Why Andrew Moray Was Not Depicted in Braveheart
Introduction
The 1995 film Braveheart, directed by and starring Mel Gibson, has cemented the popularity of William Wallace in popular culture. However, the Scottish knight Andrew Moray, who played a key role in the Scottish Wars of Independence, is notably absent from the film. This article aims to explore the reasons behind Moray's absence in Braveheart, examining the historical context, filmmaking decisions, and the influence of the movie on public perception.
The Historical Context
Andrew Moray was an important figure in the Scottish Wars of Independence, a period marked by resistance against English rule in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. His contributions were significant, particularly during key battles such as the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Despite his importance, Moray is not among the individuals prominently featured in the film.
Lack of Historical Research
[H2] Lack of Historical Research in Braveheart
The Braveheart script, penned by Randall Wallace, drew heavily from Blind Harry’s Poemae Historicae, a work composed over two centuries after the actual events took place. This literary source, while evocative and stirring, lacks historical precision. Wallace's reliance on such a secondary source can be compared to constructing a movie about the Trojan War using Homer's account alone, which may lack detail and accuracy.
Cinematic Adjustments and Character Portrayals
[H2] Gibson's Narrative Compression and Charisma
Director Kevin MacLeod (not Mel Gibson, who starred in the film) likely felt the need to compress the narrative for cinematic reasons. These adjustments often involve simplifying complex historical figures to make them more accessible to the average viewer. Andrew de Moray may have appeared less charismatic compared to William Wallace, despite being a brilliant strategist. This could explain why his role was minimized in the film.
Historically, it is speculated that de Moray served as the eyes and brain of the campaign while Wallace provided the heart and soul. The film might have missed a key point by not portraying de Moray in a prominent role, as his death at Stirling Bridge appears to have marked a turning point where Wallace did not win another major victory. This suggests that the character of de Moray may have been integral to the success of Wallace's campaigns, and his absence in the film might have affected the narrative's coherence.
The Film's Historical Accuracy
[H2] Historical Accuracy and the Film's Approach
The Braveheart film should not be treated as a strict historical document. While it presents an engaging and dramatic narrative, it has deviated significantly from historical facts. The film blends historical events, fiction, and creative storytelling, making it difficult to view as a completely accurate portrayal of the Scottish Wars of Independence. Recognizing this, filmmakers have created a cinematic experience that is more about emotional and dramatic impact than factual history.
The Overshadowing of Andrew Moray
[H2] The Diminution of Andrew Moray in Public Perception
It is likely that Andrew Moray has become dramatically overshadowed by William Wallace, leading to a situation where his achievements and name are only remembered by those with a deep interest in real history. The film's narrative and the resulting public perception have prioritized Wallace, systematically excluding lesser-known historical figures like Moray.
Conclusion
The absence of Andrew Moray in Braveheart is a reflection of complex factors, including historical accuracy, the pacing of the narrative, and the selective dramatization of key figures. While the film remains a popular and influential piece of cinema, it is crucial to view it within the context of its creative license and the overarching historical period it aims to depict. The true story of the Scottish Wars of Independence, with all its characters and events, remains to be fully appreciated and celebrated beyond the cinematic screen.