Real Movies Fake History with Gaz and Mel - podcast cover

Real Movies Fake History with Gaz and Mel

Real Movies Fake History is hosted by two friends, Gaz (the film nerd) and Mel (the history expert), who each episode discuss, debate and laugh about the real history behind diverse and important cinema. We seek to discover the true story behind films apparently based on a true story. With a particular interest in gender and cultural representation, we love nothing more than to speak on how a particular film represents the world around us.
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Episodes

Gladiator 2 - Gaz & Mel Review Show

Gaz and Mel review one of the biggest blockbusters of 2024, the sequel to the 2000 classic, Gladiator ll. There's a monkey fight, there's a rhino battle, and they even flood the colosseum, but is the movie any good? Is Paul Mescal a good Russell Crowe replacement? How accurate is the movie to the real story? Has Ridley Scott still got the old magic? Listen now to find out. If you like the show, we'd love it if you'd support us and leave us a REVIEW and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spoti...

Nov 24, 202455 min

Scoop

Mel and Gaz critique the true history behind the 2024 Netflix hit Scoop , the compelling story of BBC Newsnight's infamous Prince Andrew interview by Emily Maitlis. We talk about how the real Sam McAlister played her pivtol role, discuss the relationship between Jeffery Epstein and Prince Andrew and the reasons behind how their crimes remained covered up for so long. We also fit in a great Rotten Tomatoes game where Mel gets to guess the scores of some of cinema's great (and no-so-great) Televis...

Oct 01, 20241 hr 31 min

She Said

Mel and Gaz critique the true history behind the 2022 film She Said , the compelling story of how NYT reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey investigated the sexual abuse and misconduct of film producer Harvey Weinstein. We talk about the brave women who inspired the worldwide #metoo movement, discuss the system of enablers that allowed Weinstein to stay in power, and provide insight into the real people. We also fit in a great Rotten Tomatoes game where Mel gets to guess the scores of some of c...

Aug 30, 20241 hr 27 min

Twisters - Gaz & Mel Review Show

Twister-fans, it's time to celebrate. Gaz and Mel review one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer, the sequel to the 1996 disaster classic, Twisters. Yes, there are tornadoes, there are explosions, and there's Glen Powell in a tight white t-shirt, but is the movie any good? Mel speaks to her deep love for the original movie. We dive in to talk performances, plot, and gender roles. Does it create a storm or is it just hot air? And the fun really gets going when we talk about on-screen chemis...

Aug 05, 202456 min

The Exorcism - Gaz & Mel Review Show

Mel and Gaz have watched the Russell Crowe exorcism movie The Exorcism so you don't have to. Really - you don't have to. Let our review do the work for you. Remarkably it is also entirely unrelated to last year's Russell Crowe exorcism movie. But Is it any good, or is it The Worst Movie of the Year? Let's find out! In preperation, Mel has also watched The Exorcist (1973) for the first time this month and she tells us her thoughts. Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBS...

Jun 30, 202447 min

Wicked Little Letters

Mel and Gaz return to review the true history behind the foul mouthed Wicked Little Letters , the movie inspired by the true story of the Littlehampton letter scandal. Plenty of cursing ahead as we critique the movie and discuss what life was really like for women in the 1920s, during a time when the suffragettes fought for equal rights. How much of the story is true to the real history? We also play a special Guess the Rotten Tomatoes score where we use the power of A.I. to generate some outrag...

Jun 17, 20241 hr 24 min

Downfall

Discover the true history behind the movie Downfall (2004), the outstanding WW2 film depicting the final days of the Third Reich. On this episode we dive into the real history and discuss Adolf Hitler's drug addiction, his special relationship with Albert Speer, the real story of Hitler's personal secretary, Traudl Junge, and we also find time to critique the highest grossing World War 2 movies of all time. Also stay tuned to the end to hear Gaz provide a good rant about Oppenheimer. If you enjo...

May 14, 20241 hr 52 min

Julie & Julia

Discover the true history behind Julie & Julia , the movie inspired by the blogger Julie Powell and infamous chef & author Julia Childs. Does the film still hold up? We discuss the publishing journey of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, talk about the performances of Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep, discuss the generational gap between each character, and finally, we play the Rotten Tomatoes game for Meryl Streep's filmography! Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thank...

Apr 09, 20241 hr 31 min

The Two Popes

This time hosts Gaz and Mel discover the true history behind Netflix's The Two Popes . We delve into the lives of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis and the fascinating conversations they have. Mel explains how the true story differs from the movie. We also dive into the secret details of how a new Pope is selected during Conclave, talk about the age old debate of conservative vs progressive values, and critique gender representation in the film. Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRI...

Mar 05, 20241 hr 37 min

I, Tonya (2017)

It's time to get into the details of the true story of the movie I, Tonya, starring Margot Robbie. How accurate is the movie to the true crime? Was Tonya Harding actually involved in the incident? And what effect did the 24 hour news cycle have on the real events? Join us as we extensively critique both the movie and the history behind it. Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW: https://www....

Feb 05, 20241 hr 31 min

Napoleon (2023)

It's our last show of the year! It's time to talk Ridley's Scott's new epic Napoleon (2023). We extensively critique both the movie and the history behind it. Is Napoleon Bonaparte accurately portrayed? Is Joaquin Phoenix the right person to play the famous Emperor? Above all, is the movie just any good? (Spoiler: it's complicated). Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW: https://www.instagr...

Dec 18, 20231 hr 28 min

The Devil Wears Prada

V ogue! Anna Wintour! Haute couture fashion! This month we talk about 2006's The Devil Wears Prada and critique how the movie holds up today. How close is Meryl Streep's character to the real Anna Wintour? We also discuss Anna Wintour's documentary The September Issue and what it tells us about the fashion magazine industry. Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/r...

Nov 16, 20231 hr 44 min

Troy

Get out your fake tan and body oil! For this month we talk about 2004's Troy. Is Brad Pitt really miscast? Do the love stories make no sense? Is the movie just ridiculous? We say Yes! to all of these things and get into the reasons why. Remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/realmoviesfakehistory/...

Oct 10, 20231 hr 33 min

Memories of Murder

This month we revisit Bong Joon-ho's 2003 serial killer movie Memories of Murder. Based on a true story, just how strange is the truth compared to the fiction? Join us as we discuss how the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat, how it compares to the real story, and discuss the top 10 video store rentals of 2003! Remember to RATE, REVIEW, and SHARE! SUBSCRIBE: Apple | Spotify | Google | RSS WEB: www.realmoviesfakehistory.com FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/realmoviesfakehistory/...

May 30, 20231 hr 32 min

Gaz and Mel Review Show - The Pope's Exorcist

Gaz and Mel review The Pope's Exorcist (2023). It may be inspired by the actual files of a real life exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth, it may star Oscar winner Russell Crowe, but is it an outstanding piece of cinema or does it deserve to be drowned in holy water? Mel and Gaz find out with hilarious results. Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram https://www.instagram...

May 05, 202326 min

The Favourite

This month we discover the true history behind the period black comedy The Favourite (2018). Gaz and Mel dive into the true story of the love triangle between Queen Anne and the two women battling for her affection. Join us as we discover the real condition of Queen Anne's health, discuss how gender roles are reversed in the story, and learn how some historical slut-shaming changed the course of history. We cover it all, along with the top grossing Oscar Nominees of 2018! Don’t forget you can al...

Apr 11, 20231 hr 36 min

Dog Day Afternoon

Attica! Attica! Time talk about Dog Day Afternoon, the 1975 classic starring Al Pacino. Gaz and Mel dive into the incredible true story of the robbery of the Chase Manhattan bank in Brooklyn. Just how unprepared were the bank robbers? What does the actions of the police say about the politics of the 1970s, including Civil Rights and Gay Rights? And just what was Attica? We cover it all, along with the top grossing movies of 1975! Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfake...

Mar 06, 20231 hr 32 min

Romeo + Juliet

This time it's all about Baz Luhrmann! Let's go back to 1996 to revisit the teenage tragedy Romeo + Juliet. As inventive as it is shocking, join us as we discuss the history behind the movie. We analyse how Baz Luhrmann accomplished such a unique cinematic experience, ask why Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes work so well together, and dive into the real history behind Shakespeare's play and ask how it has endured for so long. Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehi...

Dec 09, 20221 hr 46 min

Kingdom of Heaven

Ah 2005! Orlando Bloom starred in Ridley Scott's crusades epic Kingdom of Heaven. Let's revisit this epic tale and compare the movie to the real history. This month Mel and Gaz ask the important questions - how accurate is Kingdom of Heaven? We discuss the main criticism of the film - the casting of Orlando Bloom and ask if he was really right for the role? We also dive in and analyse the many reasons we like the movie, but also the many reasons we think it failed to become a box office success....

Nov 15, 20221 hr 54 min

The Dish

This month, Real Movies Fake History talk about the Australian heartwarming comedy The Dish! Let's go back to 1969, where we discover how true the movie is to the true story. Did Parkes Observatory really broadcast the moon landing? Did they actually loose Apollo 11 like they show in the movie? And more importantly, did that bloody pie warmer really cut the power? Let's find out! Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can also subscribe to us on social ...

Oct 09, 20221 hr 14 min

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

Gaz and Mel take you behind the fascinating history of the remarkably powerful 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Telling the harrowing story of the lives of 2 students who try to procure an illegal abortion in 1980s communist Romania, it's a gripping experience offering insight into what the lives of women were really like during Ceaușescu's reign. We find out the truth for why abortion was banned in Romania, learn more about the social context of the lives of our lead characters, and analyze why th...

Aug 26, 20221 hr 39 min

The Adventures of Robin Hood

Finally it's time to find out the true story behind the famous outlaw Robin Hood! This month Gaz and Mel take you behind the scenes of 1938's The Adventures of Robin Hood, starring the dashing Errol Flynn and the beautiful Olivia de Havilland. Where did the legend of Robin Hood originate from? Was King Richard really as nice as he seems? (Hint - no he wasn't). And what makes this version of Robin Hood so much better than the others? We put the facts against the fiction to find out! Don’t forget ...

Jul 18, 20221 hr 34 min

Being The Ricardos

So just what is the real history behind Aaron Sorkin's Being the Ricardos? Gaz and Mel take you behind the scenes of I Love Lucy to discover the true story of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's famous sitcom. We talk about their troubled relationship, the real story behind her on screen pregnancy, and put the context behind the accusations of her being a communist. So what is the real story? Join us to find out! Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www.realmoviesfakehistory.com You can als...

Jun 18, 20221 hr 32 min

Quo Vadis, Aida?

This time Gaz and Mel dive into the true story behind the heartbreaking and brilliant film Quo Vadis, Aida? Mel takes us back to Bosnia, 1995 where learn about the context behind this this vital and important history, which is now more relevant than ever. Who were the Bosniaks, and how did they fall victim to troops lead by General Ratko Mladić? We tackle big questions, such as how did Mladić manipulate the negotiations, and could the UN have done more to stop this tragedy? Don’t forget you can ...

May 15, 20221 hr 25 min

Eddie The Eagle

Discover the true history behind the heart-warming comedy Eddie the Eagle. This month Gaz and Mel go back in time to the 1988 Olympics in Calgary to discover the real story of British Ski-Jumper Michael David Edwards. What was the real story of his journey to compete for Olympic gold? Which characters are fictional and which are real? And just how good was Eddie at Ski-jumping? We also discuss the top 10 Olympic themed movies at the box office! Don’t forget you can always stop by our website www...

Mar 28, 20221 hr 20 min

Anastasia

What's the real history behind the animated classic Anastasia (1997)? This time Gaz and Mel head to Russia to talk about the true story of the infamous Grand Duchess! Join us as we go back in time and discover the fascinating story of the Romanovs, the weird life of Rasputin, and ask whether the movie still holds up over 20 years later. We also discuss how the movie was made outside of the Disney system, and pit its Box Office against other 90s animated classics! Don’t forget you can always stop...

Feb 16, 20221 hr 33 min

No Time To Die

This month is special. Gaz and Mel review and passionately debate the new James Bond movie No Time to Die, starring Daniel Craig in his final performance as the infamous MI6 agent 007. Can it possibly live up to our expectations? And just where does it sit in the legacy of the James Bond series? Listen as we talk gender representation in the Bond franchise, rate Daniel Craig’s best Bond movies, and discuss the future of Bond within the current political landscape. Stop by our website: www.realmo...

Dec 06, 20211 hr 28 min

Vice

This month Gaz and Mel dive into the real history behind Adam McKay's Vice (2018). We know the professional life of controversial Vice President Dick Cheney, but do we really know the man behind the history? To understand more we discuss Cheney's rise to power, the Iraq War, and corruption during the Bush administration. Does Vice really portray the real history accurately? And does it really succeed in giving us insight into who Cheney really is? Let's find out! Don’t forget you can always stop...

Oct 30, 20211 hr 10 min

Elizabeth

It made Cate Blanchett a star, but just how true is the movie Elizabeth? This month Gaz and Mel discover the real history behind the Virgin Queen herself, Elizabeth I. We dive into how the movie Elizabeth modernises the stuffy period drama and instead tells us a story of sex, scandal and power. Mel reveals the answers to the big historical questions behind this iconic monarch. Why did she never marry? Why did she wear such heavy make up? And just how close did she come to being assassinated? Let...

Oct 02, 20211 hr 32 min

Mao's Last Dancer

Learn about the true story behind Mao’s Last Dancer. This month discover the real history behind the incredible and inspiring story of ballet legend Li Cunxin. Mel and Gaz discuss Li’s remarkable journey, including his humble upbringing in China, how he was chosen to join the Beijing Dance Academy, and his defection to the United States. What does it really take to become one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time? Let’s find out! www.realmoviesfakehistory.com

Aug 28, 20211 hr 20 min
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