History: Fact or Fiction?

1. As a historical film critic, you will first choose one of the following five films to critique:

• Elizabeth the Golden Age
• Titanic
• Enemy at the Gates
• Gladiator
• Hotel Rwanda

*Please note that some of these movies are rated "R." If you choose to view one of these movies you will need a signed parent permission form.

2. Next, you will research the historical events upon which that movie was based. You will need to compile your research into a one to two page summary. It might help to read a plot synopsis of the film you chose in order to refine your research. (Please note that all information should come from reliable sources. Internet sources should only be included from educational websites, not commercial sites or wikipedia.) Be sure to cite the sources you used in MLA format. These websites will guide you through your citation:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/

http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/legacylib/mlahcc.html

3. Now you will review the film. As you watch the film, look for the significant events that happen in the plot. What events are accurate according to your research? What events are inaccurate? Create a list for accurate events and a list for inaccurate events. It may help to pause the movie periodically so that you can review your historical research paper.

4. After reviewing the film, you will write a one to two page summary of the movie. Include events that are accurate and inaccurate. This is a summary of the movie as it is presented.

 5. Finally, you will write a two to three page analysis of the movie and its historical accuracy. Using the list you compiled of the accuracies and inaccuracies in the film, answer the following questions in your analysis: Was the movie historically accuarate or inaccurate? (Be specific) Does a movie need to be completely historically accurate in order to have value? (Does this one have value?) Should the media sacrifice accuracy for entertainment? How have historical films impacted the historical understanding and misunderstanding of the public? (How has this film contributed to that?)