The Hollywood Historical Film

A comprehensive analysis of the historical film-a popular and controversial genre that's been with us since the early days of cinema-and Hollywood's unique ability to reshape our viewpoints while it sensually recreates the past. The Hollywood Historical Film is an entertaining and erudite cinematic journey through the controversial portrayal of history on film — from the swashbuckling epics of the silent era to up-to-the-minute dramas like World Trade Center. With thought-provoking analysis, film historian Robert Burgoyne reveals the dual nature of historic films — how they deepen our understanding of historical events while shaping and often altering our views of the past. Burgoyne examines the power of historic films to entertain and promote national myths while influencing public opinion. He also reviews how contemporary filmmakers like Oliver Stone cleverly restage the past to reframe our memories of actual historic events. For students of film and history — and fans alike — The Hollywood Historical Film is a timely exploration of the world of historical films. A comprehensive analysis of the historical film—a popular and controversial genre that’s been with us since the early days of cinema—and Hollywood’s unique ability to reshape our viewpoints while it sensually recreates the past. Provides a complete guide to the unique characteristics of historical film, distinguishing among sub-genres such as historical epics, war films, biographies, topical films, and meta-historic works like Nixon and JFK Offers detailed analyses of groundbreaking films such as Spartacus, Schindler’s List, and United 93 Examines the dual role of the historical film to entertain and educate, with its tendency to arouse critical and popular controversy Stimulates discussion about Hollywood’s power to persuade and reshape our views of the past