theguardian.com
Hollywood vs. History: The Struggle for Accuracy
An article exploring the challenges and realities of balancing historical accuracy with creative license in film productions, using examples from Gladiator II, Napoleon, and Bridgerton.
English
United Kingdom
EntertainmentHistoryFilmHollywoodAccuracyConsultants
Paramount PicturesNetflixShondalandHbo
Ridley ScottPaul MescalRussell CroweAlexander MariottiAmanda Vickery
- What is the main historical inaccuracy highlighted in the article regarding the new Gladiator movie?
- Ridley Scott's Gladiator sequel features anachronistic leather wrist guards, a subtle flaw also present in the first film. Historian Alexander Mariotti, a consultant on the film, notes that such arm guards are not found in ancient Roman imagery.
- What is the role of historical consultants in film productions, and how much influence do they typically have?
- Historical consultants on film and television productions play a crucial role in ensuring accuracy, but their input is not always followed. While they provide valuable insights, filmmakers often prioritize artistic choices and audience appeal over strict historical fidelity.
- What is the approach taken by the historical consultant on Bridgerton, and how did their work contribute to the show?
- Amanda Vickery, a history professor, worked as a consultant on Bridgerton, offering historical advice while acknowledging the show's fantasy elements. Her role involved suggesting minor adjustments to maintain historical plausibility without disrupting the narrative flow.
- What controversial historical inaccuracy was present in Ridley Scott's Napoleon, and what was the director's response to the criticism?
- Ridley Scott's Napoleon faced criticism for historical inaccuracies, most notably a scene where Napoleon's troops blow the tops off the Egyptian pyramids. Despite consultant Michael Broers' objections, Scott left the scene in, emphasizing that it was a movie, not a documentary.
- What is the overall relationship between filmmakers and historical consultants, and how do the consultants' experiences contribute to their own understanding of history?
- Historical consultants often find themselves in a position of advising filmmakers on historical accuracy, but ultimately having little control over whether their suggestions are implemented. The balance between historical accuracy and creative license is often a point of contention.