By watching historical films critically, it is possible to develop great analytical skills and have the ability to explore real events, circumstances, and attitudes. Both 12 years a slave and Glory covered significant historical events and themes that should be discussed in history courses involving the effects of slavery. Producers of these films needed to balance historical accuracy while keeping the attention of the viewers which is very much like a history lesson. Movies should be used to aid the learning of US history because they have the ability of leaving a lasting impression on viewers, raise awareness of significant events and attitudes, and start conversations beyond the classroom.
12 years a slave was a very successful film, winning Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. It was so successful for several reasons. Critics appreciated that it told the bitter truth about what slavery truly was like. This movie makes it impossible for the movie industry to lie about historical details like the depth of hostility placed on slaves. It was based on the real memoir by Solomon Northup which made the film more accurate. This movie successfully puts us in the mind of Solomon. From the start, viewers can feel how much Solomon wants his freedom. The film made us realize that even though Solomon talked and acted like a free man while he was enslaved, he was never going to be treated as an equal. 12 years a slave does a really good job making American viewers start to empathize with African American slaves. Movies are able to use visible torture to convince people of the terror slaves went through. There were several disturbing scenes in 12 years a slave that made people want to turn away. Patsy getting whipped, later getting raped, and Solomon hanging from a noose for a whole day stood out for me as being sad, but memorable. The producer chose to not rush through these painful scenes to gain empathy from the viewers. Movies also get in the mind the main character and viewers are able to get a better idea of what daily life is like which can make people care more deeply about the characters and the historical significance. Producers do have time limit of around two and a half hours and have to keep the attention of viewers during the whole film. McQueen, the filmmaker of 12 years a slave, was able to keep the attention of his viewers by not distorting the truth or beautifying the past in any way. Also, learners often prefer for history to be taught through narrative and to be taken on a journey because it gives them something or someone to care about. After watching the film, people are able to have something to talk about and analyze what they saw and even create their own opinion about how slavery has impacted the US. Slavery is not a popular or favorable topic to discuss, but it has to be and movies are effective ways to start those conversations.
Glory was also a pretty successful movie that covered a significant aspect of US history. The producer of Glory chose to tell the story of the 54th regiment for the Union which was an all black regiment through the eyes of a white colonel. This movie explored a historical change in US where African Americans were finally going to be able to fight for their freedom. We get to see Shaw struggle with his racism and how he is going to erase the line separating him and his soldiers he has to lead. Critics say it was "heart tugging" and "rare", but they would prefer for the historical context to be told through the black soldiers' point of view. While watching the movie, however, we were able to track each primary character's expectations of the regiment and of each other. We also saw how those expectations changed throughout the story. For example, Trip started off with very low expectations and was always looking for ways to be disappointed. At the end, he was proud and volunteering to hold the flag. Although this movie is less popular, it starts discussions about controversial subjects like racism and it's a reminder that everyone was fighting the war for different reasons.
Producers have to decide what deserves to be remembered in history and what does not when making their films. Historical films are only another person's opinion and theory of history which often causes differences of opinions to occur. They also are simply an imitation of history and can't be expected to be perfectly historically accurate. They should be used to gain Movies leave lasting impressions on viewers and create inspiration for discussion and further research. Movies should be part of the curriculum to improve analyzation skills and get deeper understanding of historical themes.
12 Years a Sl
ave
Movie Analysis
Discussions
Works Cited
"The Blood and Tears, Not Magnolias." Review by Manohla Dargis. 12 Years a Slave Holds Nothing Back. New York Times, www.nytimes.com/2013/10/18/movies/12-years-a-slave-holds-nothing-back-in-show-of-suffering.html?_r=0.
Collin, Robbie. Review. This, at Last, Really is History Written in Lightning. The Telegraph, www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/06/03/12-years-a-slave-review-this-at-last-really-is-history-written-w/.
Review. This, at Last, Really is History Written in Lightning. The Telegraph, www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/06/03/12-years-a-slave-review-this-at-last-really-is-history-written-w/.
Downing, Taylor. "History on Film." History Today. History Today, www.historytoday.com/taylor-downing/history-filmfilm-history.
"History on Film." History Today. History Today, www.historytoday.com/taylor-downing/history-filmfilm-history.
Ebert, Roger. "Glory." Review. robertebert.com, www.rogerebert.com/reviews/glory-1989.
"Glory." Review. robertebert.com, www.rogerebert.com/reviews/glory-1989.
Hanford, Alex. "12 years a slave: the true story of Solomon Northup." The Telegraph, www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/06/03/12-years-a-slave-the-true-story-of-solomon-northup/.
"12 years a slave: the true story of Solomon Northup." The Telegraph, www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/06/03/12-years-a-slave-the-true-story-of-solomon-northup/.
