Lecture Notes: "Amistad" Movie Analysis

Introduction

• The discussion centers on the 1997 American historical drama film "Amistad," directed by Steven Spielberg.
• The film is based on the 1839 slave ship mutiny and subsequent legal battles, culminating in a U.S. Supreme Court case.
• Notable cast includes Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey, and Djimon Hounsou.

Overview of "Amistad"

• Historical Basis: The film depicts the revolt by African slaves aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad and the legal battles that followed their capture by the U.S.
• Plot Summary: Captive Africans led by Cinqué revolt and take control of La Amistad. Betrayed by the ship's navigators, they are brought to U.S. waters and arrested. Legal battles ensue, involving claims from Spain, the United States, and private parties.

Detailed Plot

• The Africans are defended by abolitionists and attorney Roger Sherman Baldwin.
• Legal arguments center on whether the Africans were legally slaves or illegally captured individuals.
• John Quincy Adams plays a pivotal role in their defense at the Supreme Court.
• The film culminates with the Africans being freed by the court.

Themes and Analysis

• Suffering and Survival: The film portrays the brutality of the Middle Passage and the slaves' resilience.
• Legal Intricacies: The narrative explores the complex legal and political maneuvering of the era.
• Humanization of Slaves: Provides a face and story to African characters, often depicted as faceless in other cinematic works.

Critical Reception

• Positive Reviews: Received well for its storytelling and historical significance, though some critics noted it lacked emotional depth compared to Spielberg's "Schindler's List."
• Criticism: Some argue the film misrepresents the Amistad case's influence on American slavery and focuses too heavily on white savior narratives.

Cast and Characters

• Djimon Hounsou: Starred as Cinqué, praised for his strong screen presence.
• Anthony Hopkins: Portrayed John Quincy Adams, noted for a compelling courtroom speech.
• Morgan Freeman: Played a fictional abolitionist character.
• Matthew McConaughey: Cast as lawyer Baldwin, though his character's central role was critiqued.

Production Insights

• Casting: Spielberg had strict criteria for casting the lead role.
• Filming Locations: Included Mystic Seaport and Newport, Rhode Island.
• Challenges: Language barriers and historical accuracy were significant hurdles.

Historical Accuracy

• The film is criticized for dramatizing and altering historical facts for narrative impact.
• Historians argue it exaggerates the case's impact on American views toward slavery.

Conclusion

• Impact: Despite inaccuracies, "Amistad" remains a significant film for its portrayal of an important historical event and its focus on the human element of the slave trade.
• Box Office: Grossed over $58 million worldwide.
• Music: Score composed by John Williams.

Note: The film's narrative and production reflect Spielberg's broader cinematic themes of justice and humanity, though with varying degrees of success and critique.