Stories We Tell

Stories We Tell

Year: 2013

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Documentary

Filmmaker Sarah Polley explores her family's past, uncovering long-held secrets and challenging her understanding of love, memory, and identity. Through interviews with relatives and archival footage, she pieces together a complex narrative that reveals surprising truths and redefines her perception of her own history. The film is a deeply personal and moving exploration of family dynamics and the power of storytelling.

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Timeline & Setting – Stories We Tell (2013)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Stories We Tell (2013). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1990s

The documentary reflects on events predominantly from the 1990s, a time marked by profound personal and familial transformations. During this period, societal norms about family and relationships were evolving, and the film captures the sentiment of exploration and discovery within these changing dynamics.

Location

Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant city in Canada known for its rich culture, diverse population, and bustling arts scene. It plays a significant role in the film as it provides the backdrop for the personal revelations concerning the filmmaker's family. The city's historical charm, with its mix of old and modern architecture, enhances the emotional depth of the storytelling.

🏙️ City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:03

Main Characters – Stories We Tell (2013)

Meet the key characters of Stories We Tell (2013), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Michael Polley

Michael Polley, the filmmaker's father, serves as the narrator, offering personal insights into his family dynamics and past events. His reflections provide a grounding perspective on the complex relationships that define the family's narrative. He balances the weight of family history with a tone that invites understanding and empathy.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family 📖 Narrator

Diane Polley

Diane Polley, portrayed in the documentary through both recollections and archival footage, is the filmmaker’s mother whose life and choices are central to the narrative. Her untimely passing adds a layer of poignancy, influencing not just the filmmaker's journey but also the revelations surrounding family relationships.

🌸 Mother 🎭 Tragic

Harry Gulkin

Harry Gulkin is a pivotal figure representing the biological father in the narrative. His existence complicates the family history, representing the consequences of extramarital relationships. The film navigates the emotional landscape of his involvement, which resonates deeply with the themes of identity and belonging.

🔍 Mystery 👤 Biological Father

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:03

Major Themes – Stories We Tell (2013)

Explore the central themes of Stories We Tell (2013), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Family Secrets

The film explores the delicate web of family secrets and the impact of hidden truths on relationships. It delves into the lives of Polley’s parents and siblings, revealing how past choices shape present identities. The emotional weight of these revelations serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of familial bonds.

🎥 Documentary Storytelling

Through a mix of interviews and personal narrations, the film exemplifies the power of documentary storytelling. The use of home video footage intertwines personal history with artistic expression, connecting viewers to the filmmaker's journey. This approach highlights the emotional authenticity and the significance of sharing one's truth.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:03

Unlock the Full Story of Stories We Tell

Don't stop at just watching — explore Stories We Tell in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Stories We Tell is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Stories We Tell Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Stories We Tell, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Stories We Tell Summary

Stories We Tell Timeline

Track the full timeline of Stories We Tell with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Stories We Tell Timeline

More About Stories We Tell

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Stories We Tell: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Stories We Tell

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