American History July. This month I will be featuring films that feature American History. There is a lot of them. Although, there is no specific genre to feature here but most of the films cover Colonial America, Wars (So many war films), Reconstruction, Civil Rights, The Great Depression, Westerns, Cold War, Space Race, Immigration, Suffrage, Presidential drama. I will try to feature films that focus on a sort of bigger picture and less backdrop.
When I was in college I had a counselor place me in a Colonial American History class. Little did I know it was a weeder class because they seemed to have a lot of history majors in the college. Needless to say I found myself knowing far more about Colonial American history. It was, by design, a tough class but every class after that was easy AF. Thanks Dr. Reeves. One of the things she said was “At our beginnings we were a mash up of European Culture, African Culture, Native Culture and then later Latin American Culture”. I have always remembered that because she was right. Thanks Dr. Reeves.
The problem with these type of films is that the creators have a bent to it. Sometimes the film is nowhere near what happened. Films are not peer reviewed and so I always look up “what really happened” when I watch a film based on real life.
These are the themes I will be featuring.
Historical Dramas
There is a plethora of these dating back to the silent era. I will try to pick the best and most interesting films. I’m not an historian so they may not be the most accurate.
Westerns
Westerns are a unique view into the soul of America. I will not be featuring them this month as I will be dedicating August to that genre.
Comedies
There are a few of these and they can be fun.
Native American films
Unfortunately, you have to really hunt for films that feature actual Native Americans and not a cardboard facsimile. Some of the films prior to 2015 are just offensive and cringe. But, I have found a few good newer ones.
Musicals
There are a few good ones with my favorite being Hamilton.
Biopics
I just love these.
Controversial Films
Some films stirred up dust when they were released. For better or worse they had a IRL impact on the world.
Enjoy