The History Channel's popular series History vs. Hollywood places Hollywood's historical films--mostly of the big-budget variety--under a scholarly microscope, scrutinizing each according to its fidelity to, or deviation from, the historical record. In the case of the summer 2004 box-office flop King Arthur, such a close look reveals a reckless disregard for authenticity in favor of the young-audience pandering that has turned Hollywood into a vacuous corporate wasteland of lackluster films. While King Arthur director Antoine Fuqua and mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer can claim they were historically "inspired" to produce a battle-strewn epic about the "real" King Arthur, historians and experts who divide fact from legend suggest otherwise, even while acknowledging that Arthur has never been confirmed as an actual historical figure. Clearly amused by costar Keira Knightley's portrayal of Guinevere as a warrior-girl in a buckskin bikini, these experts explore the factual and legendary aspects of King Arthur's reign, including details of battle, Celtic traditions, and the many permutations of the Arthurian legend throughout history. Interesting stuff, admittedly, but viewers also have to slog through predictably vacant interviews with King Arthur's principal cast and crew, all of whom admit that their film bears no resemblance to the known historical record. History vs. Hollywood is much more interesting when addressing serious historical films like Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, but with disposable, ethereal junk like King Arthur, it all leads to a foregone conclusion. Optional. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)
History vs. Hollywood: King Arthur
(2004) 50 min. VHS: $24.95. A&E Home Video (tel: 800-423-1212, web: <a href="http://www.aande.com/">www.aande.com</a>). PPR. ISBN: 0-7670-7234-0. December 27, 2004
History vs. Hollywood: King Arthur
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