The character of 1900's piano talent could be based on real - life musical prodigies. There have been many throughout history with extraordinary musical gifts at a young age. Also, the social interactions on the ship, like the different classes of passengers and the crew, reflect real - life situations on ships back then. And the idea of a person being so attached to a specific place (the ship) that they are reluctant to leave is a very human and relatable concept that could be drawn from real - life experiences.
The portrayal of the maid's daily struggles and her dreams. It's likely based on real experiences of maids in Manhattan. For instance, having to deal with difficult employers, long working hours, and still having personal aspirations. Also, the class differences shown in the movie, like the divide between the wealthy guests in the hotel and the maids, are elements that could be drawn from real - life observations in Manhattan.
The use of a real - life - like location setting can suggest it. If it's set in a place that has a reputation for being haunted in real life, it gives the impression of being based on a true story.
The way the characters experience confusion and fear that seems to come from nowhere. In real - life situations where people are in unfamiliar and harsh environments, they can quickly become disoriented and scared. In 'The Outwaters', the characters' reactions to the strange events around them mimic this kind of real - life psychological response, which might suggest it's based on a true story. Also, the use of natural elements like the desert landscape and the harsh weather conditions are things that could be based on real experiences in such areas.
The complex family relationships in 'Goodnight Mommy' suggest it could be based on a true story. The way the sons interact with their mother, the feelings of confusion and unease, seem like real - life family emotions.
One key element is the realistic portrayal of the spacecraft and its operations. It shows how the crew would communicate with Earth, which is similar to how real space missions operate. Another is the consideration of the environmental conditions on Europa. The extreme cold, the icy surface, and the potential for a subsurface ocean are all based on scientific understanding. The search for signs of life also mimics real - world scientific exploration goals.
The lyrics might be the first element. If they contain specific references to historical events, places, or people, it could suggest a true - story basis. For example, if there are mentions of real Celtic tribes or ancient battles.
The realistic portrayal of relationships could be one element. The way the characters interact, their misunderstandings, and how they deal with family pressures seem very true to life.
The rural setting of Totoro is a real - life element. The small houses, the fields, and the forests are typical of the Japanese countryside. Also, the simple lifestyle of the family in the movie, like hanging out the laundry and cooking simple meals, reflects real rural life. These details suggest that it's based on a true story as they are things that Miyazaki would have seen and experienced growing up.
One key element could be the realism in the characters' relationships. If the relationships seem complex and nuanced like in real life, it might indicate a true - story basis.
The use of religious symbols and the way they are interacted with in the movie is a key element. In real - life accounts of possession, religious items often play a significant role. In 'The Possession of Michael King', we see religious symbols being used in attempts to ward off the evil, just as they might be in real - life cases. Also, the way the character's behavior changes gradually, from normal to something very strange and erratic, is similar to what has been reported in some true stories of possession.