In the last decade, some mythical and highly fictional films have been released, despite criticism and controversy. While one or two will be mentioned later through this reading. Perhaps it would be too banal if this article relentlessly talked about how Hollywood and other production “zones” have stretched our imaginations to extreme levels with overly exaggerated films. In my opinion, some movies are “off the table”, so to speak. I mean, some even “insult our intelligence”, as one of the critics would say. The source of the myths that are now key themes in many of these ‘hit’ movies included old folk tales and sometimes ridiculous ideas that are common and generally accepted. Let’s call it fiction.
Movies based on true events or stories seem to be more guilty when it comes to spreading misconceptions or myths (and legends, as some prefer to call them). This is especially true if the theme or theme of the film relates to a general view or a very popular and public event. Mel Gibson’s 2004 film ‘The Passion of the Christ’ is one of those films. The film was based on the true events that happened to Jesus Christ during his time on earth. Many have ranted about the accuracy of the depictions and the exact events that are featured in the film. Of course, some do not even believe that He [Jesus] existed. Mel Gibson pocketed a clean $ 370 million from such spiel and curiosity.
Pearl Harbor, produced by Bay, Jerry Bruckheimer and Randy Wallace in 2001, has come under fire, and perhaps rightly so. Pearl Harbor was essentially a reenactment of true events, particularly the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor in the 1920s. It took a whiplash from one of the survivors, Lawrence Suid, for missing key elements of true history. He seemed to think (like many other survivors) that the film’s producers were focusing on cinematic elements. It featured many factual misrepresentations, as well as omitting some critical details. According to Lawrence, the movie was no less over the top either, where the actual scenes we deliberately tweaked to make the movie more dramatic. Simply put, controversy sells.
The producers of these films are well aware of the great appetite for such myths and controversial material. Judging by the box office sales figures, movie producers know it’s about tact and not fact.
Warning: don’t just suck up everything that comes out of the pipe.