Question

Would you say that this film is historically accurate?

Answer

The question of accuracy depends a lot on the genre of the film. In this case, it is an action movie; if you go into this film looking for historical accuracy, you will be outraged. You have to remember, this movie is an artistic impression of a graphic novel. It should be judged on its aesthetic effects. It is also based on an old film made during the Cold War which depicted this event as a battle between the free west (the United States) and the despotic east (USSR). I believe the current film has the same split, replacing the Soviets with our new Eastern peril.

Q

Does anyone know the truth about the battle of Thermopylae?

A

As with any historical event, there are levels of uncertainty. Experts are certain that a battle did, indeed, occur there; however, the Spartans did not fight the battle alone. Herodotus and the more recent historical novel on Thermopylae by Stephen Pressfield are good sources. The battle has been mythologized from the beginning. In our culture, the Spartans serve as a common example of a militarized culture and have been the objects of all the positive and negative attitudes various groups have toward such a society.

Q

Is it beneficial for Hollywood to stick to the story or pump it up?

A

I really think that a healthy film culture should have a mix of both; however, I must say that Hollywood is usually best at the latter. The Iliad really had it right; it showed the Trojans as humans, affirming the humanity of the enemy. In our popular culture, we tend to turn characters into super-humans that are larger than life and feel most comfortable with a dualistic melodrama which splits characters into good us and evil them.

Q

Can you explain the recent fad of historically based movies?

A

The entertainment industry goes through cycles; for a while, science fiction was what ruled the screens. Now we are cycling back to historical material. Both types of film tend to be exercises in nostalgia, seeking confirmation of our values in areas not bound by real-world senses of what is possible. Hollywood is more comfortable making films when the audience is familiar with the name. This is why we see so many remakes and sequels.

Q

Can this new wave of movies be seen as culturally enriching or simply action?

A

Well, I would hope it's the former. As I just suggested, our culture is in a mode where we have a need for historic nostalgia. When cultures are stressed, they need to be comforted by nostalgia, which brings about a sense of "the good ole days." Historical information is in a constant state of churning. Cultural materials live by being recycled. Every generation has its own take on history, so in a sense, this is the younger generation's way of reclaiming the past. Others should now debate the value of that reclamation and make alternative works.