How Hollywood May Be Reinvigorating Interest in Our Past

Over the weekend, we went to see "Napoleon."? We enjoyed it, not just as a chronicle of Bonaparte's military campaigns or political maneuverings; but as a more vivid picture of his tumultuous journey. From his humble beginnings to becoming an emperor, It humanizes a figure often seen only in the context of grand historical narratives. While it might play a little loose with the finer points of Napoleonic history, it succeeds in bringing a storied figure down to a relatable, human level, making the past feel both accessible and intriguing.

And as we begin to close out the year, that’s what has encouraged me. It's heartening to see Hollywood stepping up its game by producing an increasing array of films that portray pivotal historical events and personalities. While some may argue about the occasional liberties taken with historical accuracy, I believe that the broader picture is what truly matters.?

In July, we saw "Oppenheimer." An epic, complex film about a man who was just as brilliant and complex. Christopher Nolan brings this Oppenheimer to life, not just as the father of the atomic bomb, but as a man torn between scientific discovery and its terrifying implications. This film might take creative liberties, but it also takes us on a fascinating journey of moral quandaries, and of brilliance shadowed by consequence.?As we left the theater, we were left grappling with these weighty issues.? And so, it’s a conversation starter, a spark that could ignite a deeper understanding of our world.?

Just last month, we watched “Killers of the Flower Moon" — a long movie (nearly 4 hours!), but one that brings to light a less known but equally significant chapter of American history. It tells the harrowing story of Mollie Burkhart, a member of the Osage Nation, and her community's struggle against a series of murders driven by oil and greed. ?"Killers of the Flower Moon" does more than just tell a story; it casts a spotlight on those chapters of our history often left in the shadows.? It encourages us to uncover the layers of our nation's past, to understand the resilience and the struggles that have shaped it.

These films, like a good book or a great lecture, might not get every single fact right. But what they offer is a gateway into the past, an invitation to explore and understand the events and people who have shaped our world.

These films serve as gateways, igniting curiosity and interest in our shared past, a past that's critical to understanding our present and shaping our future. The details, while significant, often find their rightful place in the grand scheme of things, typically sorting themselves out once the credits roll and the audience is spurred to learn more.

They might not be perfect historical accounts, but they do something equally important?that goes beyond mere entertainment;?they bring stories to the surface that might otherwise go untold.?They remind us that life?is full of complexity and humanity. And in doing so, they do what all good stories should - they make us think, they stir our emotions, and they connect us to the many threads of the human experience.

"Killers of the Flower Moon" vividly illustrates a part of history not many people know about. Maybe the movie's not 100% accurate, and not 100% complete in the details it conveys, but if it gets people talking and gets them interested in what really happened, then it's done something worthwhile.

You know, I’ve always thought that if you're going to learn something, it might as well be interesting. I've since read the some critical reviews about the accuracy of their portrayals. But so what if these movies aren't exactly like what you'd find in a history textbook? They tell a story, and sometimes that's the best way to learn.

Ultimately, it boils down to this:?blending a bit of entertainment with education is hardly a bad thing.?If a movie can do both, then I'd say it's worth watching. Even if they do take a few creative liberties here and there. Let's be honest, most of us would rather watch a movie than read a history book. If it gets the point across, I say it's alright.

In today’s world, where the present often overshadows the past, and an appreciation for history is in short supply, it’s a breath of fresh air to see Hollywood turning its lenses back in time, focusing on the stories that matter—the ones that have shaped our world. ?