Content Alone and Together

        Film has two main components, character and content. In the paragraphs above, I tried my best to describe my opinions of the essential make-up of a character – being emotionally available and being afraid of something. As for content, there are two main components that some of the greatest and entertaining stories are rooted from. The first is the loss or fear of losing a loved one. This is seen from genre to genre, from youthful animation to adult horror. The great ones ride this line and continue on its path because it makes a great story.  Why does this work so well over centuries of storytelling?  Because losing a loved one is often a universal fear of humanity.  The idea of being alone or losing a loved one is so powerful in this expression because, by nature, no one wants to be alone. There is a connection made between the ones we love and being a member of the audience that we can all relate. Just as a great actor can seamlessly make themselves emotionally available, we do the same as audience members, forming a relationship with the story and characters within the story.

          A relationship is the other component of all great films and storytelling.  So many films are about the formation of couples.  It can start with Adam and Eve and end with us and the screen.  If we look at the word “formation,” its root is “form,” something that is created.  For most things to be created there needs to be hope.  Hope acts as an antidote to the first component of storytelling. We hope we will never be left alone.  Today, many of our tools of communication can help reassure us of the hope of being together in various ways regardless of whether it’s a phone, computer, or another invention.

          The other part of the word “formation” is “motion,” meaning movement or action.  It comes down to our actions, and although we might feel as if some tools are creating the action, it is merely an image of action.  Most of these tools present us with a one-dimensional image using a limited amount of senses.  Our own actions are three-dimensional and can involve all our senses.  Whether it’s a sound, a scent, a look, a taste, or a touch, with these we have the most power to communicate a feeling of hope about a relationship.