A drama's need to entertain differs from a documentary's duty to get the details right. Film armour and helmets may be altered so an audience can see an expensive actor's face. Second World War aircraft cockpits, radar displays, and sonar screens are likewise simplified into images modern viewers can read instantly. These compromises may serve drama, while a documentary has less excuse for replacing technical history with familiar visual shorthand.
Notable Point · 57:35-1:01:13
What historical drama can sacrifice for the screen
A discussion of film accuracy explains why historical dramas alter armour, aircraft cockpits, radar displays, and faces for the camera.