What is the extent of experience I’ll need for an idea to be represented truthfully?
This question has been on my mind every time I begin with a new idea. So, for example if I want to write a story/screenplay inspired by the story of Andreas Mihavecz, the 18 y/o Austrian boy who was forgotten in a basement cell by the police for 18 days, and holds the Guinness World Record for the highest no. of days spent without food or water.
If I begin writing a similar story today, I would not do justice to how horrific his experience might’ve been. In fact I feel like even if I myself do dry fasting (remaining without food or water) for some days, even THAT won’t really be a representation of Andreas’ reality, because I am doing this with my own consent, he however DID NOT consent to his ordeal.
I guess it is somewhat like method acting, but for writing…But how do i actuallly do it? Do I use my imagination? Do I see interviews of people like him, about their experience? But that does not satisfy my cut-off for authenticity. Should it?
Please guide me y’all