Matthew McConaughey's Critically Panned Movie Praised For Historical Accuracy By Expert

A Civil War historian praises a battle scene in Matthew McConaughey's war movie Free State of Jones for its historical accuracy.

In the historical war movie Free State of Jones, a battle scene is receiving praise for its historical accuracy. Civil War historian Garry Adelman examines the scene and commends its portrayal of war apparatuses and the involvement of women. The movie, released in 2016 and starring Matthew McConaughey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Mahershala Ali, and Keri Russell, tells the true story of Newton Knight and his uprising against the corrupt confederate government in Jones County, Mississippi during the Civil War.

Adelman discusses the accuracy of the famous battle of Ellesville, where Knight's group overthrew the Confederate authorities. He notes that the war apparatuses depicted in the scene are precise and that the inclusion of women in the battle is historically accurate. Women would sometimes join union regiments, either disguised as men or simply accompanying their husbands. Both sides in the war would use whatever resources were available to them, including picket fences and overturned wagons for protection. Canons were also utilized, firing various types of ordnance.

Despite the historical accuracy of Free State of Jones, the movie received criticism for its slow pacing and lack of a focused storyline. This affected its box office performance, earning only $25 million worldwide against a $50 million production budget. The main cast, particularly McConaughey, delivered standout performances, but the supporting characters lacked development and screen time.

Critics have described Free State of Jones as an informative and accurate portrayal of American history, but it is often seen as more of a documentary for historians rather than an engaging movie experience. The movie's dedication to historical accuracy is commendable, but it falls short in delivering a captivating narrative for general audiences.

Share With Others