Levels of Understanding

In Children of Invention we have a situation which is understood through very different view points based on age. The adult in the situation is primarily concerned with her children and their well being. While her efforts to provide for her children are not always successful, her intent is admirable. Elaine's concern is complicated. She must navigate the adult world and all it's requirements. She must provide food, a place to live, and a future for her children. She must also be fully aware of the laws of the country in which she is living, and bear the burden of responsibility for the consequences of her actions. Raymond, on the other hand, has a more simplistic view of things. His concerns are almost always more immediate. He is responsible for himself, and often for his sister as well. He displays great maturity and initiative in providing for his family in the absence of his mother, but ultimately he is still a young boy. He becomes angry at his mother for her absence, and at some points even loses faith in his parents. Tina is the youngest, and has the simplest view of the matter. Her concerns are mostly for herself. She wishes to have her home back, to spend time with her parents, and of course to have the occasional slice of pizza.

Of course, part of this character selection is based in the director's personal experience, but there is also a great value to viewing this situation through such different lenses. By viewing  through an adult's lens, we appreciate the difficulty and complexity of the situation. We understand how hard it is for Elaine, and how big an impact her choices can have. By viewing through Raymond's eyes we have the best view of the immediate and daily impact this has on families. Raymond is the most concerned with the day to day impact on his family, and seems to be most affected by his mother's absence. Tina might offer the most important view, however. Even though she is a child, she is most concerned with the big picture. She may not have  the future in mind, but the honesty she has as a young girl has a great impact. While her elders are concerned with getting fed, providing a future, etc., Tina is concerned with more moral issues. It's unfair, she says, that she can't have a home, and that her mother can't be home regularly. She wants to eat every day, to have a house, and to be with her family. Ultimately this is the most important issue, the fairness of the situation on the most essential elements of a persons life such as food and family. It is Tina that brings this to our attention most directly.