Admission/Application Essay, History and Political Science

Re-Viewing the Past
Project description
1. How historically accurate is the film?
2. If there are inaccuracies, what accounts for them? Is the director simply taking dramatic license in order to keep the story moving? Are the inaccuracies designed to manipulate the audience’s understanding of history for political or ideological reasons? Are the inaccuracies simply the result of carelessness on the part of the script writer and director?

With this in mind, your assignment in this Blog is to:

1. Read the following “Re-Viewing the Past” articles in your text:

A. Titanic (p. 614)
B. Chicago (p. 644)
C. There Will Be Blood (p. 688)
D. Cinderella Man (p. 708)
E. Saving Private Ryan (p. 726)

2. Based on your reading of the articles, post your response to the following questions:

A. What reasons do your authors give to explain the historical inaccuracies in the films? Give an example from one of the articles.
B. In your view, do the historical inaccuracies harm or help our understanding of past events and historical figures? Explain.
C. In your view, do the historical inaccuracies harm or help our understanding of the present (people or groups)? That is to say, do directors use historical events and people to make a point about America and Americans today? Explain.