Going, going, gone — What to do with (awkward) history films?

screen shot from Gone with the Wind, used under Fair Use (critical and educational use)

Removing Gone with the Wind from HBO: how would we understand historical films in context?

I was surprised and highly gratified to see that HBO had pulled Gone With The Wind (the extravagant 1939 film directed by Victor Fleming) but not necessarily for the same reasons as those who are cheering the removal of a film that has such egregious depictions of slavery.

I do think the film has egregious depictions of slavery, which is why the film is important. HBO’s move to remove the film so they can re-present it in its context is welcome.

What excites me is that this is the first time ever that Hollywood or the film industry in general has acknowledged that historical films actually do matter in the presentation of history to the wider public.

Many studies have shown that most people get their historical knowledge and information from films and television once they have finished compulsory schooling. That means that…