History in Film Synthesis Paper

Task
o After our reading of The Crucible, we will be taking another look at how film
depicts history.
o You will be choosing a film from a list that reflects a specific incident (or
person) in American history. The movies are made by directors and
production companies that often have one main goal: to make money. Some
movies stick more closely to the truth than others. As viewers, how do we
know what we can believe? This assignment is an effort to discover and
analyze how a film depicts an event or person in history.
o You will determine the accuracy and truth of the movie, compared to the
actual events that occurred in real life. You should carefully show the reader
how you came to your conclusion.

Structure
o Introduction hook, bridge, and thesis
o Body Paragraph 1 similarities between the film and the historical event
o What was portrayed accurately through the film? (e.g., events,
characters, actions, etc.)
o Include at least two quotes from your research to support your
similarities.
o Body Paragraph 2 differences between the film and the historical event
o How was the film different from the actual event? Focus on ONE
difference (e.g., events, characters, actions, etc.).
o Include at least two quotes from your research to support your
differences.
o Conclusion restated thesis, essay summary, hook reference

Films for History in Film Synthesis Paper

Pick one movie that you would consider using for the project. Watch the trailer, do some
background reading, pick an event that interests you. If you have an idea for a film
based on an American historical event that is not on this list, see me to get approval.

American History 1600-1900

Amistad
ship mutiny
Lincoln
Emancipation Proclamation
The Conspirator
trial

1997

Spielberg

2010

Spielberg

2010

Redford

1839 slave
1865 Lincoln biopic;
1865 Lincolns assassination

20s-30s Jazz Age and Depression

The Kings Speech - Netflix
Greorge VI and WWII
Cinderella Man
Braddock

2010
2005

Seidler

1924-1939 King

Howard

1930s bio prizefighter James

Helgeland
Eastwood

1947 Jackie Robinson bio

1940s Battle

Bay

1941 Attack on Hawaii

40s-50s WW II and the Cold War

42
Flag of Our Fathers
of Iwo Jima
Pearl Harbor

2013
2006
2001

60s-70s Vietnam and an Era of Protests

We were Soldiers - Nexflix
Drang) Viet War
Thirteen Days
Munich
terrorism

2002
2001
2005

Wallace

1965 first battle (La

Donaldson
Spielberg

1972 Cuban Missile Crisis

1972 Munich Olympic

2004

George

1994 bio and genocide in

2006

Muccino

2004
2012

OConnor
Affleck

80s -90s Politics and Social Issues

Hotel Rwanda
Rwanda
Pursuit of Happyness
Chris Gardner
Miracle
Argo

1980s bio financier

1980 hockey victory
1980 Iran hostage crisis

00s 9/11 and the war on terror

United 93
- Netflix
11
127 Hours
bad (arm cut off)
The Social Network
founding
The Blind Side
NFL story

2006
2010

Boyle
2010

2009

Greengrass

2001 Sept.

2003 Ralston hiking trip gone

Attenborough

Hancock

2003-7 Facebook
2000s Michael Ohers