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Perspective-Taking and Empathic Responses to Historical Film

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Cognitive Approaches to German Historical Film

Part of the book series: Cognitive Studies in Literature and Performance ((CSLP))

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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. West Lafayette, Indiana, USA

    Jennifer Marston William

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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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