Do most people get their historical context from Hollywood movies and isn't this a bad idea?

Question

For example, the movie 300 is supposed to depict an actual event. But it is highly dramatized and historically inaccurate. However, most people who watch this movie will probably not do follow-up research at the library and will probably just go with what the movie says happened. Isn't this bad for America?

For example, Xerxes was not really 8 feet tall.

Answer 1

To their detriment, I think many people reference their historical knowldege from media, pop culture and movies, because it is accessible. Then again, when we have history books out there which are being proven wrong by emerging factual information, etc. it's easy to understand how those sources begin to blur.

I remember feeling the way you do now after seeing National Treasure and its portrayl of freemasonry, the chalis, etc. Just a completely inaccurate revisioning.....

Answer 2

Hollywood movies can, I would hope, make people curious enough to go and READ about the actual historic events. You can't watch a movie based on historic events and expect to have more than a thumb nail sketch of the events. Even exceptional movies like Gandhi or Patton or Schindler's List take dramatic license in the interest of compelling story telling.

Answer 3

Any fool who gets their history from film deserves to flunk. Why is this "bad" for America? If I want history, I'll get a book (which could easily be just as inaccurate, eh? History is written by the winners)

Answer 4

I never thought about it until you asked but, I think you may have something there. And yes it's definitely not the best way to get historical information.

Answer 5

maybe, but peas clarify what you mean by "histrocally inacurate". in what way?