Nicolas Cage’s National Treasure, released in 2004, was a movie that garnered widespread popularity, appealing to both film enthusiasts and history buffs. The film cleverly intertwined American history with an engaging storyline, stimulating the imaginations of its audience.
Although the movie inculcated several historical elements to shine its plot, it was far from presenting a factual account. But surprisingly, its storytelling was so compelling that it managed to convince certain viewers that a fictional secret map shown in the film was, in fact, a genuine artifact. To gain a deeper understanding, let’s delve into the tale of National Treasure and explore how some fans were captivated to such an extent.
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What Is Nicolas Cage’s National Treasure About?
National Treasure, released in the winter of 2004, holds a special place in cinema history. Directed by Jon Turteltaub and executive produced by the renowned Jerry Bruckheimer, this captivating film follows the journey of Benjamin Franklin Gates, a historian portrayed by the talented Nicolas Cage. Gates hails from a family with a long lineage of treasure seekers, although his father doesn’t share the same passion.
Intrigued by a remarkable treasure revealed to him by his grandfather, Gates embarks on a daring mission to protect it from a rival seeking the same prize. To safeguard the treasure, he finds himself compelled to undertake the audacious act of stealing the Declaration of Independence, which holds a hidden map leading to the coveted riches.
National Treasure weaves a complex narrative, brimming with unexpected twists and turns. Accompanied by his allies portrayed by Diane Kruger and Justin Bartha, Gates must navigate a treacherous race against both time and malevolent adversaries in their quest to claim the treasure.
This exhilarating adventure struck a chord with audiences worldwide, resulting in its tremendous success at the box office. Despite its substantial budget of $100 million, the film triumphed, amassing an impressive $331 million globally. Such triumph led to the creation of a sequel, further solidifying National Treasure’s enduring legacy. The total franchise including the 2007 sequel National Treasure: Book of Secrets is worth $788 million!
National Treasure Tricked Its Audience Into Thinking That A Secret Map Really Exists
One of the reasons National Treasure resonated with history enthusiasts was its incorporation of significant elements from American history, such as the revered Declaration of Independence. This clever blend of truth and fiction created a narrative that blurred the lines between reality and imagination. However, it’s important to note that the film itself was entirely fictional, utilizing historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers as integral parts of its story.
Unsurprisingly, not all viewers were completely aware of the fictional nature of the film. According to an article by The Washington Post, visitors who underwent the actual Declaration of Independence were sometimes challenged about the existence of a hidden map on its back, reminiscent of the movie’s plot. The Post interviewed security guards stationed at the National Archives, where the historic document is safeguarded, and discovered that numerous tourists and museum-goers referenced the film while viewing the Declaration.
Inquisitive to know the truth, these visitors searched for confirmation regarding the existence of a secret map. The security guards, who were well-versed in the document’s history, unequivocally clarified that there is no hidden map on the back of the Declaration. While the movie may have sparked a sense of wonder and intrigue, it’s crucial to differentiate between cinematic storytelling and factual reality.
National Treasure is available to stream on DIsney+.
Source: Cheat Sheet
