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.

Downfall - The Final Days of Adolf Hitler 05/14/2024

Downfall - The Final Days of Adolf Hitler 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 enjoy our content, please remember to leave us a REVIEW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Thanks for your support! SUBSCRIBE: /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/31284842

Julie & Julia 04/09/2024

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. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/30741108

The Two Popes 03/05/2024

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 SUBSCRIBE. Thanks! SUBSCRIBE: WEB: FOLLOW: /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/30234883

I, Tonya (2017) 02/05/2024

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: WEB: FOLLOW: /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/29798938

Napoleon (2023) 12/18/2023

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: WEB: FOLLOW: /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/29111698

The Devil Wears Prada 11/16/2023

The Devil Wears Prada Vogue! 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: WEB: FOLLOW: /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/28666263

Troy 10/10/2023

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: WEB: FOLLOW: /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/28263068

Memories of Murder 05/30/2023

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: WEB: FOLLOW: /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/26983347

Gaz and Mel Review Show - The Pope's Exorcist 05/05/2023

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 You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/26752452

The Favourite 04/11/2023

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 always stop by our website You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/26513721

Dog Day Afternoon 03/06/2023

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 You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/26138052

Romeo + Juliet 12/09/2022

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 You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/25275066

Kingdom of Heaven 11/15/2022

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. It's an epic conversation for an epic movie. Let's find out! Don’t forget you can always stop by our website You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/25012152

The Dish 10/09/2022

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 You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/24630360

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days 08/26/2022

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 the film is so emotionally powerful. As relevant today as ever, there's never been a better time to learn more about this vital history. Don’t forget you can always stop by our website You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/24174291

The Adventures of Robin Hood 07/18/2022

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 you can always stop by our website You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/23775401

Being The Ricardos 06/18/2022

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 You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram ( /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/23469503

Quo Vadis, Aida? 05/15/2022

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 always stop by our website You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Instagram ( /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/23113871

Eddie The Eagle 03/28/2022

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 You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Facebook () Instagram ( /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/22591703

Anastasia 02/16/2022

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 by our website You can also subscribe to us on social media to keep up to date on future episodes Facebook () Instagram ( /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/22153595

No Time To Die 12/06/2021

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. /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/21390131

Vice 10/30/2021

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! /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/20991101

Elizabeth 10/02/2021

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's find out! /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/20681930

Mao's Last Dancer 08/28/2021

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! /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/20291507

Braveheart 07/28/2021

Braveheart You'll never take our Freedom! This month Gaz and Mel head to Scotland to take on the historical epic Braveheart (1995). It may be a compelling movie, but just how accurate is it to the true story? Let's discover the real history of William Wallace, learn about the real King Edward Longshanks, and what it would have been like to be there to see the real Battle of Stirling Bridge. /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/19957571

A League of Their Own 06/26/2021

A League of Their Own This month we take on the classic baseball true story A League of Their Own (1992). But how true is it to the real history? Join us as we discuss the remarkable history of the ladies who competed in the first female professional baseball league! We learn about director Penny Marshall's Hollywood legacy, discover if Jimmy Dugan was a real historical figure, and find out how hard it really was to be a female professional baseball player.... /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/19611944

Hotel Rwanda 05/26/2021

Hotel Rwanda Mel and Gaz discover the true story behind the movie Hotel Rwanda (2004). We dive into the tragic story of the genocide and learn about it's historical context. It's a powerful story about family, division, political corruption, and the repercussions of colonial history. But is it accurate to the real history? /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/19246661

Pride 04/10/2021

Pride Discover the true story of the movie Pride (2014). Gaz and Mel take on the real story of how a brave group of gay and lesbian activists unite to raise money for the families affected by the British Miners’ Strike. It is 1984 and Margaret Thatcher is in power. A powerful story about unionism, feminism, homophobia, and much more. But is it accurate to the real history? /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/18671720

The Intouchables 03/05/2021

The Intouchables What's the real history behind the wonderful, feel-good French hit The Intouchables? This time Gaz and Mel travel to France to talk about the beautiful friendship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou. Join us as we discuss the true story behind the movie, whether or not the police chase really happened, and why this movie became one of the most successful comedies of all time. /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/18204221

Spartacus 02/05/2021

Spartacus How historically accurate is Stanley Kubrick’s epic Spartacus? This time Gaz and Mel dive into the Hollywood classic about the slave that took on the Roman Empire! Starring Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Laurence Olivier and Charles Laughton. Join us as we discuss the real history of the slave rebellion, why the original director had to be fired, and of course that infamous Oysters and Snail scene. /episode/index/show/realmoviesfakehistory/id/17835881

Real Movies Fake History with Gaz and Mel

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