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Blockbuster History Films Essay

Decent Essays

History films have often been criticised by academics and journalists as inaccurate depictions of the past. Yet there is no denying the fact that blockbuster history films are increasingly influential in shaping our understanding of historical people and events thanks to the accessibility of the medium. Producers of these films often take liberties with facts to tell a more dramatic, engaging and entertaining story. They have a basis in truth but are greatly influenced by the writers’ and directors’ desire to envelop the audience in the story and to entertain. They focus the visual and auditory senses of the viewer on the subject being studied creating a stimulating and forceful impact on the viewer, therefore engaging their interest. …show more content…

Historically, Martin is loosely tied to the Continental Army Officer Francis Marion, the ‘Swamp Fox’, along with four other historical figures. Francis Marion was notoriously known for his use of guerrilla tactics against British troops in South Carolina, something which is presented historically accurate in the film. The Patriot has inspired a new resurgence in research into the American Revolution; raising the public awareness of what has become an almost mythical war, and creates an opportunity for teachers and students to gain a deeper understanding of the era. In some aspects, director Roland Emmerich historically replicated events accurately. The film also accurately portrays why the American Revolution started within the opening sequence of the film; that being the revolt against british taxation without any American representation. “The American Revolution came about, fundamentally, because by 1763 the English-speaking communities on the far side of the Atlantic had matured to an extent that their interests and goals were distinct from those of the ruling classes in the mother country.” However, despite the historical accuracies, the film depicts various inaccurate characteristics such as some states offering freedom to African Americans serving in the war for a period of three years. The film suggests that the War of Independence was a liberating experience for African Americans and also that the field

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