Designs on the Past: How Hollywood Created the Ancient World

The Hollywood epic movies have shaped our vision of the past by bringing history to life on the silver screen. This lively study explores how Hollywood producers, directors, designers, costumiers, publicity agents, movie stars, and a cast of thousands created the ancient world from scratch.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2018
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Explore how history was brought to life on the silver screen and how the Hollywood's epic movies dictated our vision of the past.

This lively study analyses how Hollywood producers, directors, designers, costumiers, publicity agents, movie stars, and, inevitably, a cast of thousands literally designed the ancient world from scratch.

Hollywood's epic movies have had a profound impact on our perception of the past. These films have shaped our understanding of historical events, characters, and cultures, and have influenced how we view the world.

One of the most significant ways in which Hollywood has influenced our vision of the past is through its portrayal of historical characters. Hollywood has often depicted historical figures as larger-than-life heroes or villains, with their personalities and actions exaggerated for dramatic effect. This can lead to a distorted view of history, as it prioritizes certain aspects of a person's life or character over others.

For example, Hollywood's portrayal of George Washington as a fearless and virtuous leader has become ingrained in popular culture. However, this portrayal overlooks Washington's involvement in the slave trade and his treatment of Native Americans. Similarly, Hollywood's depiction of Julius Caesar as a brilliant and charismatic leader has led to a romanticized view of his life, which overlooks his brutal and authoritarian rule.

Another way in which Hollywood has influenced our vision of the past is through its portrayal of historical events. Hollywood has often depicted historical events as thrilling and action-packed, with a focus on heroism and bravery. This can lead to a distorted view of history, as it prioritizes spectacle over accuracy and context.

For example, Hollywood's portrayal of the American Revolution as a heroic struggle against tyranny has become ingrained in popular culture. However, this portrayal overlooks the complex and multifaceted nature of the revolution, including the economic and social factors that contributed to it.

Hollywood's portrayal of the ancient world is also influenced by its desire to appeal to a global audience. This can lead to a distorted view of ancient cultures, as Hollywood prioritizes certain aspects of these cultures over others.

For example, Hollywood's portrayal of ancient Egypt as a land of mystery and magic has become ingrained in popular culture. However, this portrayal overlooks the complex and sophisticated culture of ancient Egypt, including its political, social, and economic systems.

In conclusion, Hollywood's epic movies have had a profound impact on our vision of the past. These films have shaped our understanding of historical events, characters, and cultures, and have influenced how we view the world. It is important to be critical of the portrayal of history in Hollywood movies and to seek out alternative sources of information to gain a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the past.

Weight: 878g
Dimension: 173 x 243 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780748675647