Is the Civil War Movie Based on a Book?
The 2016 blockbuster film "Free State of Jones" directed by Gary Ross, tells the true story of Newton Knight, a Confederate soldier who becomes disillusioned with the Confederacy’s brutal treatment of ordinary soldiers and civilians. As he fights against the Southern army, he eventually frees a group of slaves and starts a rebellion. But the question remains, is the Civil War movie based on a book?
Direct Answer
The answer is yes and no. The movie "Free State of Jones" is loosely based on "The Better Angel" by Ronald L. F. Davis, a biography of Newton Knight published in 2001. While the book provides the inspiration for the film, Ross made significant changes to the story, characters, and timeline to create a dramatic and engaging narrative.
Adaptations and Changes
Here are some notable adaptations and changes made in the movie:
- The book focuses primarily on Knight’s life and experiences during the Civil War, whereas the movie expands on the story to include the abolitionist movement and the plight of freed slaves.
- In the book, Knight is portrayed as a pragmatic abolitionist who believes that slavery is morally wrong, but also acknowledges its entrenched presence in Southern society. In the movie, however, Knight’s views are more radical, and he becomes a passionate advocate for the immediate emancipation of all slaves.
- The movie introduces a romantic storyline between Knight and Rachel Morrison, a freed slave woman, which is not mentioned in the book. While this addition adds an element of drama and emotional depth to the story, it is not based on factual events.
- The battle scenes in the movie were significantly altered from the descriptions in the book. Knight’s actual experiences at the Battle of Corinth, where he was wounded, are not depicted in the film.
Differences between the Book and the Movie
Here is a table highlighting the key differences between the book and the movie:
| Element | Book | Movie |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | The book covers Knight’s life from 1849 to 1922, focusing on his experiences during the Civil War and Reconstruction. | The movie takes creative liberties with the timeline, condensing and manipulating events to fit the story. |
| Characters | The book focuses on Newton Knight’s life, mentioning other historical figures in supporting roles. | The movie expands on the supporting cast, introducing new characters, such as Rachel Morrison and her family, to explore themes of love, friendship, and community. |
| Themes | The book emphasizes Knight’s abolitionist views and his struggle for freedom and equality. | The movie adds themes of romance, family, and social justice, highlighting Knight’s relationships with his loyalist wife and the black community. |
| Authenticity | The book maintains historical accuracy, sticking close to documented events and contemporary accounts. | The movie takes artistic liberties, deviating from historical records and fabricating scenes to engage the audience. |
Historical Accuracy
Historians have praised Davis’ book for its meticulous research and attention to historical detail. Roger Kimball, a contributor to the National Review, noted that the book is "a scrupulously researched and beautifully written biography" that provides an "unvarnished portrait" of Knight and his times.
In contrast, the movie has received criticism for its inaccuracies and creative liberties. Edwin S. James Jr., a historian specializing in the Civil War and Reconstruction, wrote that the film "distorts" Knight’s story, claiming that it "recreates an historical event that never actually occurred."
The Legacy of Newton Knight and “Free State of Jones”**
Despite the historical inaccuracies, “Free State of Jones” raised awareness about Newton Knight and the Mississippi Free State movement, inspiring a new generation to explore the complexities of American history. The movie **received critical acclaim** from major publications, including _The New York Times_ and _The Los Angeles Times_.
**Gary Ross**, the director and co-writer of the movie, acknowledged the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with narrative storytelling. In an **interview with _Rolling Stone_**, he said, “You want to be true to the facts, but you also want to be true to the story. And sometimes, those two things aren’t the same thing.”
Conclusion:
While the Civil War movie “Free State of Jones” is based on the book “The Better Angel” by Ronald L. F. Davis, the film takes significant creative liberties to create a captivating narrative. The book maintains historical accuracy, providing an unvarnished portrait of Newton Knight and the Mississippi Free State movement, while the movie introduces characters, themes, and timelines that deviate from recorded events. Despite the controversy, “Free State of Jones” has sparked discussions about the complexities of the American Civil War and its legacy, inspiring new insights into the lives of unsung heroes like Newton Knight.
