Both musicals, 1776 and Hamilton, present historical information in a very different, yet interesting way. It’s told in a story form that is supposed to be entertaining, with singing, and jokes, and personal stories to go along. Although, I found both to be just that, entertaining, the whole time I was questioning what was real and what was added on to make the story more interesting. In 1776, John Adams is shown to be very disliked, except by Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, and had to fight to get the Declaration of Independence accepted by everyone. They show the character of each states’ delegate and even some of their wives. Was there really that big of a divide between the founding fathers? I had always believed they were always on the same page and worked together harmoniously, but this film shows otherwise.
I also found it interesting the way many of the delegates were portrayed in 1776. Rhode Island drank the whole time, some just followed what others said, New York always abstain, and the others either stayed quiet or were bullies. They seemed childish. They were not the image that I always had in mind of the founding fathers. But again, it makes me question whether many were actually like that, or if it was exaggerated, or if they were even like that at all? Clearly there is some truth in the film though, and there must not have been a totally unanimous opinion on independence in the beginning. Something I didn’t know was that there was a whole passage about the cruelness of slavery that was eventually cut out. It’s interesting to see how this was the biggest divide in the nation for the longest time, even before we were actually a nation.
Seeing these more comical and entertaining perspectives of history not only make history more interesting, but in some ways creates false ideas about what really happened. In this film, 1776, it’s clear the founding fathers are portrayed less united and divine as they were thought to be, and in reality that is probably more true. There is bias in everything that is told, and the struggle is figuring out where the most truth is.
I also had similar thoughts to you, and although I learned about the portion of the declaration that condemned slavery, I also learned history in a way that treated the founding fathers like gods. Thats why the portion of the movie where Franklin talked about not being a demigod and how people are going have to realize they are humans and not perfect. I found this to be a really interesting scene because so many people do see them as perfect and rather god-like.
I agree. While watching Hamilton especially I questioned what was put in because it was true vs. what was put in for entertainment. There are many one liners and jokes made that I question if they are in the musical to represent a father’s real personality or just for entertainment.
I also had similar thoughts it was interesting to see the differences between these two films and how the founding fathers were portrayed. I wondered what was for entertainment and exaggerated and what was the truth.
I also found it difficult to determine what was truth and what was fabricated to make both musicals more entertaining. I wonder if there were other scenes that accurately depicted the history but did not meet the standard for the musical because they was too boring or the directors just didn’t like it. I think that would be a really tough position to be in, because you obviously can’t change the history, but you can alter the way it is presented.