The latest from Hollywood Gibson’s ‘Apocalypto’ tells story of Maya
Mel Gibson is filming “Apocalypto” in a Mexican jungle, a film which may or may not be an accurate historical portrayal of the Maya’s ancient civilization.Regardless, historians and educators are looking forward to seeing his interpretation of the little-understood Mayan culture, which dominated Central America from as early as 600 B.C. to about 850 A.D. Scholars hold differing opinions about how and why the civilization collapsed, whether from war, drought or political failure, USA Today reported.
Couple things in there aren’t terribly relevant critiques, such as filming it in a location the Maya never lived in. That’s like ripping James Cameron for not filming Titanic in the north Atlantic in April. But one would hope it’s not totally fact-free. Hard to think of any mainline movies that have been made of South American civilizations. . .Egypt, yeah. Rome, yeah. The Maya? Terra incognita.
In regards to the scientific accuracy of Apocolypto; are we suggesting that the factual scientific community would rather see a fact filled sci-fi film with a bit part for the fictious so subtle as to be believable? Wouldn’t a film of this description be obscurring the science … the ‘real facts’, or would the education value of the ‘real facts’ out-weigh it’s entertainment value?
It seems one Professor likes films like this because it allows a platform to discuss the ‘real facts’.
It seems to me, the real question is based in ethics, and like all else … it’s relationship to economics.
So let’s take a vote!
LOTS OF FACTS vs. non-fact
or
little fact vs. LOTS OF NON-FACT
I am a lover of science fiction, and I too see an extreme lack of information about past and present Central American cultures. So I guess that puts me in good company with Mel.
I can assure you that a SCI-fic story immersed in Mayan archeology and the present day Central American culture exists, but remains in the file due to the ethical question postulated above.
This blog seems to be a way to discuss these issues.
Comment by Rich — June 30, 2006 @ 6:27 am