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I was curious about the new movie Chappaquiddick (hope I spelled that right), and thought it might be in the odd position of pulling in both liberal and conservative audiences, though for different reasons. I lost interest, though, when I looked at the credits, which seemed lackluster.
But I was interested in this article about distortion or untruthfulness of the movie:
‘Chappaquiddick’ Distorts a Tragedy
By Neal Gabler
I went to some fact-based movie recently, and was thinking about it afterward, trying to dissect it to decide which bits were probably true. I doubt most people do that, though. Do you? I don't think it makes sense to nitpick too much (especially not with supposed science of science-fiction), but I remember being very exasperated with Sofia Coppola's version of Marie Antoinette, for instance.
I don't go to these kinds of movie expecting it to be a documentary.
The Greatest Showman is based on the life of PT Barnum. But it's VERY VERY loose with the facts. Much of it is completely fabricated. But I still really enjoyed it. Because I wasn't looking for facts.
Movies described as "based on" or "inspired by" real events are not considered to be a factual portrayal of those events. If you want that, look for films labelled as documentary or biographical drama.
Movies described as "based on" or "inspired by" real events are not considered to be a factual portrayal of those events. If you want that, look for films labelled as documentary or biographical drama.
I think you're missing the point. People do consider these to be relatively factual, and their "fact-ness" is a major selling point. I think you'd find that people seeking out documentaries are in a tiny minority.
I think you're missing the point. People do consider these to be relatively factual, and their "fact-ness" is a major selling point. I think you'd find that people seeking out documentaries are in a tiny minority.
It doesn't have to be a documentary. There are movies that offer factual representations of actual events. "Spotlight" for example.
While I have no doubt that there are people that don't understand the idea that"based on" indicates a lot of....leeway with the truth, most educated adults know the difference.
I think you're missing the point. People do consider these to be relatively factual, and their "fact-ness" is a major selling point. I think you'd find that people seeking out documentaries are in a tiny minority.
As far as the movie Chappaquiddick the facts of the accident are a matter of record. License was taken with most of the dialogue between the characters. I've seen the movie. It's based on a book, "Senatorial Privilege".
The history forum has a decent thread on film vs. historical fact. There was a tremendous concern in the government when film first became popular. That concern was that it was an excellent tool for propaganda and influencing of public thought. With that in mind, if you get your history from movies you are an unthinking pawn. You have to actually read to get the deeper stories and understanding. NEVER take a movie as a factual statement.
Movies described as "based on" or "inspired by" real events are not considered to be a factual portrayal of those events. If you want that, look for films labelled as documentary or biographical drama.
None of those words means much--that's all in the hands of the marketing departments. It takes investigating the actual writers and producers to determine if they are actually scholars or just entertainers.
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