Hidden Figures

Jul 24

Written By Gaz

Film expert Gaz and history expert Mel discuss the true story behind the movie Hidden Figures (2016). We know it’s a great movie but just how historically accurate is it? We investigate further into the history of the American civil rights movement, Cold War paranoia, the Space Race, and the true story behind NASA pioneers Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.

Real Movies Fake History is hosted by two friends, Gaz (the film nerd) and Mel (the history expert), who each episode discuss, debate and laugh about the real history behind diverse and important cinema.

We seek to discover the true story behind films apparently based on a true story. With a particular interest in gender and cultural representation, we love nothing more than to speak on how a particular film represents the world around us.

As discussed in this episode, many of you will know of the Black Lives Matter movement. In light of recent events, it is more important than ever to support Police accountability projects. If you can donate, we have some recommended institutions below. Thanks again for listening.

Australia
Police Accountability Project run by Flemington & Kensington Community Legal Centre
http://www.policeaccountability.org.au/about/support-our-work/?fbclid=IwAR0o1vVEaGgSIcLgWMQc1AMVwX2HrJYl029FRsE4e3isNahZ8iXihujbZ7w

UK
National Campaign for Fair & Accountable Policing
https://www.stop-watch.org//

USA
National Police Accountability Project
https://www.nlg-npap.org/
Black Lives Matter
https://blacklivesmatter.com

Featured

Downfall - The Final Days of Adolf Hitler

Discover the true history behind the movie Downfall (2004), the outstanding WW2 film depicting the final days of the Third Reich. On this episode we dive into the real history and discuss Adolf Hitler's drug addiction, his special relationship with Albert Speer, the real story of Hitler's personal secretary, Traudl Junge, and we also fine time to critique the highest grossing World War 2 movies of all time.
Also stay tuned to the end to hear Gaz provide a good rant about Oppenheimer.

Julie & Julia (2009)

Discover the true history behind Julie & Julia, the movie inspired by the blogger Julie Powell and infamous chef & author Julia Childs. Does the film still hold up? We discuss the publishing journey of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, talk about the performances of Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep, discuss the generational gap between each character, and finally, we play the Rotten Tomatoes game for Meryl Streep's filmography!

The Two Popes

This time hosts Gaz and Mel discover the true history behind Netflix's The Two Popes. We delve into the lives of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis and the fascinating conversations they have. Mel explains how the true story differs from the movie. We also dive into the secret details of how a new Pope is selected during Conclave, talk about the age old debate of conservative vs progressive values, and critique gender representation in the film.

I, Tonya

It's time to get into the details of the true story of the movie I, Tonya, starring Margot Robbie. How accurate is the movie to the true crime? Was Tonya Harding actually involved in the incident? And what effect did the 24 hour news cycle have on the real events? Join us as we extensively critique both the movie and the history behind it.

Napoleon (2023)

It's our last show of the year! It's time to talk Ridley's Scott's new epic Napoleon (2023). We extensively critique both the movie and the history behind it. Is Napoleon Bonaparte accurately portrayed? Is Joaquin Phoenix the right person to play the famous Emperor? Above all, is the movie just any good? (Spoiler: it's complicated).

The Devil Wears Prada

Vogue! Anna Wintour! Haute couture fashion! This month we talk about 2006's The Devil Wears Prada and critique how the movie holds up today. How close is Meryl Streep's character to the real Anna Wintour? And we discuss Anna Wintour documentary The September Issue and what it tells us about the fashion magazine industry.

Troy

Get out your fake tan and body oil! For this month we talk about 2004's Troy. Is Brad Pitt really miscast? Do the love stories make no sense? Is the movie just ridiculious? We say Yes! to all of these things and get into the reasons why.

Memories of Murder

This month we revisit Bong Joon-ho's 2003 serial killer movie Memories of Murder. Based on a true story, just how strange is the truth compared to the fiction? Join us as we discuss how the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat, how it compares to the real story, and discuss the top 10 video store rentals of 2003!

The Pope’s Exorcist | Gaz and Mel Review Show

Gaz and Mel review The Pope's Exorcist (2023). It may be inspired by the actual files of a real life exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth, it may star Oscar winner Russell Crowe, but is it an outstanding piece of cinema or does it deserve to be drowned in holy water? Mel and Gaz find out with hilarious results.

The Favourite

This month we discover the true history behind the period black comedy The Favourite (2018). Gaz and Mel dive into the true story of the love triangle between Queen Anne and the two women battling for her affection. Join us as we discover the real condition of Queen Anne's health, discuss how gender roles are reversed in the story, and learn how some historical slut-shaming changed the course of history. We cover it all, along with the top grossing Oscar Nominees of 2018!

Gaz

Hidden Figures

Real Movies Fake History is hosted by two friends, Gaz (the film nerd) and Mel (the history expert), who each episode discuss, debate and laugh about the real history behind diverse and important cinema.

We seek to discover the true story behind films apparently based on a true story. With a particular interest in gender and cultural representation, we love nothing more than to speak on how a particular film represents the world around us.

Titanic Part 1

Quills

Real Movies Fake History