Narrative technique · used in 1 film

Historical Event as Counterpoint

Setting a private story against a major public upheaval that is seen only in glimpses. The world outside the characters' rooms keeps pressing in until they have to face it.

Examples

Where you can see it

  1. The Dreamers (2003) poster

    The Dreamers

    Bernardo Bertolucci · 2003

    The protests are in the background for most of the film. The three hide in the apartment while the city outside riots. When it finally breaks in, they must decide whether to stay lost in their game.

    Where to see it: The ending: a brick smashes through the apartment window and the three find students rioting in the street. Matthew walks away from the clash as Theo throws a Molotov cocktail at the police.

Questions

Quick answers

What is historical event as counterpoint in film?
Setting a private story against a major public upheaval that is seen only in glimpses. The world outside the characters' rooms keeps pressing in until they have to face it.
Which films use historical event as counterpoint?
The Dreamers (2003).
What kind of technique is historical event as counterpoint?
It is a narrative technique. Related narrative techniques include Symbolic Object, Observational Restraint, Earned Catharsis.