Introduction
When it comes to retelling real events, the role of perspective cannot be overstated. In filmmaking, storytelling, or even journalism, the way we choose to present real-life stories is influenced heavily by the perspective we adopt. This perspective is what shapes the emotional tone, moral implications, and overall message of the narrative. Whether you are adapting a true story into a cinematic piece or recounting a personal experience, perspective is the lens through which your audience will engage with the material.
Here’s why perspective plays such a crucial role in retelling real events:
1. Shaping the Truth
One of the most significant aspects of perspective is its ability to shape the “truth.” There is often no single, objective truth when it comes to real events—there are many sides, many angles, and many interpretations of a single incident. The perspective you choose will determine which aspects of the story are highlighted, which are minimized, and how the facts are framed. In this sense, the truth becomes fluid, molded by the lens of the storyteller.
For example, a documentary about a protest may show the same events from the point of view of the protesters, the police, or the bystanders. Each perspective will yield a different interpretation of what happened, who the heroes and villains are, and what the ultimate message is. The challenge lies in deciding which angle to take and how to stay true to the essence of the real event while still conveying a meaningful message.
2. Creating Emotional Engagement
Perspective influences how emotionally engaging the story is. A particular point of view can help the audience empathize with the characters, sympathize with their struggles, or even question their decisions. By presenting real events through a character’s eyes—whether it’s an individual’s first-person account or an observer’s third-person lens—you can guide your audience’s emotional responses and give them a window into a person’s soul.
For instance, retelling a tragic event from the perspective of someone who was personally affected can deepen the emotional impact. In contrast, showing the same event from a more detached or journalistic perspective might give the audience a broader, more analytical understanding without the same emotional pull.
3. Establishing Bias and Point of View
Every storyteller, whether intentional or not, brings their own bias into a retelling of real events. Perspective is a tool for establishing or revealing these biases, allowing you to examine the moral or ethical undertones of the story. Understanding the perspective you are adopting—whether you are telling the story from a neutral, supportive, or critical standpoint—gives the audience context for understanding the lens through which the story is being told.
For example, historical events like wars are often retold from the perspectives of those involved: the soldiers, the families, the politicians, or the civilians. Each perspective provides different layers of understanding, potentially revealing hidden truths, overlooked nuances, or uncomfortable realities that are often lost when viewed from a single, singular point of view.
4. Highlighting Diversity of Experiences
Retelling real events from multiple perspectives can help capture the diversity of experiences that exist within a single event. This is especially important when telling stories about large-scale events that affected many different people in different ways, such as natural disasters, political uprisings, or social movements. By exploring a range of perspectives, you can paint a fuller, more complex picture of the event.
Consider films like 12 Years a Slave or The Pursuit of Happyness—they don’t just follow the main character’s journey but also provide glimpses into the lives of others who play key roles in the story. This helps viewers understand how one event can ripple through different lives, creating a more comprehensive view of history and the human condition.
5. Offering New Insights and Interpretations
Sometimes, retelling real events from a specific perspective offers the opportunity to challenge the prevailing narrative and offer new insights. A different perspective can highlight hidden details or overlooked facts that reframe the story in a new light. In filmmaking, this can mean choosing to tell a familiar story from an unconventional viewpoint, allowing you to uncover deeper meanings or show a different side of well-known figures or events.
Take, for instance, films like The Social Network, which tells the story of Facebook’s founding through the perspective of its creator, Mark Zuckerberg, as well as his rivals and associates. The same events can be seen in different lights, showing both the ambition and the ruthlessness of the tech industry in a way that challenges the simple “rags to riches” narrative.
6. Guiding Audience Perception
Perspective has a profound influence on how the audience perceives the characters and their actions. A story told from the perspective of someone with a limited viewpoint may leave the audience questioning the full scope of the truth, encouraging them to look for deeper meanings and to consider other angles. On the other hand, an omniscient or all-knowing perspective can give the audience a complete understanding of events, leaving little room for ambiguity.
Think of The Godfather, where the story is told from the perspective of Michael Corleone, offering insight into his transformation from an innocent outsider to a ruthless mafia boss. The film guides the audience’s perception of Michael’s actions, often prompting them to sympathize with him despite his increasing moral corruption.
7. Fostering Connection and Reflection
Ultimately, perspective helps establish a connection between the audience and the events being retold. It gives a human face to larger historical or societal issues, making them more relatable and personal. When people feel personally connected to a story, they are more likely to reflect on its deeper meaning and carry that reflection beyond the confines of the film or book.
For example, in Schindler’s List, the story of Oskar Schindler is told from the perspective of various survivors and witnesses. By presenting the events of the Holocaust through these diverse perspectives, the film not only educates but also evokes a deeper, more personal reflection on the nature of humanity, cruelty, and redemption.
8. Maintaining Ethical Responsibility
When retelling real events, it’s important to consider the ethical responsibility that comes with shaping someone’s personal story or a historical event. The chosen perspective should be respectful to the people involved and mindful of the potential consequences of how their story is represented. This means being careful not to sensationalize, distort, or exploit real events for entertainment purposes.
For example, the 2007 film Into the Wild, based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, was criticized by some for romanticizing his journey into the Alaskan wilderness, while others felt it captured his quest for self-discovery authentically. The ethical responsibility in portraying real events comes down to balancing artistic license with respect for the individuals and the truth behind their experiences.
Conclusion
Perspective plays a fundamental role in the retelling of real events. It shapes the emotional tone, provides insight into the complexities of human experiences, and influences how the audience perceives the story. Whether you’re telling your own personal story or recounting a significant historical moment, the perspective you choose will ultimately determine the depth, accuracy, and impact of the message you’re conveying. In filmmaking, storytelling, and beyond, understanding the power of perspective ensures that the truth is not only preserved but presented in a way that resonates deeply with audiences.