Why can two films about the same subject be drastically different?

The filmmaker's formal approach is crucial in determining how a subject is portrayed in film. This encompasses the director's vision, the style of storytelling, the use of cinematography, editing choices, and even the thematic focus. Two films addressing the same subject may explore different emotional terrains, narrative structures, and visual aesthetics based on the unique approach taken by the filmmakers. For instance, one film might adopt a documentary style to present facts and real-life experiences, while another could take a more poetic or abstract approach, focusing on metaphorical representations. This diversity in formal approaches allows each film to communicate distinct messages and evoke different responses from audiences.

In contrast, while budget differences can certainly impact production quality and scope, they do not inherently dictate the thematic or stylistic direction of the films. Similarly, the length of the film might affect pacing but does not fundamentally alter the interpretation of the subject matter. Lastly, actors' performances can greatly enhance or detract from a film, but their individual portrayals will vary regardless of the core subject, meaning they are not the primary reason for the differences between films on the same topic.