Which Hollywood Movie Based on a True Story is Furthest from the Truth and Why

The question of which Hollywood movie based on a true story is the most inaccurate is often debated. Two candidates stand out prominently: Braveheart and The Alamo. Both films have their merits as entertainment, but they also contain numerous inaccuracies that distort the historical events they purportedly depict.

Braveheart: Gross Inaccuracies and an Unfavorable Verdict

Braveheart, directed by Mel Gibson and released in 1995, has garnered a reputation for its inaccuracies. The film's portrayal of William Wallace and the First War of Scottish Independence is often criticized for its lack of historical accuracy.

William Wallace is depicted as a commoner, but historical records indicate that he was from a minor noble family, albeit not as high-born as the film suggests. The opening battle at Stirling Bridge is also inaccurately depicted, with the film portraying a bridge that did not exist. Additionally, the costumes, weapons, and other visual elements are highly inaccurate, with pleated kilts and tartans appearing much later, and the use of woad (Isatis tinctoria) dying out centuries before the film's setting.

The film also portrays King Edward I, known as "The Longshanks," as a cold-eyed sociopath, far from the capable ruler he was in historical records. Edward II is depicted as mincing, incompetent, and a fop, which contradicts historical evidence showing him as a deeply pious and studious individual. Furthermore, the film falsely claims that Wallace may have fathered a child with Isabella of France, despite evidence suggesting the opposite.

Despite the inaccuracies, one key aspect of the film is strikingly accurate: the portrayal of Scottish suffering and the desire for independence. As a Scottish colonel once noted, "The history is bollocks but the prejudice is dead-on."

The Alamo: A Boon for Political Ideologies

A close competitor in the realm of historical accuracy is The Alamo, released in 1960. Directed by Glen Feltner and starring John Wayne, this film has been criticized for its political bias and numerous inaccuracies.

One of the most glaring inaccuracies in the film is its portrayal of the Mexicans as villains, despite the Alamo being on Mexican soil. The conflict between the Texans and the Mexicans was primarily driven by the issue of slavery—a point lost in the film's narrative. Another significant error is the direction of the Alamo, which does not align with historical records.

Moreover, the film's portrayal of James Bowie, a central character, is inaccurate. Bowie is depicted as owning and harshly treating his slave, which is a far stretch from the historical evidence. The clothing, weapons, and even the geography of the film are incorrectly represented. The movie includes a scene with Texans singing "Happy Birthday," a song that was not written until 62 years after the event. The character actions in the film do not align with the documented history of the event, which is a testament to the film's lack of historical integrity.

In essence, The Alamo is a prime example of how a historical event can be co-opted to support a filmmaker's political views, leading to a highly inaccurate portrayal. As a result, viewers should turn to actual historical accounts if they wish to understand the true story of the event.

Conclusion

Between Braveheart and The Alamo, both films offer entertaining narratives but fall short in terms of historical accuracy. While Braveheart suffers from inaccuracies in the portrayal of characters and historical events, The Alamo fails in a multitude of ways, including historical context, character depictions, and geological representation. Both films highlight the dangers of Hollywood's tendency to prioritize drama over historical truth.

Which Hollywood movie based on a true story is furthest from the truth and why? This question remains open for debate, but one thing is certain: these films remind us of the importance of seeking out well-researched sources for historical accounts.