Final answer:
In film adaptations, not all stories can be included due to runtime constraints, and choices must be made about which are most impactful and relevant. Omitted stories provide an opportunity for audiences to explore further and understand the broader narrative. Considering the 'balance of stories' invites deeper engagement with diverse voices and perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
In adapting a biography or a real-life account into a film, creators often face the challenge of selecting which stories to include. This decision involves considering the aspects that are especially interesting or relevant for understanding the human situation or the message of the narrative. Given the constraints of a movie's runtime, not all the stories of people Bryan helped could be included. This necessitates a focus on stories that best represent the overall narrative and leave a profound impact on the audience. The literacy narrative of a film might be strengthened by including diverse voices and a balance of stories, as well as providing more depth into the social, cultural, or environmental influences that shape the characters' experiences.
One could argue that a story featuring a wider range of Bryan's cases could provide a richer, more textured understanding of the issues at hand. However, filmmakers must prioritize and condense these experiences to craft a coherent and impactful movie. Still, audiences can be encouraged to read more about the omitted stories to gain a fuller picture. Ultimately, it's a balancing act between cinematic storytelling and faithful representation of a real-life narrative.
As students encountering different voices and stories throughout a course, it's important to consider the broad spectrum of narratives – both included and omitted – and why those choices are made. Reflecting on the 'single stories' one is familiar with and pondering over the balance of stories that Achebe described, we understand that every narrative has the potential to contribute meaningfully to our conception of the world. The omitted stories, then, become an invitation for continued exploration and understanding beyond the classroom or the screen.