information from films rather than from celebrated texts has led to increased debates over the use

of cinematography to retell substantial events. One of the primary concerns over the

cinematographic medium of historical narration is the misuse of historical facts, an issue brought

up after the release of Steven Spielberg's Amistad. This concern is raised under the pretense that

the film's director is more interested in the visual images and effects in order to enhance the film's

appeal, rather than the correct depiction of the historical events that took place. Although

Spielberg does base Amistad on the trial that took place, he does not accurately portray the events

and characters that surround the trial. With the addition of fictional characters, the omission of

certain facts, and the inaccurate portrayal of certain characters in the film (as compared to their

factually documented personalities) Spielberg delivers a successful dramatic film, albeit

unsuccessful in its historical endeavors.

The addition of the fictional character Theodore Joadson, played by Morgan Freeman, not

only distorts the importance of the black aboliti

fictional role became an important aspect of the highly publicized lawsuit in which Spielberg's

fact, Tappan went on to establish the American Antislavery Society with William Lloyd Garrison.

Spielberg tries to place importance on the role of black abolitionists through the character of

company was sued for plagiarism, by the author of the novel Amistad. Freeman's underwritten

inaccurately when compared to their documented achievements and personalities. Roger Baldwin,

depicted as a hypocritical white abolitionist who discreetly wants to Africans to become martyrs

constituted pro-bono work, obviously not legal work done for a large fee. Adams, as well, is

Some common words found in the essay are:
Dred Scott, Supreme Court, Court Adams, Spielberg's Amistad, Theodore Joadson, Connecticut Senator, Lewis Tappan, , Boston Globe, Tappan Spielberg, supreme court, addition fictional, roger baldwin, black abolitionists, lewis tappan, theodore joadson, importance black abolitionists, dramatic dialog, period american, american history, addition fictional characters, white abolitionist, united supreme court, period american history, john quincy adams,
Approximate Word count = 1231
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)