Hollywood and History: Part 2
A Critical Analysis of Historically-based Movies
Over the years, Hollywood film-makers have produced a fairly large number of movies based on either specific historic events or a specific time period in history. It is safe to assume that some film-makers have been more historically accurate in their portrayal of the particular events and/or time period of history included in their films than others have been. It is also safe to assume that the great majority of these kinds of movies have been produced to convey some underlying message or theme to the movie-going public.
During the 2nd semester, students can continue to earn an additional ten (10) points per unit added to their test scores by critically reviewing a movie from the time periods bellows. THE FILM ANALYSIS MUST BE TURNED IN BY THE TEST DAY FOR THAT UNIT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT. Additional movies that are not on this list may be appropriate as well. Please consult with Mr. Bradford to get approval for films not on this list. Again, please use discretion when deciding on what movies to view. (maximum of 40 points extra credit for the semester)
Unit 5: Industrialization of the United States/Imperialism/The Progressive Era and World War I
Hard Times (1994) Dances with Wolves (1990) Sitting Bull (1954)
The Great Sioux Massacre (1965) Crazy Horse (1996) Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007)
Unit 6: Imperialism/The Progressive Era and World War I
Citizen Kane 1941 Rough Riders 1997 Iron Jawed Angels (2004)
The Day that Shook the World 1977 All Quiet on the Western Front
Unit 7: The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression, World War II
The Untouchables 1987 Inherit the Wind 1960
Crime of the Century 1996 Cobb 1994 The Babe 1992
Harlan County USA 1977 American Dream 1989 Grapes of Wrath 1940
Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long 1995 Brother Can You Spare A Dime 1975
Cinderella Man (2005)
Patton 1970 Pearl Harbor 2001 Windtalkers 2002
The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter 1980 Saving Private Ryan 1998
Bye Bye Blue 1989 Truman 1995 MaCarthur 1977
Guilty by Suspicion 1991
Unit 8: The Cold War and the American Age
The Manchurian Candidate 1962 (You may watch modern version but you must make connection to Cold War and 1960s)
Citizen Cohn 1992 High Noon 2000 Separate but Equal 1991
Malcolm X 1992 JFK 1991 October Sky 1999
Boycott 2000 Mississippi Burning 1988 Hoffa 1992
Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored 1996 Forrest Gump 1994
The Way We Were 1973 Lenny 1974 The Right Stuff 1983
Elvis 1979 Little Richard 2002 American Graffiti 1973
The Man in Black 2005 Ray 2004 Thirteen Days 2003
The Graduate 1967 LBJ: The Early Years 1987 We Were Soldiers 2002
Apocalypse Now1979 The Boys in Company C 1977 Born on the 4th of July 1989
The Deer Hunter 1978 The War at Home 1996 Nixon 1995
All the Presidents Men
Unit 9: Changing and Enduring Issues (Ford through Bush)
Charlie Wilson’s War Philadelphia 1993
Primary Colors 1998 Wag the Dog 1997 Fahrenheit 9/11 2004
Critical Analysis Worksheet
1. What is the title of the film reviewed?
2. What historical period or event is the movie based on?
3. What underlying theme(s) or message(s) did the film-makers intend to convey in this movie?
4. How did the film-makers attempt to portray this theme(s) or message?
5. Write a brief synopsis of the movie, including any personal observations or reactions. (At least ½ to 1 Page)
6. Comment on the historical accuracy of the film. In your opinion, how accurate were the film-makers in portraying the actual events or persons represented in the movie? (For support, give at least 2 specific examples of historical accuracies AND inaccuracies portrayed in the film.)
7. Would you recommend this film to another history student? Explain why or why not. How did viewing this movie enhance your understanding of the time period being studied? (1/2 to 1 page)