementary sources for a fuller understanding of the events they depict.