Why Roland Emmerich Shaped the Marshall Islands as Mountainous in Midway (2019): A Deeper Look

The question of why Roland Emmerich depicted the Marshall Islands with mountains in his 2019 film Midway has sparked debate. Some argue that Emmerich included these inaccuracies intentionally, while others propose the possibility of practical or logistical reasons. Here, we explore the potential reasons behind this geographical discrepancy and provide a nuanced perspective on historical film accuracy.

The Veracity of Marshallese Landscapes

The charted geography of the Marshall Islands is notably flat, with some islands featuring low, vegetated hills. This topography contrasts starkly with what we might expect from a densely fortified and contested atoll in a wartime setting, as seen in Midway. The film shows the island chain with elevated terrain, a choice that has been questioned by viewers and critics alike.

It is worth noting that the portrayal of the Marshal Islands in the film was not a direct research project. Emmerich, known for his imaginative and occasionally historically flexible narrative style, may have made these changes for artistic or thematic reasons rather than strict verisimilitude.

Production Practicalities and Preferences

The Marshall Islands, being geographically remote and with limited infrastructure, pose significant logistical challenges for filmmakers. Many productions on remote locations sacrifice historical accuracy in favor of practical concerns such as transport, filming conditions, weather, and even tax rebates. The inclusion of fictional or symbolic elements can also serve thematic purposes, such as emphasizing the strategic significance of the islands.

Additionally, the representation of flat islands as mountainous could be a stylistic choice to enhance the drama and tension of the scenes. Many viewers and filmmakers are aware that the average person struggles to locate even nearby countries correctly on a map, making the discrepancy less critical to the broader audience.

Historical Context and Relevance

The Battle of Midway took place in June 1942, while the Marshall Islands campaign started much later, in November 1943. The film encompasses these two major events, but the focus on the islands' topography must be reconciled with the actual historical timeline. Emmerich and the production team may have portrayed the Marshall Islands with exaggerated prominence to enhance the dramatic impact of the setting.

However, it is important to consider that some of the landscapes in the film were likely composited or digitally altered rather than filmed on location. In such cases, geographical changes would be easier to implement for the sake of storytelling and visual coherence.

Conclusion

The depiction of the Marshall Islands as mountainous in Midway can be attributed to various factors, including artistic license, production practicalities, and thematic representation. While historical accuracy is a hallmark of good filmmaking, films such as Midway often aim to evoke a specific emotional response and convey an overarching narrative rather than provide a comprehensive, geographically precise account of real events.

Rolland Emmerich, like many filmmakers, balances the need for authenticity with the demands of a compelling cinematic experience. In the case of the Marshall Islands, the mountains may have been a deliberate choice to enhance the film's dramatic effect, rather than a direct misrepresentation of the islands' true geography.