The Alamo

A well made movie about the Alamo is well overdue. In the past there

have been many movies that have tried to recreate the events of those

unforgettable thirteen days. However, they have all ceased to hit the nail on the

head. I have lived in San Antonio my whole life and it wasn’t until recently that I

have come to a better understanding of the story that is the Alamo. There are

many things to consider when making a movie about the Alamo. Issues

concerning racism, authenticity, and historical facts are very important and

should not be overlooked.

The filmmakers should research the subject to an exhausted State. The

movie should contain nothing but factual information and steer clear of simply

pleasing the box office. They should instead show viewers what really

happened, the truth from both sides. The filmmakers must examine the facts as

historians. They must not accept anything at its face value, nothing can be left

out or added. As historians they must take no side and show no bias. Historical

evidence such as newspapers, paintings, oral account, letters, journals, and

legal documents concerning Texas, Mexico, and the Alamo will prove to be

priceless. In such material lies the true story of the Alamo. I am a firm believer

in the fact that the best stories are true stories, and the only way to make a great

movie about the Alamo is to tell the true story.

When referring to the Alamo three names come to mind: Bowie, Travis,

and Crockett. These men played a very influential role in the battle of the

Alamo. Along with these men are some unsung heroes. The characters

themselves are more important than the actors that are cast to play the roles.

When drafting the characters there is much to consider. First, you must

consider the type of man that would pick up all of his belongings and move west.

Someone sure of the fact that they could survive on their own. Someone with

very individual and traditional views. These men were frontiersmen. They didn’t

like government and wanted to be left to themselves. The fact that many of the

men at the Alamo were criminals is important. What is more important is the

fact that these men, no matter what the circumstances, were willing to die for

what they believed in.

Another important factor in making a movie about the Alamo is the task of