Since this is the folder for stupid questions and I had one that came to me while I was walking this morning.

A little background:
To make the morning walk in the morning go quicker, I have been watching movies while walking on the treadmill.

Anyways, I was watching The Patriot (Mel Gibson), and thought to myself, would Gettysburg and Gods & Generals been better movies if Mel had worked on them in the same way he did The Patriot or Braveheart?

Greg,

It depends on what you are looking for, Gibson makes great action films. If they have anything to do with actual history is another question.

Making a better movie doesn't mean it would have followed history any closer. If they guys who did "Saving Private Ryan," "Band of Brothers," or, "Flags of Our Fathers," had done Goofysburg or GAG instead of Maxwell, you would have definatly had better movies. Weather or not there would be better history is why we have these forums. Some many years ago, just for fun, myself and a group of friends sat down and watched "Gettysburg," stopping the film every 10 seconds and each writing down everything that was not historically correct, in any aspect we could think of, uniforms, drill, the historical record and the
like. I think when we were finished, the average was one historical incorrectness(is that a word) every two seconds for the entire legnth of the film. I'd guess GAG was worse if that's possible. Both movies are however in their own way very entertaining. Don't watch "The Blue and the Gray" while you're on the treadmill. I'd hate for you to fall down laughing and hurt yorself.

Dave

I actually have the 2 disc set for The Blue and The Gray in my desk at work. I had been watching it as part of my lunch break.

I really tried to watch it and not laugh too hard at the costumes and such.  

The fact of the matter is a really good movie, no matter how bad, in terms of historical accuracy, is probably good for the Hobby. A person can always learn the history if he has the interest. A good movie can generate that interest. As reenactors, we have to remember the average movie goer could care less if the Yank's sack coat had four or five buttons.  

I loved that Maxwell got the 20th. Maine into Pickett's Charge. Like Little Round Top wasn't enough!    

I don't think Mel Gibson or anyone could follow the historical context too well. The scrïpt would be flavored for an audience that wants action, love scenes, and a plot.  By a plot I mean a beginning, a middle, and an end.  It would end up becoming historical fiction or you would have another GAG out there.

Now, taking a piece of the war and making it something might be a good idea.  Some films are like that already, "1861" and "Gettysburg", but there is so much to choose from.

Actually Bill,

I do believe the 20th Maine was everywhere during the CW.

I like Gettysburg.  I don't care what anyone says.  I liked Gods and Generals more before I read the book.  The movie should have been called the Stoewall Jackson Story.  

Historical accuracy doesn't always make a better film.  For instance...  What did you like better Tombstone or the more accurate Wyatt Earp (with Kevin Costner)?  

Would Mel make them better?  Maybe.  Remember though he didn't direct The Patriot.  

I think a Civil War trilogy of the Shaara books, directed by Peter Jackson is what we need.  If he stayed faithful to the books, and used the technology like he did on Lord of The Rings, we'd have a winner.  Just think how cool it would be to see,  with some CG help,Pickets Charge. A wide shot of 15,000 men marching, You can't create that with just extras.  

Stacey Keach in "Blue and Gray" has to be about the pits when it comes to CW films/mini-series, but for a good laugh, find a copy of "Guns in the Distance" sometime.

What's the name of that movie where the Confederates are on top of a hill, that's cot an underground path to the top and, they keep shooting an artillary piece at some train. Then they wrap piano wire around the barrel of the gun for more distance?

Grumpy, for some reason I remember that as an old Alan Ladd film, but can't recall the title.

I found It! "Drums in the Deep South" Guy Madison, James Craig, Barbara Payton. Directed by William Cameron Menzies who's other noted works include "Gone With the Wind" and "Invaders From Mars."

Grump,

I have that on disc, along with "Hellbenders" starring Joseph Cotton, "Blood and Honor", and "Hearts in Bondage" starring James Dunn, Mae Clarke, and David Manners.  

I have "The Red Badge of Courage" with Audie Murphy in my desk at work.  I have tried to read the book and I have tried to watch the movie.  But I am not able to get more than halfway in either..

Find a Regimental History of the 124th NY and read of their actions at Chancellorsville. That's "Red Badge of Courage."

Quote :

I don't think Mel Gibson or anyone could follow the historical context too well.

Based upon Braveheart, I doubt that Mel would follow the overall history that well.  As far as the minute details, that is a different stary.

Perhaps Mel Gibson could remake "Invaders From Mars," and not fret the historical fine points.  

Of course, there's something else to be considered. For Mel to to a project with a CW bent and have it be nearly as powerful as a Braveheart or Patriot, Mel would have to have as big a beef with either the Union or the Confederacy as he has with the Teabags.

It's obvious he has no love for the Sassenach.

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tom wrote : Quote : I don't think Mel Gibson or anyone could follow the historical context too well. Based upon Braveheart, I doubt that Mel would follow the overall history that well.  As far as the minute details, that is a different stary.

We have to remember that Hollywood doesn't make movies just for us.  They make them in an attempt to attract the largest possible audience.  For the most part I'm fine with that as long as it's a good movie, and the changes made (wether it be a book addaptation, or a period film) aren't to outragous, and and help the movie flow better.  Most often it can be a good thing.  It get's people interested in history if the film is done well.  Hell, after I saw Braveheart for the first time I was ready to go buy a kilt.  Can you picture an Italian in a kilt?. After I saw Rob Roy, I really wanted a kilt!  Well I held off, but I do have two Claymores.

Anyhow, we need a new big box office Civil War Movie.  Cold Mountian was good, but it was more about the personal stories.  I want to see the big battles depicted.  With todays technology it would be quite a sight.  I'll say it again.  Give Peter Jackson a call.  

--Last edited by TheBaldYankee on 2007-02-22 07:11:10 --

Pulled out the Movie North and south and watched the 1st Manasas battle again. It is still there. Have you noticed the guy in the unit that had on the red pants on the end has a yellow ear plug in place.