Biopics Don’t Need To Always Get the Facts Right

By Lloyd Farley

Published Nov 28, 2023

Movie makers have an obligation, but not necessarily to history.

Image by Jefferson Chacon

The Big Picture

Biopics are movies, not documentaries. They exist to entertain, not solely to teach or present historical accuracy. Even with accuracy, a biopic has to tell a story that engages the viewer.
The limitations of time in a biopic mean that filmmakers have to be selective in what they present. They can choose to present facts and timelines accurately but risk an exceptionally long runtime, or condense events, merge timelines, and take artistic license to create a narrative that captures the spirit of the facts.
The film Rocketman successfully bridges historical accuracy and storytelling by exploring the inner, emotional life of Elton John. It presents a fairly accurate recreation of his life but does not strictly adhere to chronological events. It emphasizes the feelings behind the events, making it more compelling for the audience.