Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum - View Single Post - "This movie/show is based on a true story/events."

Swift · #9 (**permalink**) 11-November-2004, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eburacum45

One film I really liked was Fargo described as A true story;
but it was not a true story at all- the part about it being true was just part of the story...

http://www.snopes.com/movies/films/fargo.htm

And that's what I don't get. Fargo is a great film, because it's a great story and has great acting and directing. That doesn't change because it's based on a true story or not. Some of the greatest stories are completely fiction, but they tell us something important - they present a greater truth. So why do movie and TV producers think that we are more likely to watch their product because it is "based on a true story". The same goes for all the stupid "reality" TV

I suspect I've answered my own question.... most of this stuff is garbage, as far from a great story as you can get, and they know it. The "based on a true story" is just a stupid ploy to try to suck us in. So why does that work to suck folks in? Dang if I know.