: Use medium to medium-close-up shots for interviews. This mimics the "participatory interview" style Polley used to draw out intimate, often contradictory family secrets.

You can follow these steps to build a visual story that mirrors Polley's theory of autobiography: The ABCs of Connection ⋆ Film Matters Magazine

: Incorporate "mis-en-scène" that includes the tools of storytelling itself. Show the camera rigs, mixing desks, or microphones to create a "reflexive" style that reminds the audience they are watching a constructed narrative.

Creating a visual guide inspired by the film Stories We Tell involves blending authentic memories with creative reconstructions to explore the "elusive nature of truth". Sarah Polley's documentary specifically uses a "collage of connection" to navigate complex family histories. Core Elements for a "Stories We Tell" Style Image

To capture the specific aesthetic and narrative depth of the film, focus on these visual and conceptual layers:

: Focus on the "wrinkles" of a story rather than neat resolutions. As noted by reviewers on RogerEbert.com , Polley avoids heroes and villains, instead showing the messy, human side of memory. Guide to Producing the Image Narrative