Historical films have often been criticized by academics and journalists as inaccurate representations of the past. Yet there is no denying the fact that successful historical films are increasingly influential in shaping our understanding of historical figures and events thanks to the accessibility of the medium. The producers of these films often take liberties with the facts to tell a more dramatic, engaging and entertaining story. They have a basis in truth but are strongly influenced by the desire of the writers and directors to involve the audience in the story and to entertain. They focus the viewer's visual and auditory senses on the topic studied, creating a stimulating and strong impact on the viewer, thus engaging their interest. Popular films have undoubtedly increased interest in history, and many historical feature films contain very accurate information about the period in which the film is set and portray the events that occurred in vivid detail; something no textbook can achieve. This is why historical films are extremely valuable as they open up the past to the masses. The Patriot (2000) is an affecting and dramatic film depicting a determined man's attempt to defeat British forces during the Revolutionary War with the assistance of his local militia. According to historian David Horowitz, The Patriot, he writes, “reassembles the elements of the national myth into a powerful homage to liberty and to the American colonists who gave their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to its cause.” At the beginning of the film the audience is introduced to Benjamin Martin, played by Mel Gibson, an everyday American determined to remain neutral. Martin, a South Carolina legislator, welcomes the news of the Declarati… in the middle of the paper… orically appropriate” according to Miller. Furthermore, Proctor was actually a victim of the town's rivalries, not a scorned lover. The Crucible is able to show the public life in the Puritan colonial period better than any other historical source, therefore making the story accessible to all those who wish to know more about that period. Films from the past have invaded classrooms in recent years. Whether or not they have historical value will be a subject of debate among historians for years to come. With the growth of these media, historians are now involved in the filmmaking process; acting as consultants on film, drama and documentary projects. Cinema creates a historical world with which the written word cannot compete, at least in terms of popularity, thus making it valuable as it opens history to anyone who is interested; both in the field of education and otherwise.