Preview

1776 Film Critque

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
984 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
1776 Film Critque
1776 Film Critique
The musical comedy film 1776 takes place in a very important time in American history, the birth of the United States of America. The film begins with the months and days leading up to when the Declaration of Independence is actually signed. The majority of the film takes place in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the meeting of the Second Continental Congress. The event that is the main focus of the entire film is the effort of, Massachusetts delegate John Adams plight to convince the Continental Congress to declare independence from England and King George. The characters portrayed in the film, for the most part, are the roles of the representatives from the thirteen original colonies. The film condenses the members of Congress from over fifty to right about twenty. Along with John Adams, several key roles are filled by; Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Stephen Hopkins, Edward Rutledge, Jim Dickinson, Caesar Rodney, Thomas Mckean, Abigail Adams, and Martha Jefferson. Although the film does keep historical accounts in perspective it does, at the same time, have changes to meet the needs of the audience. John Adams, the central character, is portrayed as being obnoxious and disliked by the majority of the rest of Continental Congress as he tries to convince and persuade the representatives from the thirteen colonies that independence from England is the answer. This portrayal is skewed when in reality John Adams was a well-respected member of Congress at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, according to historical accounts. Caesar Rodney is portrayed as being a short, elderly, sickly, on the verge of death character. In actuality, Rodney a tall, 47 year old man, who did ride eighty miles to make a contributing vote breaking the deadlocked Delaware, but this ride was made from military service not his deathbed. James Wilson was not yet a judge in 1776 nor was he a meek shadow behind John

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    In May of 1766 Jefferson met with the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia to discuss whether or not the states should regard themselves as part of the British Empire. The manner was debated by a group of radicals such as Jefferson and the Adams who advocated independence, while moderates such as John Dickinson debated towards reconciliation of the nations. Eventually, “Jefferson’s colleague Richard Henry Lee,” stood up and presented an enticing speech in favor of independence. After days of arduous debate, “James Wilson of Pennsylvania announced he felt ready to vote for independence” with expectations for the colonies to separate. The decision became fixed; Congress appointed a five person committee composed of Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston to draft a document declaring independence. Jefferson was nominated by the committee to write a rough draft that was significantly altered by Congress and Jefferson’s colleagues Adams and Franklin. “In the end, Congress removed about a quarter of Jefferson’s original language.” The finishing document is recapitulated into three parts. The first section introduces a preamble dealing with the “self-evident truths.” Thus incorporating meanings as to why it is a necessity that the colonies have overthrown their government. The second part chastises the British ruling, declaring the monarchy and king to be tyrannical. The last portion concludes with the colonial response, including Richard…

    • 1541 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Thomas Jefferson called him “truly the man of the Revolution” and he will always be remembered in American history for his important contributions to the American Revolution. This man is Samuel Adams, “the Father of the American Revolution.” A graduate from Harvard University, Samuel Adams failed in business before becoming a politician. Although, he was a popular leader in America, many controversies surrounded him. He was one of the staunch supporters of 'Republicanism ' in America. The system of 'committee of correspondence ', formed by Samuel Adams and his associates played an important role in uniting like-minded Americans from all the thirteen colonies. He also opposed the 'Coercive Acts ', passed by the British Parliament after the 'Boston Tea Party '. In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British increased their restrictions on the colonists. It is wondered where the connection between Samuel Adams and The American Revolution began. Samuel Adams with the co-operation of 'Boston Town Meeting ' decided to boycott British goods in Boston. The Massachusetts House decided to send him to Philadelphia, where the 'First Continental Congress ' was to be held. He became a delegate at the Fist Continental Congress and the Second Continental Congress. He also helped draft the ‘Declaration of Rights’ and the ‘Articles of Confederation’. In April, 1775, Adams, along with John Hancock, was a target of the British army advancing on Lexington. They escaped, however, when Paul Revere famously warned them. Through all of his efforts, Mr. Adams only wanted to see his country saved. He sought to give the colonists liberty; liberty from the British. With that, Samuel Adams circulated a declaration entitled, “The Rights of the Colonists.” Though written four years before the Declaration of Independence, this document expressed many of the beliefs that would later provide the justification for…

    • 1291 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Franklin is upset by how much the English have changed since being in the states, and how all their rights, taxes, and trade are being handled by the king. He no longer feels like a “English Man” however he holds the title, he no longer has the rights that title once carried. Since the English in the states have changed so much, he feels they need to break away and become their own nation.…

    • 592 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Apush Vocab

    • 5523 Words
    • 23 Pages

    8. 2nd Continental Congress-all 13 colonies met in Philadelphia where they drafted the Declaration of Independence and managed the colonial war effort.…

    • 5523 Words
    • 23 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    The title, 1775: A Good Year for Revolution, may sound like a more modest undertaking, though its size -- well over 500 pages -- indicates otherwise. In some sense, the argument is simple: 1775, not 1776, was the real hinge of American history, the moment when independence transformed from a possibility to a reality. Indeed, it was only the tremendous sense of momentum that came out of 1775, especially in terms of the string of victories Phillips dubs "the Battle of Boston," that allowed the Patriot cause to absorb the many military blows that followed the Declaration, years in which the "rage militaire" (Phillips) of '75 largely dissipated, especially in the South. "The spirit of '76," by contrast, was a bicentennial marketing device. But the scope of the book is in fact much wider. Phillips offers a sweeping interpretation of the coming of the Revolution that encompasses familiar topics like politics and economics as well as less familiar ones like the logistics of international gunpowder supply and naval tactics. He also foregrounds the interplay between culture and geography, paying special attention to the dynamics of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia and South Carolina, whose role he sees as pivotal (Connecticut and South Carolina too often overlooked). There's also a fine chapter on the…

    • 1412 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Instead of discussing taxes, this time around they decided to discuss war. They came to the conclusion that George Washington would be in charge of the continental army. Though with no army formed they encouraged any of the men they could find to sign up for one year. It worked, men actually signed up and formed the continental army. However, now Congress in supposed to begin their own particular government, yet most of the delegates didn’t intend to separate from Britain, they wanted to instead be reunited. As a result, they propelled an “olive branch” petition out to King George III. Sadly, that plan backfired, and the king ignored the petition. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was written and included the signature of each one of the delegates in the Congress. Although, the American Revolution still continued for about another seven years after the Declaration of Independence.…

    • 879 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The author, Gordon Wood is trying to uphold all the characteristics of the American revolutionary characters and also how their individual role combined to make todays present United states. Washington is the only true typical hero we have ever had, who had a lifelong obsession with his reputation for impartiality. Hamilton argued for a society with wealthy classes, administrations in government, and strong banking. He wanted to be both the big-business man and big-government man, and while fighting for both, he became the man who made modern America. Aaron Burr, who was considered to have a bad personality with no principles other than self-interest, has become the model for the modern politician, who works for his friends and his own special interests. John Adams, a man of respectable character and high values, is shown as a man who lost his connection with the political world. The most interesting chapter was about Thomas Paine because he is rarely considered as one of the founders, though his writings were very important in the revolution. Paine was the first public scholar whose messages awakened not only the politicians but also the common people. Benjamin Franklin’s role as an example of hard work and self-reliance, as well as the selfless patriot, is a…

    • 1158 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The Non-Fiction Historical Book 1776 By David McCullough is a historically accurate and in depth view of The American Revolution; starting from The Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston, Brooklyn, New York, Fort Washington, and ending its Analysis at the Battle of Trenton in 1776. There are many fascinating features, trends, themes, and characteristics used in 1776 that make the book a fluent and enjoyable read. Also the book gives a very detailed and informative account of the battles and military life from the Battle of Boston to the Battle of Trenton. Finally the author, David McCullough, of the book as many other works and experiences that tell the reader why and how 1776 is such a credible source as well as expertly written. 1776 gives an expertly written view by David McCullough and a historical accurate account of The American Revolution’s battles and skirmishes.…

    • 711 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    On July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia the Declaration of Independence was signed by all thirteen colonies. The document was addressed to the king of Great Britain King George III. The document was written because the thirteen colonies are demanding their independence from Britain, because the Americans are tired of being controlled by a bunch of tea sipping-cracker munchers. I believe that some of the harsh things that the king spoke of were unnecessary. For example, “The history of the present king of Britain is a history of repeating injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states.” In other words it means the king has been causing pain repeatedly he’s taken peoples property by force. Another example from the story is “he has plundered our seas, ravaging our coasts, burned all of our towns, and also destroyed the lives of our people.” This would mean he has nothing else to do so he would rather take the lives of our precious one. Then after that Jefferson shouts out “give me liberty or give me death” and he was willing to be charged with treason just so that the Declaration of Independence would pass.…

    • 1082 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Movie Review 1776

    • 1241 Words
    • 5 Pages

    When critiquing this movie I have to first begin with was it historically accurate, overall the film was quite accurate there were a few liberties taken. The reason for historical inaccuracies in 1776, comes from the fact that the Congress was held in secrecy and there are no contemporary records on the debate over the Declaration of Independence, the authors of the movie created the narrative based on later accounts and educated guesses, the need to invent scenes and dialogue as needed for storytelling purposes really does not take away from the overall effect of the film. However, from my own general knowledge of this period of history I do see that some of the dialogue was taken from sources written, years or often even decades later, by the actual people involved, and just rearranged for dramatic effect. While we all do know that the signers did not burst into song and sing about eggs and the Lees of Virginia and setting the sing parts aside the unique and odd things discussed may seem inaccurate yet are completely true. Some that I noticed of the top of head are that Adams did write to his wife Abigail daily and often asked each other for items to be sent to each other that were available in their specific areas like saltpeter and hair pins.…

    • 1241 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. The thirteen colonies were no longer under King George III rule. It was a new world that needed a new type of leadership. On July 12, 1776 the Second Congress proposed the Articles of Confederation. The articles were ratified by all thirteen states on March 1, 1781.…

    • 1077 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    First Continental Congress

    • 1462 Words
    • 6 Pages

    When hearing a discussion of the First Continental Congress, many believe that the members, elected by the people, by the colonial legislatures, or by the committees of correspondence of the respective colonies , convened to fight for independence. Independence was not the issue at this meeting, rather the members in Congress…

    • 1462 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    The main characters of the film are fictional but are said to be loosely based on characters in real stories told to the author of the novel of the same title by family and friends. There are several military men mentioned in the movie and they are all placed in their proper roles. Abraham Lincoln is stated to be president, William Sherman is said to be a Union general, and General Lee one for the Confederacy, all correct.…

    • 734 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Compared to our class lectures, this is a pretty similar story to what we have learned. We learned about the acquittal, and the Continental Congress, but never went into complete detail like this show did. We never did learn that Adams was offered the job with the King, nor that he was extremely opposed to the protests the colonists were using to hurt the English government. In the…

    • 623 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    As a result of an article called "Massachusettensis, which was a Loyalist view regarding independence, Adams wrote letters responding to the point of views that this article reflected. During 1775, independence is a huge topic of discussion. The topic of independence is discussed during the First Continental Congress, which was held in Philadelphia. During this important meeting they discuss and argue about ideas of becoming a free and independent body apart from Britain. One of his letters is mentioned in the Annals of America, which is article number seventy located on page three hundred and eight in volume number two. This article is written by John Adams, and is titled "The Rule of Law and the Rule of Men."…

    • 861 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays