Considerations for Making Movies Based on Real Life Events

Filmmakers often face the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with creative storytelling. While factual events and characters provide a rich narrative foundation, it is crucial to approach these themes with respect and integrity. Just as history and real-life stories have an enduring charm, distorting them unduly for mere entertainment purposes often falls flat. This article explores key considerations and best practices for filmmakers aiming to create engaging, historically grounded productions.

Respecting the Nuance of Real Events

The beauty of real-life events and individuals lies in their complexity and true-to-life nature. Films such as Dunkirk, the Battle of Verdun, and the Civil Rights Movement are inherently dramatic and engrossing. These stories don't require dramatic embellishments; they need only to be explored more deeply. News articles, diaries, and personal journals can provide endless inspiration for bringing these events to life on screen. Filling in the gaps is where the artistry lies, rather than imposing modern values onto historical figures.

Historical Fiction and Character Focus

When it comes to historical fiction, the focus should be on creating authentic characters and their interactions with real events. Series such as HBO's Rome and The Pillars of the Earth demonstrate the value of such an approach. In Rome, characters like Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus are entirely fictional, yet they offer a glimpse into the lives of the lower classes, while the main drama revolves around the political landscape. Similarly, The Pillars of the Earth follows the experiences of ordinary people amidst the backdrop of historical turmoil.

Avoiding Inauthenticity and Self-Insertion

Films like Braveheart and The Patriot are often criticized for distortions that, while well-made technologically, lose their human authenticity. In Braveheart, the speech before the Battle of Stirling feels overly theatrical, lacking the realism of other films like Outlaw King. Such scripts seem to prioritize spectacle over substance, with generic characters delivering cliché dialogue. This approach not only fails to transport the audience to the time period but also feels patronizing.

Newer films such as Braveheart and The Patriot inject modern values into historical events, resulting in works that appear more as self-inserts with high production value. These movies deprive themselves of depth and authenticity. It is more effective to let the historical context speak for itself, allowing the true stories to resonate with the audience.

Striking the Right Balance

To create a compelling and historically accurate film, it is essential to do thorough research and understand the nuances of the historical context. Filmmakers like Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, Simon Scarrow, and Ken Follet have produced a wealth of material that balances historical fidelity with engaging storytelling. Their works offer a rich tapestry of characters and events from the past, requiring creative thinkers to fill in the details while staying true to the spirit of the era.

For those who want to dive deeper into fantasy or alternative timelines, such as the world of Bridgerton where European royal houses influence societal development, it is acceptable to craft a fictional narrative. However, it is important to ensure that the audience is clearly aware that the story is set in a separate timeline to avoid confusion and maintain an authentic historical feel.

In conclusion, making movies based on real-life events requires a delicate balance between creative storytelling and historical accuracy. By respecting the true essence of the events and characters, filmmakers can create immersive and meaningful films that resonate with audiences.