"Cinematic History" Review

Shades of gray...

Here, Robert Toplin also discusses the role of historians in the field of filmmaking. He focuses both on experimental and blockbuster films (Gladiator is a big example). He moves beyond just historical accuracy, however, also noting on the political impact of films, in addition to other underlying themes and how they might be used to draw attention or relate to current events. Toplin explains the example of the 1981 film Reds. Reading this reminded me of critic reviews following the huge success of 300. The movie about the famous Spartan uprising against the Persians in Thermopylae was criticized for having an underlying reference to the present Iraq war. (A vastly outnumbered army uses advanced tactics to take on a large horde from Persia, which is today comprised of the nations of the Middle East.) While this may borderline over-analyzing on the part of the critic, it is worth noting all the same because the fact is that it is a derived meaning that many individuals can make. Ultimately, it is clear that as more historic films are created, they must constantly remain in check by historians and others. Given the accessibility and popularity of movies versus literature today, this role is important now more than ever. Media cannot overly influence historic facts for the sake of blockbuster hits and long lines at a movie theater.