Biographies are a rather fascinating genre of film and literature. We often view biographies as “non-fiction,” but more often than not, the stories are exaggerated to hit some dramatic beats. The romanticization of historic figures is nothing new.
Most historians today, for example, while still highly respecting Plutarch’s works, believe that his Parallel Lives were highly dramatized. The practice of adding drama to real life continues to this day in Hollywood. Biography films that sell themselves as “real,” often inject a dose of fiction.
Still, a lot of biographies are excellent in their approach to the story. Whether they tell the whole truth, or just part of it, these are some fantastic films that are worth seeing.
Bugsy (1991)
Las Vegas is one of the most notable and recognizable cities in the world. But, how did the Sin City come to be? Well, it was all thanks to one man; Benjamin Siegel, or Bugsy. A New York gangster, who moved to Los Angeles, and quickly built a rapport with Hollywood starlets and big-time actors.
It is absolutely true that without the innovative, business-like acumen of Bugsy, and the 1940s mafia world, America’s gambling industry wouldn’t be what it is today. Without Las Vegas we might not even have the online gambling industry that has become such a huge hit worldwide.
Bugsy’s and Las Vegas’ influence on gambling extends far from the USA’s borders, however. Online gambling largely has the land-based industry to thank for its success. For example, things like the live casino at Casino Days Ontario wouldn’t be possible without Las Vegas’ success.
But, we don’t want to make it seem like Bugsy is all about Las Vegas, and building up the city from the ground up. In fact, it is a much more personal story, dealing with Siegel’s failing romantic life, personal struggles, and interpersonal relationships, some of which are growing, and others deteriorating.
Amadeus (1984)
Few have influenced the musical landscape as much as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the eyes of many people in the 21st century, he was a distinguished person, serious about his music. However, as the 1984 pseudo-biography shows, Mozart was quite the joker, often making satirical pieces and performing equally seriously for the King, as he did for the common folk.
It isn’t that he didn’t take his music seriously, of course he did. But Wolfgang certainly did not take his status as one of the most refined musicians in history seriously. He would pull childish pranks, often act lewd and crass in public, and buck at the societal norms of his time.
It is that aspect of his personality that this film captures perfectly. However, it also interweaves his goofy and childish nature with his genius, and often portrays him as ahead of his time, musically and socially. After all, he is the envy of the entire musical world of his era.
Amadeus, the film, has often been criticized for its lack of historical accuracy. However, despite the dramatized nature of the film, it is, in some respects, remarkably accurate. It simply does not tell the story from Amadeus’ perspective, but rather from the perspective of those whom detested, envied, and admired him. For anyone interested in Mozart’s music, this film is a great place to start.
Blonde (2022)
Thus far, we’ve only discussed films from the 20th century. Let us move on to something new and modern. Blonde for example, is an exemplary look at the life of one of the most iconic starlets in Hollywood history, Marilyn Monroe.
Monroe was not born as Monroe, however. She started out as a simple Southern gal, called Norma Jeane. In this film, we follow Norma’s life since she was young, her breakthrough in Hollywood, the romantic and business relationships she established, and so much more.
Like Amadeus, Blonde often drew criticism from some, citing the lack of historical accuracy as a flaw. And while it is true that Blonde did not stick very faithfully to the true story of Marilyn Monroe, it still used the relatively tragic life of a Hollywood icon to make a greater point about society.
Apart from that, the film had a unique style and creative approach, that made it, in many people’s eyes, the best film of 2022, though of course, any such statement is based on personal preference. Regardless, Blonde is an excellent film, and is definitely worth checking out.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Christopher Nolan is one of the most respected directors working in the 21st century. He has given us multiple modern classics, including Memento, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Inception. His latest contribution to the world of cinema, however, was Oppenheimer, a biography of one of the most important figures in scientific history.
Robert Oppenheimer was the head-scientist who ran the Manhattan Project. For the unaware, the Manhattan Project was a scientific research group, dedicated to the creation of one of the most dangerous weapons in human history, the atomic bomb.
In the film, however, we follow Oppenheimer from his youth, and his days in college. He was an up-and-coming freshman, who indulged in leftist politics, and thought of himself as untouchable and smarter than everyone else. This entitled and egotistical personality is juxtaposed to the older Oppenheimer, who is being questioned by a committee after the 2nd World War has concluded.
Oppenheimer is, possibly, the one film on this list that can truly be called “historically accurate.” However, at no point does Nolan sacrifice the dramatic for the historic. Oppenheimer remains a gripping tale from start to finish, and though its run time is over three hours, one barely feels the time go by.
Honorable Mentions
Throughout the history of cinema, there have been a great deal of biographies that have contributed significantly to the art form. Lawrence of Arabia, for example, is often thought as one of the greatest films of all time. In 2012, Lincoln starring Daniel Day Lewis, released in cinemas, and truly engrossed a worldwide audience.
Five years later, in 2017, Darkest Hour, starring Gary Oldman, told the story of another greatly respected war-time politicians, Winston Churchill. All of these films are definitely worth checking out, especially if you have an interest in history and the lives of great women and men.
