Here's how the historian explains it The Thin Red Line Accurately describes the role of the US military during World War II. released in 1998, The Thin Red Line directed by Terrence Malick and based on the 1962 novel of the same name by writer James Jones. Starring Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, Nick Nolte, Adrien Brody and George Clooney, the World War II film follows the struggle of select soldiers during the bloody Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
in the last video for Insiderhistorian John McManus analyzes selected scenes The Thin Red Linefinding that the film gets a lot going with its depiction of the Battle of Guadalcanal. The historian praises the film for the way it portrays the military's role in the conflict, which he says often “was ignored“ in favor of chronicling the battle from the point of view of the US Marines.
Although McManus had reservations about certain points, such as the bayonet stabbing and the choice of a lieutenant, he ultimately awards the film a strong nine out of 10 for historical accuracy. Check out his analysis below:
“So the Battle of Mount Austen is the climax of Guadalcanal. This is the main objective of the entire campaign when the 25th Infantry Division is tasked with taking many of the high points overlooking the airfield. We want to make sure the Japanese don't control that high ground so they can use artillery on the airfield.
“The stabbing you saw at the start would have been quite unusual. Bayonet wounds, especially against the Americans, were truly unusual. Under certain conditions, you may have it fixed to the muzzle of your rifle. It's possible, because if you were expecting such close combats, maybe.
“The Japanese are more vulnerable here than elsewhere because they are no longer in fixed fortifications because they have lost most of the main ridges and hills surrounding Mount Austen.
“Guadalcanal has a lot of such grass. The kunai grass had these sharp edges. It's almost as if you'll be quite sensitive to getting small paper cuts, but it's grass clippings and it can get infected. This was just one of many things that made for a deplorable environment in which to operate.
“You've got a fairly accurate fire support element where those guys are firing their rifles into ranges and range. Then another group led by the same lieutenant tries to maneuver forward. So it's fire and maneuver, exactly as you have it.
“What I think is a little suspicious is that a lieutenant sent out some first scouts, which is what you're going to do, but he lost both of them, but he still decided to go ahead with this full frontal attack. . I think before you send your whole element forward he would scout around to find out where the Japanese are.
“I'll give it a nine out of 10. These two clips definitely give a really good portrayal of the Army's role, especially its role in the Battle of Guadalcanal, which tends to get overlooked.”
What The Thin Red Line's Historical Accuracy Means For Film
How Terrence Malick's Film Did With Critics and Audiences
While reflecting a number of historically accurate elements, The Thin Red Line was a critical success. The film currently has an 80% critic score and 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Thin Red Line the cast was the main point of praise and the film featured a number of famous stars in the early days of their careers. The film was also praised for its more philosophical exploration of the Battle of Guadalcanal. and the experience of the soldier in World War II more generally.
The Thin Red LineIts historical accuracy and critical reception helped the film go down as a mainstream title in the larger war movie space, but did not help the film succeed at the box office at the time. The film was made on an estimated budget of $52 million and will eventually gross $98 million.meaning it wasn't even broken during the theatrical run. However, given the film's current positive reputation, it likely made a profit in later years thanks to DVD and digital sales/rentals.
For a Hollywood movie to be considered profitable, it usually needs to earn between two and two and a half times its budget.
Our Understanding of the Historical Accuracy of the Thin Red Line
How it helped the film stand the test of time
For the average moviegoer, historical accuracy may not be a major concern. In general, movies being entertaining is more important than getting every historical detail right. Like a movie like that The Thin Red Line its historical accuracy has certainly helped it stand the test of time and win favor with those familiar with the Battle of Guadalcanal and World War II history in general.
Crucially, however, Malick's World War II film offers more than just accurate historical detail, combining that focus with strong performances and a compelling story. Together, all these elements combine to create The Thin Red Line A World War II film and a film that sheds light on aspects of the Pacific Theater war that are not covered in other war films.
Source: Insider