History by Hollywood: THE USE AND ABUSE OF THE AMERICAN PAST

About this book

This newly updated edition of History by Hollywood explores the question of what happens to history when Hollywood filmmakers get their hands on it. With a fresh look at recent films and television productions such as Titanic Pearl Harbor The Patriot and John Adams Robert Brent Toplin examines how filmmakers have interpreted American history through their movies. Toplin discusses how writers producers and directors become involved in making historical films what influences their interpretations of the past and the responses they make to the controversies their works excite. With a realistic appreciation of the challenges filmmakers face he effectively measures the strengths and weaknesses of Hollywoods presentation of history in the films Mississippi Burning JFK Sergeant York Missing Bonnie and Clyde Patton All the Presidents Men and Norma Rae.