Movie Choices (The critique is worth 10 points) . Please note, most the titles are PG-PG-13. However, there are a few “R” such as Elizabeth. Please check with your parents as to rating appropriateness for your family!

Danton: Home Vision Cinema, 1982. Gerard Depardieu stars as the title character in this film directed by Andrzej Wajda, produced at the time of Solidarity’s growing conflict with the Polish Communist government, complete with historical parallels. The use of the guillotine, with dripping realism and a hungry crowd, are brought to life in living color.

The Duelists: Paramount Pictures, 1977 (Video version 1994). Director: Ridley Scott. Based on a story by Joseph Conrad (The Duel), this visually stunning film features Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel as two Napoleonic officers locked in a quarrel to the death throughout the Napoleonic period, including the 100 Days and Restoration. (Some may be irritated by the American accents of these reputed ‘French’ officers, but would an English accent really make more sense? Otherwise, the performances are flawless.) The larger context of the time is especially well represented. See, in particular, the scene in which, during the retreat from Moscow the two officers insist on carrying out their duel under insanely cold conditions. (Hint: with marauding Cossacks, too.) Won “Best Debut Film” at Cannes in 1977.

The Madness of King George: MGM Home Entertainment, 1994. Nigel Hawthorne is brilliant as George III, as so is the rest of the cast, in this feature which follows the deleterious effects of porphyria on this often-misunderstood king who “lost” America. There are a couple of excellent scenes that deal with the bizarre medical treatments imposed upon the “mad” king, and another were William Pitt the Younger has an audience with George, after which he backs out of the room while bowing.

A Man for All Seasons: Columbia Pictures, 1966. Academy-award winning film (Best Picture, 1966) which depicts the struggles of Thomas More in the reign of Henry VIII. Recent scholarship suggests that the ‘sainted More’ was not quite this saintly. Still, the screenplay by Robert Bolt is highly effective. Paul Scofield’s performance is magnificent and believable. See the scene of More’s trial at the end of the film in which one freeze frame (easy to miss unless you’re looking for it) a split second before the start of Cromwell’s interrogation of More recreates a contemporary drawing of the trial.

The Return of Martin Guerre: Fox Lorber Video, 1982. In tandem with Natalie Davis’s book of the same title (Oxford, 1983), this superb film is a controversial blending of history and fiction. The story concerns an actual sixteenth-century court case in southern France involving an alleged imposture. Natalie Baye and Gerard Depardieu give unforgettable performances. There are many wonderful scenes of daily life that accompany the narrative, including successive ones of grape smashing, with Bertrande (Baye) arguing with her family and being scolded by the village priest. Based on a true story.

Rise of Louis XIV: 1966. Directed by Roberto Rossellini, there are several fairly accurate scenes useful for supplementing class lecture and discussion: Louis waking up and dressing while nobles stand around his bedroom; Louis talking with his mother about power and Mazarin; Louis speaking to the Royal Council about why he needs to be in charge; the Queen Mother scolding Louis for his behavior with women and toward her; Louis and Colbert discussing plans; the building of Versailles; the preparation of a meal for the king and then his eating by himself while nobles watch, his brother serves him, and music is played.

Waterloo(1970) A well done version of thegreat battle. Huge loans of Russian military personnel in Napoleonic era uniforms creates a battlefield with a quite authentic number of extras. The quips and conversation are taken directly from the historical record. The geography duplicates the site of the battle south of Brussels. The massed infantry of the French Column in assault is truly stunning. The British infantry squares and Ney's charge is brilliantly filmed. Napoleon's military aphorisms delivered crisply by Rod Steiger. Christopher Plummer is perfectly arrogant and cold as the essence of the British aristocrat Wellington. The essence of the meaning of the French revolution is apparent when you hear Napoleon address his troops as "Soldiers!" while Wellington refers to his troops as "scum." War history buffs will love it.

Cromwell (1970): The events of the English Civil War recounted and re-enacted. An intense performance by Richard Harris as Oliver Cromwell. Alec Guinness creates a wonderful Charles I. Frank Cordell is responsible for the most irritating musical score of any film in my memory. It is one of the foundation stones of our concept of Impeachment and an important event in the rise of the power of the Bourgeoisie and the coming of a Republic and Constitutional government in the United States.

To Kill A King (2003):As the English Civil War ends during the mid 17th century, Oliver Cromwell (Tim Roth) begins seizing power along with his leader, Gen. Thomas Fairfax (Dougray Scott). The dethroned British king, Charles I (Rupert Everett), is held captive while Cromwell, Fairfax and their allies decide his fate. Although Charles attempts to win Fairfax's wife, Lady Anne (Olivia Williams), over to his side, and the ruler still has many loyalists, Cromwell is determined to see the king go to trial.

Elizabeth (1998)-Elizabeth Tudor (Cate Blanchett) becomes queen of a divided and dangerous England in 1558. She is roundly perceived as weak by threats from within and abroad, and she is strongly advised to marry by counsel William Cecil (Richard Attenborough). But she will be married only to her country. Intelligent and cautious, she must choose where to place her trust: with her shrewd secretary Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush), a master of espionage, or her secret lover, Sir Robert Dudley (Joseph Fiennes).

You may choose among numerous PBS/BBC mini-series that exist: Elizabeth I, Peter the Great, Frederick the Great, the Enlightenment,… (the HBO or Showtime versions you may want to check with your parents—questionable material)…

If you have a question related to a choice you found, make sure to email for approval first, I will check my email periodically!

Winter Break Assignment

(Due: Monday, January 4)

How to write a historical movie critique:

Paragraph 1: You will need to include the following: name of the film, prominent stars of the film, basic setting (time and place), and type of film (comedy, adventure, drama, etc.)

Paragraph 2: You will need to write a plot summary for the movie. Do not reveal the ending. Discuss at least 5 events and be sure to cover the entire scope of the movie, except the very end.

Paragraph 3: Discuss the historical accuracy of the movie. Consider characters, costumes, events, chronology,… Specify both accuracies and inaccuracies.

Paragraph 4: What background would a moviegoer need to really understand the historical accuracy of the film? Provide that background information.

Paragraph 5: Give your overall reaction to the film as well as your opinion on the quality of the film. Also include your recommendations for potential viewers.

At the end, give the movie(s) a grade (A, B+, B, B-, C+…) based on your recommendation for future classes. Consider these films are not the Matrix, however, from an academic perspective, what do you think?