Abstract
A Cognitive Studies approach to historical film demonstrates how an empathic response can stimulate both emotions and critical thinking in a viewer that—regardless of a film’s level of historical accuracy—can lead to a broader and more informed perspective on both past and present. Historical films that feature some of the most notorious character types illustrate how a viewer can experience cognitive consonance with characters’ minds, while simultaneously feeling repulsed by them. By evoking a strong empathic response at both the affective and cognitive level, a film is more likely to make a lasting impression on viewers. Films that encourage an empathic response to all types of characters can move the spectators beyond simple identification and toward a greater realization of history’s contemporary relevance.
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Filmography
The Baader Meinhof Complex [Der Baader Meinhof Komplex]. Dir. Uli Edel. 2008. MPI Media Group, 2010. DVD.
The Counterfeiters [Die Fälscher]. Dir. Stefan Ruzowitsky. 2007. Sony Pictures, 2007. DVD
Downfall [Der Untergang]. Dir. Oliver Hirschbiegel. 2004. Sony Pictures, 2005. DVD.
The Legend of Rita [Die Stille nach dem Schuss]. Dir. Volker Schlöndorff. 2000. Kino International, 2001. DVD.
The Pianist. Dir. Roman Polanski. 2002. Universal Studios Home Entertainment, 2004. DVD.
Rosenstrasse [The Women of Rosenstrasse]. Dir. Margarethe von Trotta. 2003. Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment, 2004. DVD.
Sophie Scholl [Sophie Scholl: Die letzten Tage]. Dir. Marc Rothemund. 2005. Zeitgeist Films, 2006. DVD.
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William, J.M. (2017). Perspective-Taking and Empathic Responses to Historical Film. In: Cognitive Approaches to German Historical Film. Cognitive Studies in Literature and Performance. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39318-6_4
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