The Evolution of Slang in Historical Films: A Case Study of 'The Revenant'

The Revenant, a film set in the 18th or 19th century, garnered a lot of attention for its stunning visuals, acting, and production design. One aspect that has intrigued many viewers is the use of current slang and contemporary language, including vulgar words, in the dialogue. This raises an interesting question: why did the filmmakers choose to incorporate modern slang into a period piece set in the past?

Understanding Historical Language and Slang

People often find it challenging to comprehend the language and slang of earlier periods, which can negatively impact their enjoyment of historical films. Speech and language evolve significantly over time, and what was considered common or acceptable in the 18th or 19th century might not resonate with today's audiences. This can make it difficult for viewers to fully immerse themselves in the period-specific context of the film.

Evolution of Vulgar Language

It has been noted that vulgar and offensive language has been around much longer than one might think. The first recorded use of the F-word dates back to 1310. Initially, these words were used more as references to basic bodily functions rather than as curses. In the centuries that followed, these words evolved into more common and less formal curses, reflecting changes in social and cultural norms.

Historically, such vulgar words were primarily used in private or traditionally less refined environments, such as on pirate ships, in rowdy pubs, or on battlefields. The vernacular reflecting daily life and private speech often differed significantly from what was considered appropriate in public discourse.

The Role of Slang in Modern Adaptations

Slang is not a new phenomenon; it has always been a part of language adaptation and evolution. Slang words and expressions change rapidly, often reflecting current trends and cultural moments. However, the rapid pace of change in modern slang can pose a challenge for historical films trying to accurately represent the language of a specific era.

One possible reason for the incorporation of modern slang in The Revenant is the intention to make the dialogue more accessible to contemporary viewers. By using contemporary slang, the filmmakers might have aimed to create a more immediate and relatable connection with the audience, thereby enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Artistic Considerations and Criticisms

While the use of modern slang might make the dialogue more comprehensible and engaging to modern audiences, it is not without its critics. Some argue that such choices can dilute the authenticity of a period piece, blurring the lines between history and contemporary culture. The artistic effectiveness of this approach is open to debate, as it involves a compromise between historical accuracy and audience accessibility.

It is worth noting that using period-appropriate slang could be a challenge. Historical documents and records are limited, and accurately capturing the slang of a specific time period can be difficult. Therefore, some filmmakers might opt for modern slang as a practical solution to ensure that the audience can follow the dialogue without constant reference to subtitles or supplementary materials.

Conclusion

The use of modern slang in historical films is a complex issue, balancing the need for accessibility with the pursuit of historical accuracy. The Revenant serves as a fascinating case study in this ongoing debate. While the inclusion of contemporary language increases the film's relatability and accessibility, it also challenges the notion of period authenticity.

The key takeaway is that the choice to use current slang in historical films reflects a thoughtful decision by the creators, balancing artistic intent with the audience's need to understand and engage with the story. Whether this approach is effective or not is a matter of personal opinion, but it certainly thoughtfully addresses the challenge of bridging the gap between historical language and modern sensibilities.