Bringing Truth to the Big Screen

Bringing Truth to the Big Screen

By Kelsey Bischot

Sentry Staff Reporter

 

Abraham Lincoln was a man of many admirable traits and accomplishments and perhaps the most renowned President of the United States. “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” Abraham Lincoln said in June of 1858 during his House Divided speech which explains Lincoln’s deep concerns over the crumbling nation during the mid to late 1800s right before the Civil War when the discussion over slavery and disunion was becoming a growing concern. Lincoln is known as one of the greatest presidents thanks to, in part, many of his famous speeches like this. Therefore it is not surprising that a movie, Lincoln, has been made dedicated to his accomplishments of helping to end slavery.

“It more humanized him. I think his turn into a hero showed that he was not just a politician but he was pragmatic,” social studies teacher Beau Obetts said.

However after watching this thrilling two and a half hour movie it can be argued that not all the events or depictions of characters were one hundred percent correct and historically accurate.

“I think it does a pretty good job of showing Lincoln and how he responded to different things and how he acted at the end of the War…Obviously its a film so there is the part of the Hollywood aspect to it,” social studies teacher Andrew Prantner said.

Keep in mind that the movie Lincoln is not a documentary so some historical inaccuracy is accepted and presumed.  Director Steven Spielberg created a movie with many arguably inaccurate historical events and characterizations. While Spielberg mainly focused on Lincoln’s later years as president and fight to pass the 13th Amendment (which abolished slavery), he might not have done all his homework according to social studies teacher Kevin Bridwell.

“Certainly they got the big stuff right, its based on [Doris Kearns] Goodwin’s book and they did a lot of historical research. But there are some things in there that probably didn’t happen,” Bridwell said.

For example, as Bridwell explained, in the beginning of the movie one soldier starts out by giving the Gettysburg Address and then another one picks it up as he is leaving but according to Bridwell, “this probably did not happen.”

Since in fact, the Gettysburg Address was not popular until years later and it would be very unlikely that a common soldier had it memorized. This depiction was most likely a Hollywood illustration. Furthermore, at the end of the movie, Thaddeus Stevens is seen getting into bed with his house keeper. There is no evidence or historical proof that this actually happened and it could be said that it detracts from the main focus of the movie.

“I think I expected to see a film that was more all encompassing…I think it was more narrowly focused than I though or would have liked,” Prantner said.

While it can be argued that some of these events distracted from the movie or were not necessary, it teaches the entire population about one of our most prominent political characters and Presidents.

“Kobe Bryant the other day took the Lakers to see Lincoln, and he said he was surprised by how many people had no idea that Abraham Lincoln dies in the end. So to bring a piece of history, whether its one hundred percent accurate or not, isn’t really all that important its being able to share that with a population that isn’t as well versed in their history as they should be,” Bridwell explained.

Even though the movie might have a couple minor historical flaws, the more important aspect is that it not only entertains the audience and younger generation, but at the same time it teaches everyone about a President most people know next to nothing about besides his renowned name.

“He was smart but also loved telling stories to people to the point where they just wanted him to shut up. I think for a lot of people this [movie] would shape how you view Lincoln,” Prantner said.

If you have not seen it yet or were not planning on it before, this is a great opportunity to catch up on your history in a more entertaining way than maybe your every day history class.

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