History Goes to the Movies

From Saving Private Ryan to Picnic at Hanging Rock and Pocahontas, this new book is a clear and systematic guide to the issues involved in using historical film in the study of history. Using examples ranging from late nineteenth century short films, to twenty-first century DVDs, Marnie Hughes-Warrington incorporates film analysis, advertisements, merchandise and internet forums, and evaluates the varied ways in which filmmakers, promoters, viewers and scholars understand film as history. History on Film is written from an international perspective, and, blending theoretical and methodological issues with lots of real examples, discusses such issues as: Do historical films necessarily make bad (or good) history? Can film be used as historical evidence? Are documentaries more useful to historians than historical drama? History on Film considers that history is not simply to be found in films, but in the agreements and arguments of those who make and view them. Students will find this book an invaluable addition to their reading on both history and film studies courses.