History

Screening History: “The Silver Chalice”

When it comes to the annals of antiquity on film, some films leap immediately to mind: …
Has the Historical Epic Lost Its Relevance?

The historical/biblical epic seems to be in something of a crisis. Both Darren Aronovsky’s Noah and Ridley Scott’s Exodus:…
Review: “Exodus: Gods and Kings”

Enjoyable epic fare, but not as compelling as it could have been. This was supposed to…
Review: “The Red Tent” (Part Two)

Note: Full spoilers follow. Immensely more engaging and well-written than the first half, proving that historical…
Discovering the Wonder and Pleasures of Historical Television

At the recent Film and History Conference, I had the distinct pleasure of hearing the renowned…
What Can “Game of Thrones” Tell Us About History?

By now, it’s well-known that George R.R. Martin’s popular series A Song of Ice and Fire, as well…
Opening Credits and the Aesthetics of Television History

Upon recently re-watching the HBO series Rome, I was struck anew at the complex artistry that underlies the…
Review–“Belle”: A Costume Drama Meaningfully Depicts the History of Slavery

There is a moment in the film Belle where the titular character stares at a painting in which…
“Game of Thrones” and Contemporary American Culture

In a recent Slate article, Jack Hamilton claims that HBO’s Game of Thrones largely eschews (and…
“The Normal Heart”: A Memorial and a Manifesto

If you haven’t yet seen HBO’s The Normal Heart, you should. Immediately. I say this for…