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I really don't like historic docudramas [I Love History]

It seems to have monopolized the history documentary genre entirely. Shots of actors in costume dress, historical footage, and clips of historians being interviewed.

I guess this must get the ratings but I don't like it. I actually find it harder to access because I need maps and dates to develop an understanding. These dramas heavily emphasise personal stories for me the history is the story.
AndysLoft · 56-60, M
They make them to sell, much like Brave Heart which was probably the most historically inaccurate nonsense I have ever watched. I think the period dramas produced by the BBC and others can be quite accurate in regard to costume and set. They seem to forgo such niceties as rickets, cholera, consumption (TB) but some do include it. A docudrama is exactly what it says it is, if you want factual there are books and museums.
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
@AndysLoft Amen to that. I read books but sometimes it would be nice to watch a well-done documentary.
Rutterman · 46-50, M
My main objection to historical docudramas is their inaccuracy. Why the filmmakers can't stick to the historical record, as we understand it, is beyond me. The real stories of the events depicted usually are pretty compelling and don't require distortions and fabrications to make them interesting.
Ynotisay · M
Agreed. They bare very little resemblance to real documentaries. Although even those are put together for dramatic effect. But that's editing. Not writing. Big difference.
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
@Ynotisay I'd imagine the person proposing them has a passion for the history and the story but a lot of the best content gets edited out for explosions and he he said she said.
Ynotisay · M
@Burnley123 Sure. It's hard enough to be accurate with history. When you're writing conversations, and trying to keep an audience entertained, it's a different ball game.
I agree with you. I LOVE documentaries but I seldom see docudramas done well (especially in the states).
@Burnley123

Line of Duty was so good!

The other shows are good too (I agree) but they are all HBO. You wouldn't see anything of that caliber on our regular networks (snooze).

I also admire the UKs ability to promote women writers. I am a big fan of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Sharon Horgan 🙂
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
@splishsplash Fleabag was great. Brutally honest and hard to watch but impossible not to! I only saw a small amount of All About Eve. Is it worth the time to binge?
@Burnley123 Most people think Killing Eve is dark and difficult to watch but I found it amusing. I have no idea what that says about me?? 🤣😂

I really appreciate how the UK is not obsessed with perfect female roles. Motherland is another series that shows the imperfection of women (which I enjoy). In the US we are obsessed with Botox and boob jobs. The UK shows women (Of all ages) wrinkles and all. I was watching Before We Die (with Lesley Sharp) and I was thinking how refreshing it was to see a middle aged women look her age.
I like both because the personal stories provide context to the events that happened.
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
@PicturesOfABetterTomorrow I watched one called 'Hitler's circle of evil' and it was crap. The personal feuds between third Reich figures were heavily hammed up and they missed out on so many important parts.
@Burnley123 Yeah. That is a bit ridiculous. That is getting more into historical fiction at that point. It can be a fine line to walk.
Human1000 · M
They are horrible (although likes the one on George Washington was pretty good!)
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
@Human1000 I wanted to know but it's a well-oiled mess.
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
@Human1000 Oh, I recognise your avi now. Pancho Villa. I read a book on the Mexican Revolution once.

He was the last person to 'invade' America I believe. Too good a trolling opportunity to miss. 👍
Human1000 · M
@Burnley123 That's right! I invaded America and gave the gringos a slap in the face! Pershing chased me but no one catches Poncho! I taught Pershing everything he knows -- that SOB went to Europe and was a hero but it was Poncho who deserved the credit. Ha!

 
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