Extra, Extra! Read all about it!
Mel Gibson's Apocalyto is full of embellishments, inaccuracies, and racist undertones. The archaeological advisor on the film, one Richard Hansen, responds in this interview with Archaeology Magazine.
Maya "expert", former BYU student, and current UC Riversider Zach Hruby gives his two bits in this National Geographic Newsletter article.
ASU graduate students ask BYU alumni Chris Watkins why the H Hansen let Mel get away with his theatrics. A puzzled Watkins knows not what to say...
4 comments:
What does it matter that there are inaccuracies? Gibson is promoting archaeology and that can only help us secure funding. Even though there were some gross exagerations in the movie, haven't archaeologists been guilty of the same thing. Just look at the Blood of Kings by Schele and Fridel. It is extremely descriptive and interpretive. Just enjoy the publicity archaeology is getting. Maybe WE should be the ones to make the next big feature.
I failed to comment on the "experts". My comment is no comment. I could name a dozen other Mayan archaeologists that would have done a better job, or at least could have located a Mayan King in a pyramid. Booyah!
Booyah! is right. I should say I have not seen the show. But regardless I agree with Mike. It's a movie, NOT a documentary.
It's a cool movie. I have seen it and despite some oddities, seeing some of the mayan carvings (especially headdresses and other adornments) come to life was a visual treat. Hearts being ripped out, heads rolling down temple steps, and other violent elements were not as fun.
As to the expert opinion of Zack Hruby, I have no respect for the kid, as my encounters with him were less than stellar and the SLC SAAs
"...uh, hey, can I crash on your couch Cady?"
Also, his lecture on lithic eccentrics was dull and pointless.
All things considered, Apocalypto is stunning eye candy with, at the very least, a Meso flavor.
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