Why Some Historical Movies Don't Care About Being Accurate

Almost all historical films prioritize drama and entertainment over historical accuracy. Their producers know that most audiences enter the theaters with the sole purpose of being entertained, not to learn about history or authentically recreated periods. This has led to numerous inaccuracies in popular films, from The Alamo to U-571.

Entertainment Over Accuracy

Historical films, much like historical fiction novels, are narratives designed to captivate an audience with stories, drama, and human interest. Historical accuracy is often at the bottom of the list of concerns. While a handful of movies like Das Boot, JFK, or Downfall attempt to be historically accurate, they often play fast and loose with the truth to construct an engaging narrative.

Real history can be tedious, with endless negotiations and discussions leading to significant events. Most people prefer the conclusion and the aftermath rather than the detailed process. Exceptions like The Conspiracy attempt to be accurate, but even they fall far short of true historical fidelity, often attributing far too much intelligence to the Nazis. The focus on accuracy is subordinate to money-making; producers prioritize filling seats and profit over historical truth.

Accommodating Dramatic Narrative

Historical accuracy often has to make way for a dramatic narrative. While films like Apollo 13 manage to stick closely to actual events, they must enhance the narrative to maintain audience engagement. The events within the spacecraft during the mission did occur, but they required emphasized dramatic dialogue to make the film more impactful. Without this dramatic tension, the movie would feel like a tedious documentary, which is not the goal of most historical films.

Conversely, films like Zodiac closely follow the narrative structure of their story. While this can alienate some viewers due to the lack of a clear resolution, it still maintains a thrilling atmosphere, capturing the mystery and suspense of the real-life case. Such films acknowledge that not every aspect of real history can be accurately depicted, especially if it doesn't fit neatly into a dramatic arc.

Impact of Inaccuracies

The prevalence of inaccuracies in historical films can lead to misconceptions among audiences. For instance, the portrayal of historical figures and events in movies such as Schindler's List and even Pearl Harbor often includes scenes designed to evoke specific emotions, such as titillation or shock. These elements are not always historically accurate but serve the broader goal of engaging the audience.

Moreover, films like Gettysburg often rely on revisionist history and Lost Cause mythology to present a more palatable and emotionally resonant narrative. These depictions can distort the actual historical accounts, reinforcing simplified and often inaccurate versions of events.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while historical movies offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, their primary concern is often entertainment rather than historical accuracy. Producers prioritize engaging narratives and box office appeal over meticulous attention to detail. Whether succeeding or failing, these films reflect a broader cultural perspective on history as a compelling story rather than a meticulously researched account.