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History Extra podcast
What is the greatest historical movie of all time?
Jan 15, 2025
Join historians Roger Luckhurst, a 19th-century culture expert, and Alex Von Tunzelmann, a screenwriter and author, as they dive into the fascinating world of historical cinema. They debate what makes a great historical film and discuss the cultural significance of nominees from a poll on the greatest historical movies. Expect surprising insights, like why 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' qualifies as historical, and a deep dive into classics like 'Schindler's List' and 'Saving Private Ryan.' Explore how films shape our understanding of history and even spark interest in real events!
40:15
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Quick takeaways
- The classification of historical movies prompts debate over elements like accuracy, character representation, and audience expectations versus creative liberties.
- The dominance of male-centric narratives in top historical films calls for more diverse storytelling to better represent various contributions throughout history.
Deep dives
Criteria for Historical Movies
Historical movies are debated not just for their content, but for the criteria that define them. Many argue that a film should include real historical characters or distinctive historical settings to qualify, thereby allowing for a richer exploration of specific events or figures. Some discuss how films like 'Sense and Sensibility' or 'All the President's Men' challenge conventional notions of what constitutes a historical narrative, as they either fictionalize characters or events that are not strictly historical. Importantly, this categorization sparks discussions about audience expectations and filmmakers' creative freedoms concerning historical accuracy.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode