Movies based upon historical events

[Chromer]

Re: Movies based upon historical events

I find it hard to believe that you could both do a proper job researching that battle -and- find that battle to be incredibly boring.

Ok, this is where I destroy your entire argument about the movie not being boring if it was accurately portrayed.

If you knew anything about Ancient Greek fighting, it was customary for the unit to form either a phalanx or stand shoulder to shoulder holding their shields to cover the man beside them. Jutting from each shield was the main weapon of choice for the hoplite: the spear. Since the Persian army was lightly armored, when they surged forward against the Greeks, they either ran themselves on the spears or were stabbed trying to push the Greeks back. There was things called Battle Pulses, in which the Persians would try to push the Greeks for about 5 minutes than back away and do it over and over again. It wasn't a test of fighting ability, it was a test of endurance and who could withstand the most pressure from the opposing force.

Now would you rather see Persians run into spear from shields for 2 hours, or would you rather see what "300" did: make kick-ass fighting scenes in which the above tactic was rarely used?

America says "300's" way.

[PinoySkillz]

Re: Movies based upon historical events

But don't tell me you're entertaining me with a movie about Frank Miller's graphic novel, and then have your movie completely ignore the history of Frank Miller's graphic novel

I may be wrong, but I don't think they ever advertised the movie as being based on the Battle of Thermopylae. They advertised it as being based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, and to that they were very accurate.

You can make a movie about a small army in ancient times holding off superior numbers, and not make it the greeks and persians and that battle of that war. Heck, use your own alternate world where there are dinosaurs if you want to add a dinosaur to the battle, go nuts, that's the joy of fiction.

Hmmm...that sounds familiar. I think it's called Lord of The Rings :P

The point is, if they made 300 the way you wanted it, it wouldn't be as entertaining. If it's not as entertaining it won't bring in as much money. Money is the bottom line.

[devonin]

Re: Movies based upon historical events

I may be wrong, but I don't think they ever advertised the movie as being based on the Battle of Thermopylae. They advertised it as being based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, and to that they were very accurate.

Er...okay...so I guess fighting in the name of being pedantic, you're right, you win, The movie 300 is suddenly completely immune to my every criticism...now...if you just replace instances of "300" with "Frank Miller's graphic novel 300" we can continue our discussion?

The point is, if they made 300 the way you wanted it, it wouldn't be as entertaining.

Why does everyone seem to think that I'm saying you are never allowed to make any movie ever that isn't 100% based on history? I'm a -huge- fan of science fiction and fantasy, which have proven repeatedly that you can make a movie on -purely- fictional premises and make a fantastic movie.

All I've said, the entire point of my argument was this: If you -are- going to make a movie based on history, don't trample all over that history in the name of making a few more bucks.

Invent your own warring countries, your own generals and your own battle, and you can have one side bust out lasers halfway through, and I'll support that completely.

I just object to someone taking historical events and butchering them when they don't need to. Most people have -no- idea who Leonidas was, so if you've no intention of portraying Leonidas accurately, why bother naming him Leonidas? Name him something else, and do the same with the other characters, settings, and so forth and suddenly you aren't inaccurately portraying a historical event, you're just presenting your own take on a possible situation that could have occured in the time period.

Speculative historical fiction is a wonderful genre, and I read/watch/etc it extensively. My sole objection is: If you're going to use historical events and characters, use them properly and accurately. If you don't want to do that, then don't use historical events and characters.