Throughout my youth, I’ve always had an interest in history and learning about the lives of people who have impacted the world. Although most kids my age view history as a dull subject and a waste of time, I never agreed with this notion. I always believed that history allows for us as a society to really understand the human mind and what binds us all together regardless of our socio-economic status.
In accordance with this interest in history, I also love movies and the television industry. One of the things that most intrigues me is that television and films can utilize history to tell stories about real-life people through different lenses. When we read about historical figures in history books, there is a sense of un-relatability, especially with high-ranking figures like Presidents and other world leaders. However, this is such a disadvantage because what is left out is that these individuals are also humans and share the same emotions as everyone. When a film is used to tell history, the human connection has a much better ability to shine through.
There have been several shows and movies that I have watched which have effectively utilized the power of film to bring historical situations to light in the modern-day. One of these happens to be the Netflix show called The Crown. This is a show that most teenagers would not find interesting. Even someone like me, who loves history, did not think they would like it. But for whatever reason, I decided to sit down and start watching it one day. To my surprise, I was interested in the story as the show hits the nail on the head when it comes to bringing the value of history to audiences.
Here is a little background information for those unfamiliar with the show. The whole series is centered around the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the various events that have shaped her reign. These events are both in the public sphere and the private. The series’s insight makes the historical aspect richer because audiences see the human side of the individuals that they read about in textbooks. Even though Queen Elizabeth is the main character, the series also dives into the lives of those closest to the monarch, who are equally as important. This includes both her husband, children, and other family members. How all the characters are portrayed allows audiences to consider that even the most high-ranking people experience difficulties in their personal lives. In addition, the show also brings in various other individuals who have changed the course of history.
Some of these include Winston Churchill, Margret Thatcher, and the Kennedys. What strikes me about this series and its portrayal of such a well-known figure was that it made people see the emotional side beyond the storylines made in history books and documentaries. Television shows like this make it so that people learn about important events and gain a sense of compassion for people in the history books.
I love the connection you make between history and movies! I love watching movies and shows about real events because it really brings those events to life. I watched a movie called the Trial of the Chicago 7 not that long ago, that was very good, it’s about just what it sounds like, the events preceding and surrounding the trial of the Chicago 7. I am always worried about exaggeration and added drama in historical movies to make them more interesting, but I’ve found that a quick google search to fact check them works fine.