Advanced Memory vs. Memory Distortion in Spellbound and Capturing the Friedmans Anna Liebelt College

During her TED Talk in 2013, Elizabeth Loftus stated, “Your memory is like a Wikipedia page- you can edit it, and so can other people.” People tend to believe that memory is an exact, unflawed reflection of their experiences. However, memories are certainly not copies- they are malleable reconstructions, and are more inaccurate than many think. They can either become advanced through the use of memory strategies, or distorted by errors of omission and commission included in The 7 Sins of Memory. For example, a person may better remember specific facts on a subject by devoting a significant amount of time to learning it, or relating the information to their personal life. Likewise, particular aspects of a memory could become false and inaccurate through others’ use of suggestibility. These concepts of memory advancement and distortion are well represented in the films Spellbound and Capturing the Friedmans, and they both support the reconstructive features and nature of memory.

In Spellbound, the featured spelling bee contestants are all from quite unique family backgrounds. Regardless of their diverse circumstances, they share a common ability to superbly remember and recite challenging vocabulary words. They not only remember...