Film Khartoum

Released in 1966, Film Khartoum is a historical drama directed by Basil Dearden. The film depicts events during the British Empire’s attempt to conquer Sudan in the late 19th century, specifically focusing on the infamous Siege of Khartoum. Starring Charlton Heston as British General Charles George Gordon and Laurence Olivier as Mahdi Muhammad Ahmed, the film received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the conflict and historical accuracy.

Key Takeaways:

• Based on real historical events
• Highlights the Siege of Khartoum
• Starring Charlton Heston and Laurence Olivier
• Received critical acclaim
• Depicts the conflict between the British Empire and Sudan

Film Khartoum presents an engaging narrative showcasing the historical events and key figures involved in the Siege of Khartoum. The movie accurately portrays the intense battle and dramatizes the personal struggles of General Charles George Gordon as he fights against Mahdi Muhammad Ahmed and his forces seeking independence for Sudan.

One interesting fact about Film Khartoum is that it was filmed on location in Sudan, adding an authentic touch to the movie.

The film’s success can be attributed to its exceptional cast. Charlton Heston delivers a powerful performance as General Gordon, perfectly capturing the leader’s determination and conflict. Laurence Olivier’s portrayal of Mahdi Muhammad Ahmed showcases the complexity of the character and the ideological differences fueling the conflict.

Historical Significance

Film Khartoum offers viewers an opportunity to gain insight into one of the most significant events in Sudanese and British colonial history. The Siege of Khartoum, which lasted from 1884 to 1885, was a pivotal moment that ultimately led to Sudan achieving independence from British rule in 1956. The film accurately portrays the historical setting, providing audiences with a glimpse into the cultural and political dynamics of the time.

It is interesting to note that Queen Victoria herself plays a role in the film, highlighting the significant impact of the conflict on the British Empire.

The film also explores the themes of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural clashes. The power dynamics between the British Empire and Sudanese forces are well-captured, shedding light on the historical context in which the Siege of Khartoum took place.

Box Office Success

Film Khartoum enjoyed commercial success, grossing over $10 million at the box office. The film’s critical acclaim and captivating storytelling contributed to its popularity among audiences.

Interestingly, Film Khartoum continues to resonate with audiences today, as it remains a notable entry in the genre of historical epics.

Overall, Film Khartoum stands as a significant portrayal of the Siege of Khartoum and the British Empire’s attempt to subdue Sudan during the late 19th century. Its historical accuracy, exceptional performances, and enduring popularity make it a must-watch for history buffs and film enthusiasts alike.

Common Misconceptions

1. Khartoum is a documentary film

One common misconception about the film Khartoum is that it is a documentary. While the film is based on historical events and characters, it is a fictionalized account of the Siege of Khartoum in 1884-1885 during the Mahdist War. It does not provide a factual or unbiased account of the actual events.

• Khartoum is a historical epic film with fictionalized elements.
• The film dramatizes the events of the Siege of Khartoum.
• It is not a documentary but rather a work of historical fiction.

2. The film is entirely accurate and authentic

Another misconception is that Khartoum provides an entirely accurate and authentic portrayal of the historical events it depicts. While the film’s setting and overall story are based on real events, it takes significant artistic liberties with the characters, dialogue, and plot. It is important to approach the film as a work of fiction rather than a reliable historical source.

• Khartoum takes artistic liberties with the historical events it portrays.
• The film’s characters and dialogue are fictionalized and not strictly based on real individuals or accounts.
• Historical accuracy should be approached with caution when watching Khartoum.

3. The film accurately represents the people and cultures of Khartoum

Some people may believe that Khartoum provides an authentic portrayal of the people and cultures of Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan. However, it is important to remember that the film was produced in the 1960s and reflects the sensibilities, biases, and stereotypes of that time period. It may not provide an accurate or nuanced representation of the diverse people and cultures in Khartoum.

• Khartoum reflects the cultural and racial biases of the time it was made in.
• The film’s portrayal of Khartoum may not be an accurate reflection of the city and its people.
• It is important to critically analyze the film’s depiction of Khartoum and its inhabitants.

4. All historical details in the film are accurate

Sometimes, viewers may assume that all the historical details portrayed in Khartoum are accurate and reliable. However, it is crucial to remember that the film’s primary goal is to entertain rather than educate. While some historical information may be included, the accuracy and completeness of those details should not be taken for granted.

• Khartoum prioritizes entertainment over historical accuracy.
• Historical details in the film should be verified and cross-referenced with reliable sources.
• Not all historical information in Khartoum should be assumed to be accurate.

5. The film is a comprehensive depiction of the Siege of Khartoum

Lastly, it is important to recognize that Khartoum is not intended to be a comprehensive depiction of the Siege of Khartoum. As a feature film, it has time limitations and artistic choices that may have omitted or altered certain aspects of the historical events. It is just one interpretation of the siege and should not be seen as a definitive or complete account.

• Khartoum does not cover all aspects or characters of the Siege of Khartoum.
• The film’s focus and narrative choices may omit or alter certain historical events.
• It is one interpretation among many of the Siege of Khartoum.

Introduction

The film “Khartoum” is a historical drama released in 1966, directed by Basil Dearden and Eliot Elisofon. Set during the Mahdist War in Sudan during the late 19th century, the film portrays the events leading up to the famous Siege of Khartoum. This article explores various intriguing aspects of the film, including box office success, critical acclaim, and memorable performances.

Box Office Comparison

The following table showcases the box office performance of “Khartoum” alongside two other historical epics from the 1960s:

Critical Acclaim

Here, we present the scores of “Khartoum” on three popular film review websites:

Awards and Nominations

This table showcases the prestigious awards and nominations received by “Khartoum” during award seasons:

Historical Accuracy

In this table, we analyze the representation of historical figures in “Khartoum” and compare them with factual realities:

Character Analysis

Here, we delve into the main characters of “Khartoum” and explore their contributions to the narrative:

Memorable Quotes

These notable quotes from “Khartoum” have resonated with audiences over the years:

Production Budget and Revenue

Let’s examine the production budget and total gross revenue of “Khartoum”:

Legacy and Cultural Impact

This final table explores the lasting impact of “Khartoum” on popular culture:

Conclusion

“Khartoum” remains a captivating historical drama that intricately weaves together fact and fiction. With its impressive box office performance, critical acclaim, and notable performances, it has secured a firm place in cinematic history. The film’s portrayal of real-life characters and events, coupled with its gripping storyline, continue to engage and entertain audiences even decades after its release.