When making historical films, the smallest detail is crucial as this can change the image, importance and role of a certain historical figure.
One of the many things the director and his team must consider is the actor’s resemblance to his real-life counterpart. Have you ever wondered if an actor really looked like the person they were portraying?
Xerxes I in ‘300′
Portrayed by Rodrigo Santoro
The depiction of the Persian King Xerxes I is as confusing as his very questionable wardrobe. Some historians claim that he was a narrow-minded, arrogant and conceited ruler, while others claim that he was a wise and experienced warrior.
Alexander III of Macedon (Alexander the Great) in ‘Alexander’
portrayed by Colin Farrell
In addition to Colin Farrell’s physical discrepancies for Alexander, critics also noted many serious historical inaccuracies in the film. Would you agree?
Young Salvador Dali in ‘Little Ashes’
played by Robert Pattinson
Although Pattinson doesn’t really look like the real-life Dali, he did his best to portray the great, eccentric, genius artist.
King Leonidas I in ‘300′
played by Gerard Butler
Except for his heroic death at the Battle of Thermopylae, historians claim that King Leonidas I of Sparta did nothing truly remarkable during his 10-year reign.
Emperor Commodus in ‘Gladiator’,
played by Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix’s look is far from his historical prototype. Furthermore, the film also hints at some inaccuracies regarding the biography of the Roman statesman. In the story, Commodus ruled Rome for around 13 years, while in the film his reign was significantly shortened to two years. And although Emperor Commodus participated in gladiatorial battles, there was never any danger to his life or health.
As much as Joaquin Phoenix’s physical discrepancies are for Commodus, the movie also showed a lot of historical inaccuracies. These included reigning ineffectively for 2 years, when in fact he ruled Rome for about 13 years. He also joined gladiator battles that will not endanger his life or health.
William Wallace in ‘Braveheart’,
played by Mel Gibson
Despite 10 Oscar nominations and winning 5 nominations, ‘Braveheart’ has yet to depart from the judgment of historians. For one thing, the two don’t really look alike, and unlike Gibson’s character in the film, the real Sir Wallace actually came from a noble family.
Joan of Arc in ‘The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc’,
portrayed by Milla Jovovich
Milla Jovovich’s performance was incredible, but her appearance as “Joan of Arc” caused a stir.
King Arthur in ‘King Arthur’
played by Clive Owen
Yet another notable film featuring an actor very different from his real-life counterpart.
King Henry VIII in ‘The Tudors’,
played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Unlike his TV stunt double in ‘The Tudors’, English King Henry VIII is much larger.
Cleopatra in ‘Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra’
played by Monica Bellucci
Some of the beautiful actresses who got the chance to be her were: Vivien Leigh, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Monica Bellucci. Contrary to popular belief, Cleopatra was petite and not very attractive. However, Roman dictator Julius Caesar and her successor Mark Antony fell in love with her easily. This is probably why she was seen as one of the most beautiful women of her time.