Which movie should I choose?

Question

I have to choose a movie that has some history in it and write about using Rosenstone's Rules of film...its for my History and film class "elective".
anywho i was thinking of these choices
Apocalypse Now
Full Metal Jacket
Platoon
Schindlers List
Kingdom of Heaven
Marie Antoniette
Letters from Iwo Jima
From Hell
Which movie should I choose?
Any other suggestions?

P.S
I doesnt have to be accurate.
Example: Marie Antoniette
thats the whole purpose of this project.

Answer 1

~If you are going by Rosenstone's "Rules of film," it would depend on which one of his theories you espouse.

If you (or your teacher), like Rosenstone, believe that the rules that apply to historians in the written word do not apply to film makers and, that film makers can be, and are, already historians, then it doesn't matter which movie you choose. Feel free to simply rewrite the facts to fit your purpose.

Since Rosenstone believes that historical films cannot, and should not, be compared to written history, and that each has its own set of rules, you might want to consider "Apocalypse Now" because the film's message (both verbal and visual) and the point of the film fits Rosenstone's criteria. What actual history there is in the film is secondary. Even Coppola has acknowledged that the film is less about the Vietnam War and more about the human psyche at war with itself and war. Faced with disillusionment (Kurtz's loss of respect for the U.S. military), horror (Kurtz's description of the VC and the polio innoculation incident) and re-evaluation of previous "sacred" beliefs (honor of U.S. military replaced by the brutality of VC survival tactics), Coppola lets the audience decide if Kurtz was actually insane.

The audience and many critics call Apocalypse an historical film. Coppola never did. It's a drama with historical overtones that speaks about war in general and what it does to the human psyche. It's definitely an anti-war film -- and there is plenty of history about the anti-war movement out there.

As Rosenstone himself would say about historical films: history is about relating facts; film is about relating the concepts of human history.

Answer 2

Look at the link below - but be forewarned it is likely the MOST accurate film of WW II from inside the bunker at the Chancellery where Hitler was bottled up in the last days of the war. Also received an academy award nomination in 2005 for Best Foreign Film. Sounds like this one may cause you to do some "work" - but if you are a student of film this should be a labor of love for you.

http://www.downfallthefilm.com/

Break a Leg,
Gerry :)

Answer 3

I'd go with letter from Iwo Jima, Marie Antoniette, or Kingdom of Heaven. I was Beowulf it was pretty good and almost accurate. It's suppsoedly the oldest story that is known today form the middle ages.

Answer 4

Full Metal Jacket or Letters from Iwo Jima.

Answer 5

I think Schindlers List is amazing. It has a lot of history behind it! Good Luck I just thought of one Mississippi Burning!

Answer 6

kingdom of heaven or marie antioniette

Answer 7

blackhawk down