Are movies with historical themes required to be entertaining or historically accurate?
Should we expect the films to focus on spectacle and drama rather than historical accuracy?
Students in our Film in History Club were asked to research either Emperor Marcus Aurelius or his son Commodus and to share their views here in the comments section.
Other resources click on the link http://ux.brookdalecc.edu/fac/history/Tangents/gladiatiors.htm
Great film. Read the book "Meditations" by the real Marcus Aurelius to gain some understanding of the truth which inspired this fictional movie. The film is not historically accurate but it's still great entertainment and a great example of how power and the lust for power corrupts.
ReplyDeleteI think movies should be fun to watch (including drama) and historicaly accurate.
ReplyDeleteThe movie was extremely emotional, especially in the end. It showcases to the audience the hardships that Maximus had to endure after Commodus killed his wife and son. It also portrays to the audience the loyalty and patriarchy that Maximus had for Rome. He was willing to sacrifice his one life for the sake of Rome and her people. Power can drive someone insane. In the thirst for power people often loose their own identity as in the case of Commodus. On the whole it was an extremely impactful and emotional film.
ReplyDeleteThe film Gladiator was excellent. I don't think everything in the film was historically accurate. Even then the movie was quite interesting
ReplyDeleteA film does not have to be historically accurate to get the message across. The film perfectly demonstrates the dangers in the misuse of power.
ReplyDeleteCommodus serves as a perfect example to show how dangerous excess power can be in the wrong hands.
The Movie 'Gladiator' featuring Russel Crowe, is a perfect mix of history and hollywood. It makes the storytelling of Maximus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor storyline seem classic rather than clichéd, providing deep insight of Roman History.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the movie isn't completely historically accurate, it is successful in capturing the essence of the life of Marcus Aurelius and roman culture.
The movie has a central theme which is the lust of power and how it affects an individual, which in the movie can be seen in the form of Emperor Commodus. This theme is extremely relevant in todays world considering events such as Hitler (WWII), Syria, ISIS and the global politics.
I think it's upto the people who make the movie to decide whether they want it historically accurate, but in Gladiator, although not fully historically accurate, they producers did keep some things true, such as how the Colosseum looked etc.
ReplyDeleteAn incredible movie. In my opinion a historical movie doesn't have to have an accurate representation as it is first an foremost a movie! The gladiator epitomizes the perfect movie. It has drama, suspense, action and a theme of romance all the while sharing with us many life experiences.
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring film which brings about important truths of life. Despite not being completely accurate, it uses history well to portray its intentions and is surely a "must watch".
ReplyDeleteMovies with historical themes do not require to be entertaining as much as they should be accurate because historic events hold some significance which should not be tampered with. Whilst some sort of changes for the convenience of the production process is acceptable, the actual plot itself must not be tampered with. Spectacle and drama too are acceptable as long as they are in moderation and do not interfere with the larger picture.
ReplyDeleteThe movie Gladiator embodied the eternal fight of good vs evil. The theme of goodness overcoming evil, against all odds is well represented by Ridley Scott.
ReplyDeleteCommodus believes that him killing his father is the best thing to happen to the people of Rome. It does not seem true but hypothetically speaking, let us just imagine that Commodus was a good man like his father. Would his act of killing his father, Marcus Aurelius justify his ultimate goal? Even if his intentions were good, would the act of killing a man be excusable in the larger picture? I do not believe that it would be justifiable. However, if we think about Hitler or Stalin being murdered by a person who could possibly be a good person, would we happily accept these acts of murder?
Maximus was stabbed in the back by Commodus, metaphorically and physically. I found certain similarities in the ways Julius Caesar and Proximus died.
The movie was not very accurate historically however the race for power and the crimes committed to stay in power made it fascinating. The dramatic and the emotional movie has made the fun to watch
ReplyDeleteA powerful film that depicts the legacy of the Roman ruling class, ‘Gladiator’ reveals the stark reality of the atrocities that occur behind the glamor of royal families as we knew them. Though the film might not be historically accurate, it portrays an incredible story line which blends the themes of power, love, lust and determination. The film highlights the major theme of family feuds, that exist in all monarchies.
ReplyDeleteThe audience is inspired by the depiction of the character of Maximus, who is robbed of everything that he loves. Maximus rises from the dark flames of poverty and loneliness, and establishes a name for himself as the mighty Soldier of Rome. The film, although it references back to the historical Roman empire, is pertinent in the world today, because we realise that it captures the very essence of the human condition.
While the film's plot wasn't historically accurate, it captured the visual characteristics of the Roman empire. Gladiator captured an essence of the Roman empire, with detailed aesthetics and a strong plot that conveyed the duality of power and paranoia through the character of Commodus. Whether or not movie should be historically accurate is dependent on the artistic choice of the creators of the movie.
ReplyDeleteGreat to read so many student comments here and so insightful. Keep them coming those students who have not posted yet.
ReplyDeleteThe movie gives you a brief view about how things were back then in Rome, and shows the emotional struggles General Maximus-- "husband to a dead wife and a father to a dead son"-- has to face after Commodus slaughters his wife and child, even though he was a loyal servant to the throne under the 'true emperor' Marcus Aurelius. The film may not be historically accurate, but it manages to capture the attention by the actions and dialogues. Finally, it shows us that 'power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely'.
ReplyDeleteThough i am not part of the history and film club, i think that a movie attempting to represent history should also consider the implications of depicting inaccuracies. The movie is certainly entertaining. As a viewer, the movie would definitely affect the way i view that period in history, making me predisposed to have a certain reaction. The filmmaker thus has the power to actually change history as it is remembered by us, whether intentional or not, and is not something to be taken lightly.
ReplyDeleteA great film which portrays the the life of Maximus "father to a dead son, husband to a dead wife and loyal servant to the true emperor of Rome." Though not completely historically accurate the film does show a lot about the struggles to gain power and glory in Rome as we witness the end of Commodus by Maximus.
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