Biographical films, or “biopics,” have become a popular genre in the film industry. They tell the story of a real-life person or historical figure and have the power to capture the attention of audiences, transport them back in time, and bring these figures to life on the big screen. But with this power comes the responsibility of accurately portraying these individuals and their stories. The question then arises: how do biopics balance accuracy with dramatic license?
Accuracy is a crucial aspect when it comes to portraying historical figures in biopics. These individuals were real people who had a significant impact on society, and their stories deserve to be told truthfully. However, it is often challenging to capture every detail and event of a person’s life in a two-hour film. This limitation leads to filmmakers taking creative liberties and using dramatic license to make the film more entertaining or impactful.
Dramatic license refers to the freedom that filmmakers have to embellish or alter certain details in a story for the sake of drama or entertainment value. It can involve changing the timeline of events, creating fictional characters, or even altering facts about the individual’s personality or background. While this may make for a more exciting film, it can also lead to inaccuracies and misrepresentations of the historical figure.
One example of this is the 2014 biopic “Selma,” which tells the story of civil rights activist and leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The film received critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of King’s fight for equal voting rights for African Americans. However, it also faced criticism for its inaccuracies, such as depicting President Lyndon B. Johnson as an obstacle to the Civil Rights Movement when, in reality, he was supportive of King’s cause.
Another biopic that received praise for its portrayal of a historical figure but was also criticized for its inaccuracies was “The Imitation Game.” The film tells the story of mathematician Alan Turing, who was a key figure in breaking the Enigma code during World War II. While the film accurately depicts Turing’s contribution to the war effort, it also takes liberties with his personal life, such as portraying him as a socially awkward loner, when in fact, he was a charismatic and well-liked individual.
On the other hand, some biopics strive for historical accuracy, even at the expense of dramatic license. One example is the 2012 film “Lincoln,” which tells the story of President Abraham Lincoln’s efforts to pass the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery in the United States. The film received praise for its portrayal of Lincoln as a complex and determined leader, but it also faced criticism for its slow pace and lack of dramatic tension.
So, how do filmmakers strike a balance between accuracy and dramatic license when making biopics? The answer lies in extensive research and consultation with experts and individuals close to the historical figure. Many biopics employ historians or consultants to ensure that the events and details depicted in the film are accurate. For example, the 2018 film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which tells the story of legendary musician Freddie Mercury and his band Queen, had two of the band’s surviving members as consultants to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
However, even with research and consultation, it is impossible to capture every detail of a person’s life in a film. This is where creative liberty comes into play. Filmmakers must make choices about what events and details to include and which to leave out to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. In some cases, this may lead to minor inaccuracies or oversimplifications, but as long as the overall message and portrayal of the historical figure remain true, it is considered acceptable.
In conclusion, biopics have a responsibility to accurately portray the lives of historical figures while still being entertaining for audiences. While dramatic license can add excitement and drama to a film, it should not come at the cost of misrepresenting the individual and their story. Through extensive research, collaboration with experts, and careful consideration of creative liberties, filmmakers can strike a balance between accuracy and dramatic license and create impactful biopics that do justice to the lives and legacies of these historical figures.
