The allure of period dramas lies in their ability to transport audiences to a bygone era, complete with lavish costumes, sweeping terrains, and epic storylines. However, not every period movie can deliver on this promise, and some indeed fall flat. W.E. (2012) is a romantic drama that tells the story of King Edward VIII’s infamous love affair with Wallis Simpson. Despite boasting a talented cast, including James D’Arcy and Andrea Riseborough, the film is bogged down by clunky dialogue and poor direction. The Iron Mask (2019) is another fantastical adventure that follows cartographer Jonathan Green as he navigates the courts of the Russian Empire during the 18th century. This film, despite its star-studded cast, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan, is marred by poor writing and editing.
The Scarlet Letter (1995) is a historical drama that adapts Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel, featuring a prestigious cast, including Demi Moore and Gary Oldman. Unfortunately, the film’s tone is awkward, with a focus on voyeuristic sensuality rather than nuanced storytelling. The Last Legion (2007) is an action-adventure film that reimagines the fall of the Roman Empire, boasting impressive production values. However, the film’s script is clunky, with poorly developed characters and a convoluted plot. The Scorpion King (2002) is a prequel to The Mummy Returns, following the early life of Mathayus, a slave-turned-gladiator. Despite Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s solid performance, the film’s over-reliance on CGI and poor direction make it a chore to watch.
The Scorpion King 2002 (Image via Getty)
Pompeii (2014) is an action-adventure film that tells the story of the destruction of Pompeii, featuring impressive visual effects and a talented cast. Unfortunately, the film’s script is dull, with poorly developed characters and a predictable plot. Alexander (2004) is a historical epic that follows the life of Alexander the Great, boasting an impressive scope. However, the film’s script is convoluted, with poorly developed characters and a focus on spectacle over storytelling. Gotti (2018) is a biographical drama that tells the story of John Gotti, a notorious mobster, featuring an impressive cast, including John Travolta. Unfortunately, the film’s script is clunky, with poorly developed characters and a disjointed timeline.
The Conqueror (1956) is a historical epic that tells the story of Genghis Khan, boasting an impressive scope. However, the film’s script is dull, with poorly developed characters and a focus on action over storytelling. Meet the Spartans (2008) is a parody film that reimagines the Battle of Thermopylae, attempting to be humorous. Unfortunately, the film’s jokes are lazy and unfunny, with a focus on scatological gags rather than clever satire. These nine films failed to capture the hearts of audiences, and are best left forgotten, remaining a misstep in the period drama genre.
