Real Movies Fake History with Gaz and Mel
36 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago -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.
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Episodes
I, Tonya (2017)
February 05, 2024 05:39 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBIt'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. Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW...
Napoleon (2023)
December 18, 2023 06:31 - 1 hour - 80.8 MBIt'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). Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW: http...
The Devil Wears Prada
November 16, 2023 05:42 - 1 hour - 95.9 MBVogue! 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? We also discuss Anna Wintour's documentary The September Issue and what it tells us about the fashion magazine industry. Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW: https://www.i...
Troy
October 10, 2023 07:34 - 1 hour - 85.4 MBGet 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 ridiculous? We say Yes! to all of these things and get into the reasons why. Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/realmoviesfakehistory/
Memories of Murder
May 30, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 84.8 MBThis 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! Remember to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/realmoviesfakehisto...
Gaz and Mel Review Show - The Pope's Exorcist
May 05, 2023 06:41 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBGaz 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. Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram https://ww...
The Favourite
April 11, 2023 21:20 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBThis 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! Don’t forget you ...
Dog Day Afternoon
March 06, 2023 11:01 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBAttica! Attica! Time talk about Dog Day Afternoon, the 1975 classic starring Al Pacino. Gaz and Mel dive into the incredible true story of the robbery of the Chase Manhattan bank in Brooklyn. Just how unprepared were the bank robbers? What does the actions of the police say about the politics of the 1970s, including Civil Rights and Gay Rights? And just what was Attica? We cover it all, along with the top grossing movies of 1975! Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmovi...
Romeo + Juliet
December 09, 2022 07:25 - 1 hour - 97.7 MBThis time it's all about Baz Luhrmann! Let's go back to 1996 to revisit the teenage tragedy Romeo + Juliet. As inventive as it is shocking, join us as we discuss the history behind the movie. We analyse how Baz Luhrmann accomplished such a unique cinematic experience, ask why Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes work so well together, and dive into the real history behind Shakespeare's play and ask how it has endured for so long. Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmovies...
Kingdom of Heaven
November 15, 2022 02:02 - 1 hour - 105 MBAh 2005! Orlando Bloom starred in Ridley Scott's crusades epic Kingdom of Heaven. Let's revisit this epic tale and compare the movie to the real history. This month Mel and Gaz ask the important questions - how accurate is Kingdom of Heaven? We discuss the main criticism of the film - the casting of Orlando Bloom and ask if he was really right for the role? We also dive in and analyse the many reasons we like the movie, but also the many reasons we think it failed to become a box office suc...
The Dish
October 09, 2022 11:39 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBThis month, Real Movies Fake History talk about the Australian heartwarming comedy The Dish! Let's go back to 1969, where we discover how true the movie is to the true story. Did Parkes Observatory really broadcast the moon landing? Did they actually loose Apollo 11 like they show in the movie? And more importantly, did that bloody pie warmer really cut the power? Let's find out! Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe to us on...
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
August 26, 2022 13:27 - 1 hour - 90.9 MBGaz and Mel take you behind the fascinating history of the remarkably powerful 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Telling the harrowing story of the lives of 2 students who try to procure an illegal abortion in 1980s communist Romania, it's a gripping experience offering insight into what the lives of women were really like during Ceaușescu's reign. We find out the truth for why abortion was banned in Romania, learn more about the social context of the lives of our lead characters, and analyze wh...
The Adventures of Robin Hood
July 18, 2022 13:31 - 1 hour - 86.5 MBFinally it's time to find out the true story behind the famous outlaw Robin Hood! This month Gaz and Mel take you behind the scenes of 1938's The Adventures of Robin Hood, starring the dashing Errol Flynn and the beautiful Olivia de Havilland. Where did the legend of Robin Hood originate from? Was King Richard really as nice as he seems? (Hint - no he wasn't). And what makes this version of Robin Hood so much better than the others? We put the facts against the fiction to find out! Don’t f...
Being The Ricardos
June 18, 2022 14:06 - 1 hour - 84.7 MBSo just what is the real history behind Aaron Sorkin's Being the Ricardos? Gaz and Mel take you behind the scenes of I Love Lucy to discover the true story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's famous sitcom. We talk about their troubled relationship, the real story behind her on screen pregnancy, and put the context behind the accusations of her being a communist. So what is the real story? Join us to find out! Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You...
Quo Vadis, Aida?
May 15, 2022 13:05 - 1 hour - 78 MBThis time Gaz and Mel dive into the true story behind the heartbreaking and brilliant film Quo Vadis, Aida? Mel takes us back to Bosnia, 1995 where learn about the context behind this this vital and important history, which is now more relevant than ever. Who were the Bosniaks, and how did they fall victim to troops lead by General Ratko Mladić? We tackle big questions, such as how did Mladić manipulate the negotiations, and could the UN have done more to stop this tragedy? Don’t forget yo...
Eddie The Eagle
March 28, 2022 10:13 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBDiscover the true history behind the heart-warming comedy Eddie the Eagle. This month Gaz and Mel go back in time to the 1988 Olympics in Calgary to discover the real story of British Ski-Jumper Michael David Edwards. What was the real story of his journey to compete for Olympic gold? Which characters are fictional and which are real? And just how good was Eddie at Ski-jumping? We also discuss the top 10 Olympic themed movies at the box office! Don’t forget you can always stop by our websi...
Anastasia
February 16, 2022 13:19 - 1 hour - 85.2 MBWhat's the real history behind the animated classic Anastasia (1997)? This time Gaz and Mel head to Russia to talk about the true story of the infamous Grand Duchess! Join us as we go back in time and discover the fascinating story of the Romanovs, the weird life of Rasputin, and ask whether the movie still holds up over 20 years later. We also discuss how the movie was made outside of the Disney system, and pit its Box Office against other 90s animated classics! Don’t forget you can alway...
No Time To Die
December 06, 2021 08:56 - 1 hour - 81 MBThis month is special. Gaz and Mel review and passionately debate the new James Bond movie No Time to Die, starring Daniel Craig in his final performance as the infamous MI6 agent 007. Can it possibly live up to our expectations? And just where does it sit in the legacy of the James Bond series? Listen as we talk gender representation in the Bond franchise, rate Daniel Craig’s best Bond movies, and discuss the future of Bond within the current political landscape. Stop by our website: w...
Vice
October 30, 2021 12:38 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBThis month Gaz and Mel dive into the real history behind Adam McKay's Vice (2018). We know the professional life of controversial Vice President Dick Cheney, but do we really know the man behind the history? To understand more we discuss Cheney's rise to power, the Iraq War, and corruption during the Bush administration. Does Vice really portray the real history accurately? And does it really succeed in giving us insight into who Cheney really is? Let's find out! Don’t forget you can alwa...
Elizabeth
October 02, 2021 13:33 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBIt made Cate Blanchett a star, but just how true is the movie Elizabeth? This month Gaz and Mel discover the real history behind the Virgin Queen herself, Elizabeth I. We dive into how the movie Elizabeth modernises the stuffy period drama and instead tells us a story of sex, scandal and power. Mel reveals the answers to the big historical questions behind this iconic monarch. Why did she never marry? Why did she wear such heavy make up? And just how close did she come to being assassinated?...
Mao's Last Dancer
August 28, 2021 13:27 - 1 hour - 73.5 MBLearn about the true story behind Mao’s Last Dancer. This month discover the real history behind the incredible and inspiring story of ballet legend Li Cunxin. Mel and Gaz discuss Li’s remarkable journey, including his humble upbringing in China, how he was chosen to join the Beijing Dance Academy, and his defection to the United States. What does it really take to become one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time? Let’s find out! www.realmoviesfakehistory.com
Braveheart
July 28, 2021 14:53 - 1 hour - 77.5 MBYou'll never take our Freedom! This month Gaz and Mel head to Scotland to take on the historical epic Braveheart (1995). It may be a compelling movie, but just how accurate is it to the true story? Let's discover the real history of William Wallace, learn about the real King Edward Longshanks, and find out what it would have been like to be there to see the real Battle of Stirling Bridge! Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe...
A League of Their Own
June 26, 2021 02:02 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBThis month we take on the classic baseball true story A League of Their Own (1992). But how true is it to the real history? Join us as we discuss the remarkable history of the ladies who competed in the first female professional baseball league! We learn about director Penny Marshall's Hollywood legacy, discover if Jimmy Dugan was a real historical figure, and find out how hard it really was to be a female professional baseball player.... Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www...
Hotel Rwanda
May 26, 2021 12:36 - 1 hour - 89.5 MBMel and Gaz discover the true story behind the movie Hotel Rwanda (2004). We dive into the tragic story of the genocide and learn about it's historical context. It's a powerful story about family, division, political corruption, and the repercussions of colonial history. But is it accurate to the real history? Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Facebook (https:...
Pride
April 10, 2021 01:33 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBDiscover the true story of the movie Pride (2014). Gaz and Mel take on the real story of how a brave group of gay and lesbian activists unite to raise money for the families affected by the British Miners’ Strike. It is 1984 and Margaret Thatcher is in power. A powerful story about unionism, feminism, homophobia, and much more. But is it accurate to the real history? Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe to us on social media...
The Intouchables
March 05, 2021 16:40 - 1 hour - 87.6 MBWhat's the real history behind the wonderful, feel-good French hit The Intouchables? This time Gaz and Mel travel to France to talk about the beautiful friendship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou. Join us as we discuss the true story behind the movie, whether or not the police chase really happened, and why this movie became one of the most successful comedies of all time. Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe...
Spartacus
February 05, 2021 16:44 - 1 hour - 102 MBHow historically accurate is Stanley Kubrick’s epic Spartacus? This time Gaz and Mel dive into the Hollywood classic about the slave that took on the Roman Empire! Starring Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Laurence Olivier and Charles Laughton. Join us as we discuss the real history of the slave rebellion, why the original director had to be fired, and of course that infamous Oysters and Snails scene. Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also s...
The Sapphires
December 24, 2020 04:47 - 1 hour - 73.9 MBHow historically accurate is Wayne Blair's musical comedy The Sapphires? In this episode Gaz and Mel dive into the true story behind the amazing ladies who sang soul music to the troops in Vietnam. Join us as we discuss 1960s Australia, the secret Tupperware Parties men where never invited to, the soul music of the era, and, of course, the Vietnam War. Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up...
The Death of Stalin
November 27, 2020 10:18 - 1 hour - 79.3 MBHow historically accurate is Armando Iannucci's political satire The Death of Stalin? In this episode Gaz and Mel dive into the true story of Stalin's last days and compare it to its critically acclaimed film adaptation. Join us as we discuss the dark history of the Soviet Union, the monster that was Lavrentiy Beria, and why being a USSR classical music composer was a very dangerous job. Of course, we also discuss the most successful movies of 2017! Don’t forget you can always stop by our ...
Hamilton
October 23, 2020 12:22 - 1 hour - 158 MBHow historically accurate is Lin Manuel Miranda's rap musical Hamilton? In this episode film expert Gaz and history expert Mel dive into the true story of Alexander Hamilton and compare it to its extraordinary stage adaptation. Join us as we discover why rap is the perfect way to tell Hamilton's story, learn about the American Revolutionary War, the Irish heritage of Hercules Mulligan, and, of course, discuss the most successful musicals on Broadway! Don’t forget you can always stop by our...
Titanic (Part 2)
September 25, 2020 15:48 - 1 hour - 125 MBJoin us as we discover the real history behind the sinking of the Titanic. Is James Cameron's epic Hollywood blockbuster Titanic accurate to the true story? In the final part of their Titanic series, Gaz and Mel relive the unsinkable ship’s final hours, discover the facts behind the movie, and learn about real life figures Molly Brown, Bruce Ismay, Thomas Andrews, and Captain Smith. Was there a way for Rose and Jack to both survive? What is James Cameron’s one regret? And can the movie still...
Titanic (Part 1)
August 28, 2020 11:05 - 1 hour - 135 MBThe most expensive movie of all time. Winner of 11 Oscars. Time to go back to 1997, to discover the real history behind James Cameron’s epic romance Titanic (1997). Join us as we go behind the scenes to understand how it became the most successful movie of all time. But just how historically accurate is it? In part 1 we board Titanic up until the night of its tragic sinking. Who are the real historical figures on board, and why did the White Star Line crew not have a pair of binoculars to sp...
Hidden Figures
July 24, 2020 12:08 - 1 hour - 91.7 MBFilm 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. Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe to us ...
Quills
June 26, 2020 07:38 - 1 hour - 145 MBIn this episode film expert Gaz and history expert Mel compare Philip Kaufman's Quills to the infamous and controversial real life figure it's based on, The Marquis De Sade. Quills wants to be sexy and salacious, but how historically accurate is it? We pull the movie apart to understand how it handles gender representation, sexual expression during the French Revolution, and ask, above all, was Napoleon really short? Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory...
The Great Escape
May 14, 2020 12:53 - 1 hour - 137 MBIt may be a classic but can it live up to history? In this episode Gaz and Mel take on one of Hollywood’s classic war movies, The Great Escape (1963). How does it compare to the true story? How difficult was it directing Steve McQueen? We also discuss the true military experiences of Donald Pleasence, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, and Hannes Messemer. Don't forget to subscribe to our show for more episodes!
Ep.1 The Great Escape
May 14, 2020 12:53 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBIt may be a classic but can it live up to history? In this episode Gaz and Mel take on one of Hollywood’s classic war movies, The Great Escape (1963). How does it compare to the true story? How difficult was it directing Steve McQueen? We also discuss the true military experiences of Donald Pleasence, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, and Hannes Messemer. Don't forget to subscribe to our show for more episodes!