History is more interesting and subtle than Hollywood has time for.
I'm afraid Hollywood botches epics more often than not, lately. I saw both "Troy" and "King Arthur" over the summer and, while I have appreciated both directors in the past, they obviously had to answer to a higher studio power this time around. "Troy" deviated from The Illiad so much, even my 14-year old son was disappointed. Brad Pitt seemed surprised that he actually had to ACT, while Peter O'Toole stole the movie, IMHO. As for "King Arthur", I hope it inspires young people to read the traditional story, because this was not it. The cinematography was pretty, but the storyline was a snoozer. The Arthur just seemed depressed. Realism shouldn't overcome our myths and legends---this dulls their original purpose, which is to stimulate and inspire one to greatness.