The Worst Portrayals of Real People in TV and Movies: A Critical Analysis

When it comes to critically analyzing portrayals of real people in television and films, a number of instances stand out as particularly egregious failures of historical accuracy and character representation. This article delves into some of the worst portrayals, dissecting what went awry and why these depictions fell so flat.

Timing is Everything: The Case of Napoleon

One of the more recent and widely panned examples is the portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte in the Napoleon movie starring Joaquin Phoenix. While Phoenix is a masterful actor, his role was poorly written, leaving the performance wanting. This failure of the script and the resulting portrayal highlights a critical shortcoming in historical accuracy and character development.

The film is riddled with inaccuracies and misrepresentations that undermine its credibility as a historical piece. Instead of focusing on the nuanced political and military strategies that defined Napoleon's reign, the movie devolves into an entertainment piece that trivializes a complex period in history.

Critics sharply criticized the movie for its lack of depth and historical accuracy. Thus, while Phoenix's acting prowess is notable, the poor writing of the role prevented a compelling and historically relevant portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Braveheart Misnomer

Braveheart stands out as a prime example of a movie that, despite its enjoyment, fails as a historical representation. The film primarily follows William Wallace but is named after Robert the Bruce, entirely misrepresenting the subject at hand. The casting of Angus MacFadyen as Robert the Bruce is faulted for the historically inaccurate treatment of the character. Having the main antagonist be someone who betrayed Wallace is a significant misstep that undermines the integrity of the film.

While the movie Braveheart is undeniably entertaining, it falls short as a serious historical depiction. The Scottish Wars for Independence spanned over a decade, and the complex interplay of figures such as the Black Douglases and the Douglas Larder would make for a compelling HBO series, far from the dramatic and simplified narrative presented in Braveheart.

A Defamation of the Iconic

The portrayal of George Armstrong Custer in Richard Mulligan's performance in The Last Outlaw is another example of a poorly executed role. Unlike the other examples, this is not a straightforward historical error but a character assassination. Mulligan's depiction of Custer is part of a broader narrative that portrays the general in a negative light, which is historically inaccurate and damaging to his legacy.

The real-life Custer is remembered for his military exploits and leadership during the Civil War and the Battle of Little Bighorn. His character was a blend of pride, military acumen, and sometimes misjudgment, which is quite different from the often villainized version he plays in the film. The moniker "The Last Outlaw" is a provocative and misleading title that paints Custer in a negative light, contrasting starkly with the real-life complexities of his character.

A Mythicized Babe Ruth

The 1948 film adaptation of The Babe Ruth Story starring William Bendix is another example of a completely misconstrued portrayal. Bendix, an actor well-known for his 40s and 50s roles, misses the mark by portraying a teenage version of Babe Ruth with a youthful look that doesn't match his age. The film seeks to soften Ruth's image, glossing over his controversies, ill temper, and struggles with alcoholism. Instead, Ruth is depicted as a child-like, humble, and saintly figure, a far cry from the complex and often flawed athlete that he truly was.

The movie, much like Braveheart, takes liberties with the truth to create a more palatable and heroic character. However, this undermines the significance of the actual person and his struggles. The young baseball legend is mythologized in a way that detracts from the historical realities of his life and career.

Conclusion

While many portrayals of real people in television and films are commendable, there are certainly examples that fall short. From historical inaccuracy to compromised character portrayals, these depictions often miss the mark and do a disservice to both the subject and the audience. Whether it's the poor writing in Napoleon, the misnomer in Braveheart, the character assassination of Custer, or the myth-making in The Babe Ruth Story, these portrayals serve as cautionary tales of the importance of historical accuracy and respectful representation in media.

By learning from these missteps, filmmakers and actors can create more authentic, engaging, and respectful portrayals of real people, honoring their legacies and experiences in a way that enriches both the historical record and popular culture.