Is there any point producing a well researched history/period drama if the casting is 21st century inclusive?
41-45, M
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LordShadowfire · 46-50, M
I really don't think so. You can either be historically accurate, or be inclusive.
Now, I'm not saying that you can't have a good time watching a wildly historically inaccurate period piece. Netflix proved that with Bridgerton. But something like that becomes a historical fantasy piece instead of any kind of accurate representation of our past.
In fact, here's a hot take. Rewriting historical eras to make the cast inclusive of all races, orientations, etc., can be damaging to minorities. You are denying these people their truth, and creating a fake world where everyone got along. Suppose I made a Western set in 1850s Mississippi, but I completely glossed over the subject of slavery? Or worse yet, created an inaccurate representation of Mississippi with a black governor? That would be a slap in the face to the descendants of every survivor of that horrible time.
Now, I'm not saying that you can't have a good time watching a wildly historically inaccurate period piece. Netflix proved that with Bridgerton. But something like that becomes a historical fantasy piece instead of any kind of accurate representation of our past.
In fact, here's a hot take. Rewriting historical eras to make the cast inclusive of all races, orientations, etc., can be damaging to minorities. You are denying these people their truth, and creating a fake world where everyone got along. Suppose I made a Western set in 1850s Mississippi, but I completely glossed over the subject of slavery? Or worse yet, created an inaccurate representation of Mississippi with a black governor? That would be a slap in the face to the descendants of every survivor of that horrible time.
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
@LordShadowfire Just take a look at "A Knights Tale" with Heath Ledger, or some recent treatments of Robin Hood..😷
LordShadowfire · 46-50, M
@whowasthatmaskedman I've been watching "Our Flag Means Death", so I get what you're saying. It can be fun to watch stuff that plays fast and loose with history.
WintaTheAngle · 41-45, M
@LordShadowfire Fair point
bijouxbroussard · F
@LordShadowfire Recently, there was a PBS series called "Marie Antoinette" with some modern treatment about the unfortunate queen’s personal life. One thing that was referenced was her and Louis’ friendship with Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the musician and fencing master, a free black man. There was the criticism that writers were "imposing 21st century attempts at diversity on history". Except…the man existed, and the friendship is a matter of record. Because of colonialism and the slave trade, there have been black people in Europe for centuries, proven by both written references and artwork contemporary to the times. This is not saying there was no racism, not by any means, but scenes in 18th and 19th century Europe where the occasional black person appears is not necessarily anachronistic.
LordShadowfire · 46-50, M
@bijouxbroussard I remember seeing the ads for that show, and looking him up. Things like that, where they explore a chapter of history that the white Europeans would have preferred to ignore, I like.