Perspectives on the humanities

Reinventing life : or how stories should be told

It doesn 't take a fresh idea , an unexplored theme , or a bizarre incident for it to be a good subject for a story . Although originality and oddity can naturally draw interest , it would take skill and style to present a subject in a way that not only sustains interest , but makes a lasting impression . Therefore , a healthy balance between form and content can render any subject worth telling and listening to

Consider the current crop of films in the market today - genre-films such

as the romantic comedy , action , science fiction , and even the teenage coming-of-age chick flick . Despite having familiar settings themes and characters , and more or less predictable storylines , people continue to be drawn to them . Whether for mindless entertainment or because people already know what to expect , the common ingredient for any film 's success appears to be empathy . These films appeal to many because basically people can relate to the characters and their struggles

A certain scene can evoke emotions specifically tied to the viewer 's personal experience . But generally , stories revolve around universal themes such as love and disappointment , triumph and defeat , life and death . That said , I agree that all of us are living a story of our own Many things happen to us on a daily basis that can , upon closer scrutiny , be considered story-worthy . Since we view things differently our perspectives and handling of ordinary situations or events may vary We may look at the same statue but from different angles , or appreciate and react to it distinctively . A different version of a similar event can be derived from the vantage point of another person

As Robert McKee stated , even those that may initially appear as bland and run-of the-mill can be creatively presented in a fresh and unique light . Nothing is really sacred to interpretation . All stories are made up of common elements , but the way they are told breath new life into them . Material abounds in the real world , in our daily dealings with others and with society . Expert storytellers are intuitively and technically equipped to give a fresh take on what would otherwise be considered as a normal consequence of human nature...