Actors then, actually become the characters and thus ARE the story. I think I understand. Alfred, its your turn. You always get so worked up. Film is not only acting, and James, it's not all about the creation of visual reality.
Film is about evoking emotion.
You've got to arrange all the physical properties just so, AND the actors have to tell the story in such a was as to arouse the audience emotionally, whether it be to make them laugh, cry, or scream. Oh, I fold. But you're forgetting about music. If film is so emotional like you say Al, then film is no better than its soundtrack. Music, more than anything, creates the mood of a film.