Slaves on Screen: Film and Historical Vision

Slaves on Screen: Film and Historical Vision by Natalie Zemon Davis is a thoughtful study of how history is represented through film. A respected historian and consultant for The Return of Martin Guerre, Davis argues that movies can do more than recreate costumes, settings, and dramatic events — they can help viewers understand the emotions, conflicts, social practices, and hidden power struggles of the past.

Using the themes of slavery and women in political power, Davis examines how historical films succeed, where they fall short, and how filmmakers and historians might work together more effectively. She discusses films such as Spartacus, Amistad, Beloved, Mary of Scotland, Elizabeth, Mrs. Brown, and cinematic portrayals of Eva Peron and Golda Meir.

A strong choice for readers interested in history, film studies, slavery, women’s history, and critical approaches to historical movies.

Paperback, Very Good