Films based on True Stories

[Moonbat]

Confessions of a dangerous mind
Gorillas in the mist
The Great Escape


I haven't actually seen the film Yes Man, but I read the book yesterday, and from what I've seen of the film it isn't very true to the book. In the book he meets a man on a bus that tells him to 'say yes more' but in ther film it is some sort of lifestyle guru that he goes to see. In the book there is no point where he learns guitar or wheelies a motorcycle down the street, (both clips I'[ve seen in trailers) so how true can these stories be said to be if they take artistic license with the film.

 

[littlemissattitude]

I don't believe anyone has mentioned Stalag 17. The play it was adapted from was co-written by a man who was actually in that particular POW camp during World War II.

I don't know how much of it was based on actual events, but my father was in the same camp for nearly two years, and he always said that he could definitely recognize some of the characters as having been based on people he knew while he was there.

Also, just as a side note of no particular importance: I never really liked Goodfellas all that much (after The Godfather, which is one of my favorite films, any mob film, based on truth or not, pales in comparison), but a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet Henry Hill, the person whose life the film was based on, when he came to speak to the mystery writers' group I belong to. Interesting character.

 

[nj1]

I'm about to watch Gran Turismo, apparently based on a real life character? will post if its as good as i've been told later.

 

[nj1]

Just turned over the TV and THE PERFECT STORM is starting, in big writing it just stated that its based on a true story. Watched this the other day - good film.

 

[Grimward]

As per usual (or at least, as is often the case), the book's even better, nj. The author basically researched the lives of the fishermen, captains, etc. down to minute detail in the process of writing about it. Well worth the read.

Good Morning Vietnam is based on the experiences of a real person, but apparently takes a few too many liberties to tout itself as a "true life story".

Born on the Fourth of July

 

[littlemissattitude]

Born on the Fourth of July

I am most definitely NOT a Tom Cruise fan, but this is a good movie. I only saw it because I had read the book (and everyone should) and liked it at lot. I'm glad I did.