I have always had an interest in cinema that portrays historical events or specific time periods. This week’s readings definitely help to peak that interest. The many readings covered various ways in which cinema chooses to capture and present history. The question that is continuously ever present in the readings is one of whether or not historical cinema changes the viewer’s points of view about the historical events that are being portrayed.
This question may have been created and debated in the way the film is created. While, the producers are working mainly on creative license, they may need to more so consider the facts of the event and/or time period. Better yet, hire a historian for accuracy purposes. But, I even question that because if it goes against the producer’s and/or director’s vision, they may not want the facts. Thus, they will seek out a historian who feels or desires to convey a similar view point. The various authors argue that the viewer’s point of view does not change based on the cinema’s portrayal of an event or time period. Historical cinema has the power to possibly open dialogue about a time and get people to discuss a specific time period, as discussed in the Davis and Toplin readings. If this discussion happens, more than likely the viewers will not change their views of the presented historical events as made evident in this week’s readings.
I find this to be a valid argument because of the many historical films I have seen I have not allowed the sway my view point of the historical events portrayed. However, the view point portrayed has made me desire to do some digging and research. Nevertheless, everyone does not do this and most people take the film for truth because of trust in cinema.
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