5 Questions
How would you describe the purpose of providing a plot summary in a film review?
To give the reader a general sense of what the film is about without spoiling it.
What should be included in the description section of a film review?
A detailed description of the cinematic experience, including personal impressions of how the film looks, feels, and sounds.
How do formal techniques in a film, such as cinematography and lighting, impact the viewer's experience?
Formal techniques affect how the film looks, feels, and sounds to the viewer.
Why is it important to consider thematic content, like race or gender, when analyzing a film?
Thematic content influences the viewer's experience and interpretation of the film.
What should the conclusion of a film review accomplish?
The conclusion should remind the reader of the reviewer's general thoughts and impressions of the film.
Study Notes
Film Review Genre
- A film review is a personal and idiosyncratic reaction to a film, including objective analysis of formal techniques and thematic content.
Preparing to Write the Review
- Before watching the film, research the director, writer, or actor's previous work to contextualize the film.
- Multiple viewings of the film are required, with the first viewing for enjoyment and subsequent viewings for analysis.
- Take notes on formal techniques (e.g., cinematography, editing, mise-en-scene) and thematic content (e.g., history, race, gender) during the second viewing.
Writing the Film Review
- The genre does not have a set formula, but common elements include:
- Introduction: provide basic film information and begin evaluating the film.
- Plot Summary: brief overview of the plot, avoiding spoilers.
- Description: detailed description of the cinematic experience.
- Analysis: explain the film's use of formal techniques and thematic content.
- Conclusion/Evaluation: summarize thoughts and impressions, and recommend the film (or not).
Best Practices
- Read good film reviews to learn how to write a film review.
- Watch films by the same director, writer, or actor to understand their style and contextualize the film.
Learn about the popular way for critics to assess a film’s overall quality through film reviews, which include personal reactions, evaluations, and objective analyses of formal techniques and thematic content. Explore the process of preparing to write a film review and the typical length of reviews.
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