film production essay

Film Analysis

What this handout is about.

This handout introduces film analysis and and offers strategies and resources for approaching film analysis assignments.

Writing the film analysis essay

Writing a film analysis requires you to consider the composition of the film—the individual parts and choices made that come together to create the finished piece. Film analysis goes beyond the analysis of the film as literature to include camera angles, lighting, set design, sound elements, costume choices, editing, etc. in making an argument. The first step to analyzing the film is to watch it with a plan.

Watching the film

First it’s important to watch the film carefully with a critical eye. Consider why you’ve been assigned to watch a film and write an analysis. How does this activity fit into the course? Why have you been assigned this particular film? What are you looking for in connection to the course content? Let’s practice with this clip from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958). Here are some tips on how to watch the clip critically, just as you would an entire film:

• Give the clip your undivided attention at least once. Pay close attention to details and make observations that might start leading to bigger questions.
• Watch the clip a second time. For this viewing, you will want to focus specifically on those elements of film analysis that your class has focused on, so review your course notes. For example, from whose perspective is this clip shot? What choices help convey that perspective? What is the overall tone, theme, or effect of this clip?
• Take notes while you watch for the second time. Notes will help you keep track of what you noticed and when, if you include timestamps in your notes. Timestamps are vital for citing scenes from a film!

For more information on watching a film, check out the Learning Center’s handout on watching film analytically . For more resources on researching film, including glossaries of film terms, see UNC Library’s research guide on film & cinema .

Brainstorming ideas

Once you’ve watched the film twice, it’s time to brainstorm some ideas based on your notes. Brainstorming is a major step that helps develop and explore ideas. As you brainstorm, you may want to cluster your ideas around central topics or themes that emerge as you review your notes. Did you ask several questions about color? Were you curious about repeated images? Perhaps these are directions you can pursue.

If you’re writing an argumentative essay, you can use the connections that you develop while brainstorming to draft a thesis statement . Consider the assignment and prompt when formulating a thesis, as well as what kind of evidence you will present to support your claims. Your evidence could be dialogue, sound edits, cinematography decisions, etc. Much of how you make these decisions will depend on the type of film analysis you are conducting, an important decision covered in the next section.

After brainstorming, you can draft an outline of your film analysis using the same strategies that you would for other writing assignments. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you prepare for this stage of the assignment:

• Make sure you understand the prompt and what you are being asked to do. Remember that this is ultimately an assignment, so your thesis should answer what the prompt asks. Check with your professor if you are unsure.
• In most cases, the director’s name is used to talk about the film as a whole, for instance, “Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo .” However, some writers may want to include the names of other persons who helped to create the film, including the actors, the cinematographer, and the sound editor, among others.
• When describing a sequence in a film, use the literary present. An example could be, “In Vertigo , Hitchcock employs techniques of observation to dramatize the act of detection.”
• Finding a screenplay/script of the movie may be helpful and save you time when compiling citations. But keep in mind that there may be differences between the screenplay and the actual product (and these differences might be a topic of discussion!).
• Go beyond describing basic film elements by articulating the significance of these elements in support of your particular position. For example, you may have an interpretation of the striking color green in Vertigo , but you would only mention this if it was relevant to your argument. For more help on using evidence effectively, see the section on “using evidence” in our evidence handout .

Also be sure to avoid confusing the terms shot, scene, and sequence. Remember, a shot ends every time the camera cuts; a scene can be composed of several related shots; and a sequence is a set of related scenes.

Different types of film analysis

As you consider your notes, outline, and general thesis about a film, the majority of your assignment will depend on what type of film analysis you are conducting. This section explores some of the different types of film analyses you may have been assigned to write.

Semiotic analysis

Semiotic analysis is the interpretation of signs and symbols, typically involving metaphors and analogies to both inanimate objects and characters within a film. Because symbols have several meanings, writers often need to determine what a particular symbol means in the film and in a broader cultural or historical context.

For instance, a writer could explore the symbolism of the flowers in Vertigo by connecting the images of them falling apart to the vulnerability of the heroine.

Here are a few other questions to consider for this type of analysis:

• What objects or images are repeated throughout the film?
• How does the director associate a character with small signs, such as certain colors, clothing, food, or language use?
• How does a symbol or object relate to other symbols and objects, that is, what is the relationship between the film’s signs?

Many films are rich with symbolism, and it can be easy to get lost in the details. Remember to bring a semiotic analysis back around to answering the question “So what?” in your thesis.

Narrative analysis

Narrative analysis is an examination of the story elements, including narrative structure, character, and plot. This type of analysis considers the entirety of the film and the story it seeks to tell.

For example, you could take the same object from the previous example—the flowers—which meant one thing in a semiotic analysis, and ask instead about their narrative role. That is, you might analyze how Hitchcock introduces the flowers at the beginning of the film in order to return to them later to draw out the completion of the heroine’s character arc.

To create this type of analysis, you could consider questions like:

• How does the film correspond to the Three-Act Structure: Act One: Setup; Act Two: Confrontation; and Act Three: Resolution?
• What is the plot of the film? How does this plot differ from the narrative, that is, how the story is told? For example, are events presented out of order and to what effect?
• Does the plot revolve around one character? Does the plot revolve around multiple characters? How do these characters develop across the film?

When writing a narrative analysis, take care not to spend too time on summarizing at the expense of your argument. See our handout on summarizing for more tips on making summary serve analysis.

Cultural/historical analysis

One of the most common types of analysis is the examination of a film’s relationship to its broader cultural, historical, or theoretical contexts. Whether films intentionally comment on their context or not, they are always a product of the culture or period in which they were created. By placing the film in a particular context, this type of analysis asks how the film models, challenges, or subverts different types of relations, whether historical, social, or even theoretical.

For example, the clip from Vertigo depicts a man observing a woman without her knowing it. You could examine how this aspect of the film addresses a midcentury social concern about observation, such as the sexual policing of women, or a political one, such as Cold War-era McCarthyism.

A few of the many questions you could ask in this vein include:

• How does the film comment on, reinforce, or even critique social and political issues at the time it was released, including questions of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality?
• How might a biographical understanding of the film’s creators and their historical moment affect the way you view the film?
• How might a specific film theory, such as Queer Theory, Structuralist Theory, or Marxist Film Theory, provide a language or set of terms for articulating the attributes of the film?

Take advantage of class resources to explore possible approaches to cultural/historical film analyses, and find out whether you will be expected to do additional research into the film’s context.

Mise-en-scène analysis

A mise-en-scène analysis attends to how the filmmakers have arranged compositional elements in a film and specifically within a scene or even a single shot. This type of analysis organizes the individual elements of a scene to explore how they come together to produce meaning. You may focus on anything that adds meaning to the formal effect produced by a given scene, including: blocking, lighting, design, color, costume, as well as how these attributes work in conjunction with decisions related to sound, cinematography, and editing. For example, in the clip from Vertigo , a mise-en-scène analysis might ask how numerous elements, from lighting to camera angles, work together to present the viewer with the perspective of Jimmy Stewart’s character.

To conduct this type of analysis, you could ask:

• What effects are created in a scene, and what is their purpose?
• How does this scene represent the theme of the movie?
• How does a scene work to express a broader point to the film’s plot?

This detailed approach to analyzing the formal elements of film can help you come up with concrete evidence for more general film analysis assignments.

Reviewing your draft

Once you have a draft, it’s helpful to get feedback on what you’ve written to see if your analysis holds together and you’ve conveyed your point. You may not necessarily need to find someone who has seen the film! Ask a writing coach, roommate, or family member to read over your draft and share key takeaways from what you have written so far.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Aumont, Jacques, and Michel Marie. 1988. L’analyse Des Films . Paris: Nathan.

Media & Design Center. n.d. “Film and Cinema Research.” UNC University Libraries. Last updated February 10, 2021. https://guides.lib.unc.edu/filmresearch .

Oxford Royale Academy. n.d. “7 Ways to Watch Film.” Oxford Royale Academy. Accessed April 2021. https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/7-ways-watch-films-critically/ .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Film Essays: The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Film Essay

By Essaywriter

If you’re a film buff or a student of film studies, you’ve probably encountered film essays at some point in your academic career.

Writing a film essay can be challenging, but with guidance, you can craft a compelling analysis of any cinematic masterpiece.

One of the world’s most well-liked and regularly watched forms of entertainment is a film, whether blockbusters or indie movies. The film has become an essential part of culture and society worldwide.

A film is a powerful tool for social critique and cultural expression. Despite changes, movies have never lost their capacity to amuse, instruct, and inspire. This post offers knowledge, suggestions, and resources for writing film essays. An analysis of a particular film’s many elements is done in a film essay.

Understanding the Elements of Film Analysis

Film analysis comprises evaluating and comprehending the many components that make up a film. These include the movie’s cinematography, sound, editing, acting, and narrative. It is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the movie’s themes, messages, and overall relevance by analyzing these components.

Films comprise certain components, which directors and movie producers tend to tweak to recreate different cultures and historical points in time. For instance, a movie set in the 1980s will have very different scenery, costumes, and soundtrack than a movie set in the present.

There has been a major advancement in technology, music, fashion, and social conventions between the 1980s and now. Therefore, these film components need to be properly considered when writing a film essay.

Tips for Writing Film Essays

Researching and selecting a film to analyze.

To explore possible films, choose your areas of interest, such as a specific genre, era, or filmmaker. After that, you can use various tools to gather information and ideas for new films.

Thousands of films, reviews, and ratings are available through online databases such as IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Search engines such as Google and Bing can also be used to find articles, criticisms, and analyses of certain films or directors.”

Outlining and Organizing the Film Essays

Outlining and arranging a film essay can help ensure that your analysis is clear and succinct. Create an outline that breaks down the various parts of the film you will be analyzing, such as the narrative, characters, cinematography, and symbolism so that you can arrange your thoughts.

Maintain focus by avoiding needless details. Instead, concentrate on offering specific examples from the film to back up and connect your analysis. You should also employ transitions between paragraphs to make it easier for the reader to follow your train of thought.

Citing Sources and Formatting the Film Essays

Citation of sources and Proper formatting gives credit to the film’s creators, but it also demonstrates the credibility of your research and analysis. When citing a film, it’s important to follow the guidelines of the citation style you use, whether it be MLA, APA, or Chicago.

This includes the title of the film, the director, and the year of release. When citing sources such as articles or books, it’s important to include the author, title, publication date, and page number(s).

Tips for Incorporating Film Terminology and Analysis Techniques

It is critical to strike a balance between employing technical language and making it accessible to your audience when incorporating cinema vocabulary and analysis procedures in a film essay.

One technique is to start with a clear and short statement that defines your essay’s major argument or purpose. From there, you can support and deepen your thesis by employing specialized cinema terminology and analysis approaches. Use film examples to illustrate your views and make them more accessible to the reader.

Use a clear and simple writing style and be consistent in using technical language and analysis methodologies. This will help the reader follow your argument and understand your views.

Finally, to provide a full understanding of the film, employing a variety of analysis methodologies such as formalism or psychoanalysis. This will not only help you obtain a deeper understanding of many components of the film, but it will also allow you to provide a more sophisticated analysis.

Sample Film Essays Outline

Thesis statement: “Through its use of surreal imagery and unconventional narrative structure, ‘Mulholland Drive’ deconstructs the Hollywood dream and exposes the darkness at the heart of the film industry.”

Main point 1: The cinematography and mise-en-scène of ‘Mulholland Drive’

Main point 2: The themes and messages of ‘Mulholland Drive’

Main point 3: The cultural and historical context of ‘Mulholland Drive’

Conclusion: Recap of main points and analysis of the lasting impact of the film

Film elements are what make each film production distinct from every other. Therefore, understanding them empowers writers with the tools to analyze and write fitting essays adequately.

When writing a film essay, tips like researching and selecting a film to analyze, outlining and organizing the essay, citing sources and formatting the essay, and incorporating film terminology and analysis techniques help present your essay in the most logical, clear, clear, concise, and comprehensive way.

If you’re looking to write a film essay anytime soon, following this stepwise guide on writing film essays will get you critical acclaim when your work is peer-reviewed.

Perhaps you do not have the time to write a film essay or any other paper, or maybe you need professional help writing your paper.

Our website, ThePaperExperts.com , is a place you can visit to get your paper professionally written and delivered on time, irrespective of the type of essay you need to be written.

Try us now by calling 1-888-774-9994 and speak to an academic advisor today and get help with film essays!

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What is Production Design in Film — How to Tell Stories Visually

• What is Production Design

What Does a Production Designer Do?

• Amazon’s The Boys Production Design
• Production Design Tips
• Academy Award for Best Production Design

W hen we watch a movie, the visuals that we see on the screen can either transport us to a different world or make us feel like we are simply watching a movie set. That is where production design comes in.  Production design is an essential part of filmmaking, responsible for creating the look and feel of the film’s world, ensuring that it feels authentic and believable. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the production design definition as well as what elements make for great production design in a film.

Watch: Production Design Techniques

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What is Production Design in Film and Story?

First, let’s define production design.

Simply put, production design is the art of creating the visual environment where the story takes place. But let’s take a more detailed look at the production design definition to understand its importance more fully. 

PRODUCTION DESIGN DEFINITION

What is a production design.

Production design refers to the process of creating the visual environment in which a film or a television show unfolds. It is often used interchangeably with the term 'art direction.' Still, while art direction is mainly responsible for making the visual elements match the director's vision, production design goes much further, having a more elaborate approach to set design, costume design, props, and overall look and feel of a film or TV show. 

Key elements of film production design:

• VFX/Special Effects

What is Production Design in Film Used For?

Differentiating production design.

As we alluded to above, there can be some confusion between production design and a few other similar departments. Let’s dive into the key differences.

Production design vs set design

Set designers work primarily with sets (surprise, surprise). Their job is to work with the director and the production designer to create believable sets which are appropriate for the film.

Set designers will get deep in the weeds of the set, looking into what needs to be planned, obtained, and built for a given environment.

Production designer on set

Production designers, meanwhile, are more high-level. While a production designer will work closely with a set designer to nail down the look of a set, the production designer is responsible for thinking about how this set will fit into the overall aesthetic of the film.

Production designer vs art director

An art director is a production designer’s best friend. The crucial difference between the roles is logistics. A production designer may have hundreds of lofty ideas for the look of a film; it’s the art director’s job to make it happen.

Building a set

Think of the art director as the production designer’s translator. The art director hears what a production designer wants, and then puts together the team and materials to create it – this may be anything from overseeing set construction to budgeting prop creation.

Importance of Production Design

The importance of production design in filmmaking lies in how it can add depth and texture to a movie, breathing life into the story and transporting the audience to a different time or world. Having consistent production design can ensure that the audience remains invested in the film, as it subconsciously strengthens the suspension of disbelief .

In this video analysis, we break down production design in the show The Boys and how production design elements like wardrobe, props, and set design create a world that is grounded in ours, but one uniquely its own. 

How Production Design is a Superpower  •   Subscribe on YouTube

Good production design also adds another layer to the storytelling, how the characters interact with the environment and the objects around them serve to communicate character motivations and emotions without spelling it out for the audience. 

Here’s a sample mood board a production designer may come up with for a dystopian neo-noir:

Production Design Examples

Note that the production design is concerned with setting , color, costume, and more. At its core, production design serves to provide the narrative with visual information that is as important as dialogue or characterization .

Production Design Meaning in Film History

History of production design.

The history of production design can be traced back to the early days of cinema , but production design began to take on a more apparent and essential role in the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s.

Evolution from Stage to Screen

Initially, the art direction for films was heavily influenced by the conventions of stage production design, set pieces were designed to be seen from a specific angle and only existed on camera for the duration of the shots for which they were designed.

There were no practical considerations about how the set would operate in the real world or how the characters would interact with the environment. 

Red River, Montgomery Clift and John Wayne on the studio set together (1948)

With an increase in more advanced filmmaking methods and a desire for a more immersive experience, film productions started to demand more elaborate and realistic sets. Stagecraft evolved into filmmaking, with designers adapting the art of set design for the silver screen.

Advancements in Technology and its Impact on Production Design

As technology advanced in the field of special effects and computer-generated imagery (CGI), production design underwent another revolution. With the development of new materials and modern methods of constructing sets and props, we started seeing more ambitious designs that could match the film's narrative ambitions.

Marvel CGI Set and Production Design

In 1993, production design was given an Academy Award for the best achievement in art direction for the first time, and the following year's Oscars split the categories into Academy Awards for Production Design and Scenography to recognize every integral facet's contribution to what we now know as Production Design.

Related Posts

• What is a Movie Prop? →
• What Does a Production Designer Do? →
• A Guide to The Art Department in Film →

Characteristics of Film Production Design

Elements of production design.

In production design, the production designer is the head of the art department on a film set, responsible for creating the visual identity of the movie. They work closely with the director and cinematographer to translate the script into a visual world through the use of sets, props, costumes, and other elements.

Let’s explore some of the most important elements a production designer must think about and how they work together to create the immersive worlds we see on screen.

Set Design: Creating the Physical Environment

One of the most crucial elements of production design is set design: designing and constructing the physical environment for the film or TV show. The designer must create an environment that is convincing and believable, supporting the story and the emotional tone of the film. 

The set must establish the location and the era, adding to the mood and feel of the narrative. This video analyzes how production design was an important aspect to establishing the character arcs of the two main characters in Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story . 

Space & Separation: MARRIAGE STORY Production Designer Jade Healy

Props: selecting and placing relevant objects.

Props are all the objects that surround the characters in the film. They are objects that are so integral to the story that they need to be included for completeness. A production designer must choose the right props, considering the story, the time, and the character's profile.

The placement of the prop and how the actor interacts with it can say a lot about a character, their personality, and even reveal their backstory or motivations.

Costumes: Dressing Actors Appropriately

Part of a production designer's job is to ensure that the costumes for the characters are authentic and consistent with the narrative's world. Costumes can say a lot about a character, where they come from, their social status, their personality, and their profession. 

Below you can see Mark Bridges’ meticulously researched design work through sketches featured on his personal website for There Will Be Blood , one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s best films . 

Mont Sainte-Victoire (c.1895) by Paul Cezanne

Special and visual effects: enhancing the visuals.

Special and visual effects are often used to enhance the story and reinforce the production design. They are created with the help of technology and computer-generated imagery, adding detail and realism that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. 

For films like Christopher Nolan’s Inception , VFX is a major part of production design and story. We recreated a scene from the film below showing the various VFX elements used to create the scene. 

Inception VFX Breakdown  •   Subscribe on YouTube

Production design is an essential aspect of filmmaking that goes beyond creating a visually appealing set. It influences the mood, tone and atmosphere of the film, and helps to tell the story in a compelling way. 

A skilled production designer collaborates with the director, cinematographer, costume designer , and other key members of the crew to create a cohesive and immersive world that draws the audience in. By understanding the importance of production design, filmmakers can elevate their craft and create unforgettable experiences that captivate audiences for years to come.

All of the elements of production design we talked about in this article are directly linked to the role of the production designer. For a deeper dive into the role of the production designer and their importance in filmmaking, check out our next article.

Up Next: Production Designer Duties →

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C rafting your brand can feel like a daunting task. After all, how do you convey the essence of who you are and what your business stands for in just one look? The answer is simple: create a mood board. 

A mood board is a visual representation of your brand’s identity, including elements such as colors, fonts, and images that accurately reflect your company’s personality. Here’s how to make a brand mood board that aligns with your brand’s voice. 

How to Make a Brand Mood Board Guide

Inspiration & research.

When making a branding mood board you have to get inspired. Determine the feeling you want to evoke through your brand—the kind of energy that reflects who you are and what your business is about. 

From here, start compiling imagery (photos & graphics) that represent this feeling and start jotting down potential colors & fonts that will help bring all these elements together into one cohesive look. Looking through editorial photography , commercial photography , and other brands will be a good start to narrow down what type of visuals you like. 

A great compass for gathering imagery that aligns with your brand is to think about your brand’s core values, mission statement, and target audience. Ask yourself questions such as “What words come to mind when I think of my brand?” and “What kind of feeling do I want customers to have when they interact with my product or service?” 

Brand Mood Board Examples

Once you have a better idea of the type of message you want to convey, it’s time to start researching different images, fonts, colors, textures, etc., that embody that message. Use Pinterest boards, photography mood boards, or other online resources to compile visuals that fit with your vision for your brand. 

Learning How to Make a Brand Mood Board

Brainstorm color schemes & fonts.

Now it’s time to narrow down which colors and fonts fit best with the overall aesthetic and vibe of your brand. The colors should be bold yet complementary—not too many choices or it will become overwhelming. 

Brand Mood Board Examples  •  Colors

When it comes to fonts, consider two main options—one font for headlines and another for body copy—that match the vibe of your visuals

How to Make a Brand Mood Board  •  Fonts

Fonts are an essential element of brand design and recognition. The importance of the right font choice cannot be overstated; the font chosen can set the tone, define the message, and create a unique impression in the mind of consumers.. 

It’s important to choose a font that not only aligns with a brand's visual identity but  also communicates its message in an effective way

Creating a Branding Mood Board

Make it your own.

Finally, make sure to include something unique about yourself or your business on each mood board so it stands out from the rest. This could be an image related to a hobby or interest, or perhaps an inspiring quote from a favorite author or mentor. Whatever it is, make sure it resonates with you and speaks directly to who you are as a person/business. 

• FREE: Create and share a mood board online →
• What is a Mood Board — Definition and Examples →
• Mood Board Examples from Fashion and Photography →

How to Make a Brand Mood Board Digitally

Assembling the branding mood board .

Now comes the fun part—assembling the board. While this can be done physically with cutouts and physical materials, a more efficient and effective way is to use online software. We chose to use StudioBinder’s intuitive mood board app to create an example brand mood board. Check it out below.

Our very own screenwriting software  •   Subscribe on YouTube

Once in the app, begin adding elements such as fonts, photos, illustrations, color palettes, patterns, etc., until you have created an eye-catching collage that perfectly expresses your brand's core message.  

Creating a Mood Board for Branding

Refining your vision.

Once you have assembled all of the elements onto your board, it's time to start fine-tuning them until they are just right. Take a step back from the project if necessary — sometimes taking a break helps us see things more clearly when we return — then come back with fresh eyes.

This is a great time to gather feedback from trusted peers. A brand is a means of communication with a consumer. How a consumer perceives that brand through the visual elements it uses is the whole point. Feedback gives you a window into how the brand you created will be received. Use it to refine and improve your brand vision. 

How to Make a Brand Mood Board  •  Example

Learning how to make a brand mood board can seem intimidating at first but when done right, it can become a potent tool for crafting an effective brand identity. By gathering inspirational visuals, designing color schemes & font choices that speak to your core values as well as adding personal touches that show off who you truly are, you can create the perfect mood board to represent your brand in no time. 

Plus, having this on hand when designing marketing materials or website design will save tons of time in the long run. So what are you waiting for? Get started on crafting those creative elements today.

What is a Mood Board?

Mood boards are incredibly helpful for providing a visual representation of ideas, impressions and feelings. To learn more about the components of a mood board, check out our next article. 

Up Next: What is a Mood Board? →

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Step By Step Guide to Writing an Essay on Film

By Film Threat Staff | December 29, 2021

Writing an essay about a film sounds like a fun assignment to do. As part of the assignment, you get to watch the movie and write an analytical essay about your impressions. However, you will soon find that you’re staring at an empty sheet of paper or computer screen with no idea what to write, how to start writing your essay, or the essential points that need to be covered and analyzed. As an  essay writing service proves, watching the movie countless times isn’t all there is to write a film analysis essay. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with an essay service :

1. Watch the Movie

This is the obvious starting point, but surprisingly many students skip this step. It doesn’t matter if you’ve watched the movie twice before. If you’re asked to write an essay about it, you need to watch it again. Watching the film again allows you to pay more attention to specific elements to help you write an in-depth analysis about it.  

Watching the movie is crucial because it helps you not specific parts of the movie that can be used as illustrations and examples in your essay. You’re also going to explore and analyze the movie theme within your structured plan. Some of the critical elements that you have to look out for while watching the movie that may be crucial for your essay are:

• Key plot moments
• Editing style
• Stylistic elements
• Scenario execution
• Musical elements

2. Introduction

Your introduction will contain essential information about the film, such as the title, release date, director’s name, etc. This familiarizes the reader with the movie’s primary background information. In addition, researching the filmmaker may be crucial for your essay because it may help you discover valuable insights for your film analysis.

The introduction should also mention the movie’s central theme and explain why you think it was made that way.

Do not forget to include your thesis statement, which explains your focus on the movie.

3. Write a Summary

According to an  essay writing service  providing students   help with essays , a movie summary comes after the introduction. It includes the film’s basic premise, but it doesn’t have to reveal too many details about the film. It’s a summary, after all. Write the summary like your readers have not heard about the movie before, so you can mention the most basic plots but assume you have minimal time so you won’t be going into great details.

4. Write Your Analysis

This is the central part of the essay in which you analyze the movie critically and state your impressions about the film. Ensure to support your claims with relevant materials from the movie.

There are also several creative elements in a movie that are connected to make the film a whole. You must pay attention to these elements while watching the movie and analyze them in this part of the essay.

In this, you are looking out for the dialogs, character development, completion of scenes, and logical event sequences in the film to analyze.

Ensure you try to understand the logic behind events in the film and the actor’s motives to explain the scenario better.

The responsibility of different parts of the movie, such as plan selection and scenario execution, falls on the director. So, your analysis here focuses on how the director realized the script compared to his other movies. Understanding the director’s style of directing may be crucial to coming up with a conclusion relevant to your analysis and thesis.

The casting of a film is a significant element to consider in your essay. Without a great actor, the scriptwriter and director can’t bring their ideas to life. So, watch the actor’s acting and determine if they portrayed the character effectively and if their acting aligns with the film’s main idea.

• Musical element

A movie’s musical element enhances some of the sceneries or actions in the film and sets the mood. It has a massive impact on the movie, so it’s an essential element to analyze in your essay.

• Visual elements

This includes special effects, make-up, costumes, etc., which significantly impact the film. These elements must reflect the film’s atmosphere. It is even more crucial for historical movies since it has to be specific about an era.

Ensure to analyze elements relevant to your thesis statement, so you don’t drift from your main point.

5. Conclusion

In concluding your essay, you have to summarize the primary concepts more convincingly to support your analysis. Finally, you may include a CTA for readers to watch or avoid the movie.

These are the crucial steps to take when writing an essay about a film . Knowing this beforehand prevents you from struggling to start writing after watching the movie.

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I can’t list the number of essays that don’t follow this format in the least. But then I find most reviews of movies terrible and most people who purport themselves to be writers as people who need to spend more time drafting and editing before publishing.

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How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips

A film analysis essay might be the most exciting assignment you have ever had! After all, who doesn’t love watching movies? You have your favorite movies, maybe something you watched years ago, perhaps a classic, or a documentary. Or your professor might assign a film for you to make a critical review. Regardless, you are totally up for watching a movie for a film analysis essay.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

However, once you have watched the movie, facing the act of writing might knock the wind out of your sails because you might be wondering how to write a film analysis essay. In summary, writing movie analysis is not as difficult as it might seem, and Custom-writing.org experts will prove this. This guide will help you choose a topic for your movie analysis, make an outline, and write the text.️ Film analysis examples are added as a bonus! Just keep reading our advice on how to get started.

❓ What Is a Film Analysis Essay?

• 🚦 Film Analysis Types

📽️ Movie Analysis Format

✍️ how to write a film analysis, 🎦 film analysis template, 🎬 film analysis essay topics.

• 📄 Essay Examples

🔗 References

To put it simply, film analysis implies watching a movie and then considering its characteristics : genre, structure, contextual context, etc. Film analysis is usually considered to be a form of rhetorical analysis . The key to success here is to formulate a clear and logical argument, supporting it with examples.

🚦 Film Analysis Essay Types

Since a film analysis essay resembles literature analysis, it makes sense that there are several ways to do it. Its types are not limited to the ones described here. Moreover, you are free to combine the approaches in your essay as well. Since your writing reflects your own opinion, there is no universal way to do it.

• Semiotic analysis . If you’re using this approach, you are expected to interpret the film’s symbolism. You should look for any signs that may have a hidden meaning. Often, they reveal some character’s features. To make the task more manageable, you can try to find the objects or concepts that appear on the screen multiple times. What is the context they appear in? It might lead you to the hidden meaning of the symbols.
• Narrative structure analysis . This type is quite similar to a typical literature guide. It includes looking into the film’s themes, plot, and motives. The analysis aims to identify three main elements: setup, confrontation, and resolution. You should find out whether the film follows this structure and what effect it creates. It will make the narrative structure analysis essay if you write about the theme and characters’ motivations as well.
• Contextual analysis . Here, you would need to expand your perspective. Instead of focusing on inner elements, the contextual analysis looks at the time and place of the film’s creation. Therefore, you should work on studying the cultural context a lot. It can also be a good idea to mention the main socio-political issues of the time. You can even relate the film’s success to the director or producer and their career.
• Mise-en-scene analysis . This type of analysis works with the most distinctive feature of the movies, audiovisual elements. However, don’t forget that your task is not only to identify them but also to explain their importance. There are so many interconnected pieces of this puzzle: the light to create the mood, the props to show off characters’ personalities, messages hidden in the song lyrics.

To write an effective film analysis essay, it is important to follow specific format requirements that include the following:

• Standard essay structure. Just as with any essay, your analysis should consist of an introduction with a strong thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The main body usually includes a summary and an analysis of the movie’s elements.
• Present tense for events in the film. Use the present tense when describing everything that happens in the movie. This way, you can make smooth transitions between describing action and dialogue. It will also improve the overall narrative flow.
• Proper formatting of the film’s title. Don’t enclose the movie’s title in quotation marks; instead, italicize it. In addition, use the title case : that is, capitalize all major words.
• Proper use of the characters’ names. When you mention a film character for the first time, name the actor portraying them. After that, it is enough to write only the character’s name.
• In-text citations. Use in-text citations when describing certain scenes or shots from the movie. Format them according to your chosen citation style. If you use direct quotes, include the time-stamp range instead of page numbers. Here’s how it looks in the MLA format: (Smith 0:11:24–0:12:35).

Even though film analysis is similar to the literary one, you might still feel confused with where to begin. No need to worry; there are only a few additional steps you need to consider during the writing process.

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Need more information? It can be found in the video below.

Starting Your Film Analysis Essay

There are several things you need to do before you start writing your film analysis paper. First and foremost, you have to watch the movie. Even if you have seen it a hundred times, you need to watch it again to make a good film analysis essay.

Note that you might be given an essay topic or have to think of it by yourself. If you are free to choose a topic for your film analysis essay, reading some critical reviews before you watch the film might be a good idea. By doing this in advance, you will already know what to look for when watching the movie.

In the process of watching, keep the following tips in mind:

• Consider your impression of the movie
• Enumerate memorable details
• Try to interpret the movie message in your way
• Search for the proof of your ideas (quotes from the film)
• Make comments on the plot, settings, and characters
• Draw parallels between the movie you are reviewing and some other movies

Making a Film Analysis Essay Outline

Once you have watched and possibly re-watched your assigned or chosen movie from an analytical point of view, you will need to create a movie analysis essay outline . The task is pretty straightforward: the outline can look just as if you were working on a literary analysis or an article analysis.

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• Introduction : This includes the basics of the movie, including the title, director, and the date of release. You should also present the central theme or ideas in the movie and your thesis statement .
• Summary : This is where you take the time to present an overview of the primary concepts in the movie, including the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why)—don’t forget how!—as well as anything you wish to discuss that relates to the point of view, style, and structure.
• Analysis : This is the body of the essay and includes your critical analysis of the movie, why you did or did not like it, and any supporting material from the film to support your views. It would help if you also discussed whether the director and writer of the movie achieved the goal they set out to achieve.
• Conclusion: This is where you can state your thesis again and provide a summary of the primary concepts in a new and more convincing manner, making a case for your analysis. You can also include a call-to-action that will invite the reader to watch the movie or avoid it entirely.

You can find a great critical analysis template at Thompson Rivers University website. In case you need more guidance on how to write an analytical paper, check out our article .

Writing & Editing Your Film Analysis Essay

We have already mentioned that there are differences between literary analysis and film analysis. They become especially important when one starts writing their film analysis essay.

First of all, the evidence you include to support the arguments is not the same. Instead of quoting the text, you might need to describe the audiovisual elements.

However, the practice of describing the events is similar in both types. You should always introduce a particular sequence in the present tense. If you want to use a piece of a dialogue between more than two film characters, you can use block quotes. However, since there are different ways to do it, confirm with your supervisor.

For your convenience, you might as well use the format of the script, for which you don’t have to use quotation marks:

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ELSA: But she won’t remember I have powers?

KING: It’s for the best.

Finally, to show off your proficiency in the subject, look at the big picture. Instead of just presenting the main elements in your analysis, point out their significance. Describe the effect they make on the overall impression form the film. Moreover, you can dig deeper and suggest the reasons why such elements were used in a particular scene to show your expertise.

Stuck writing a film analysis essay? Worry not! Use our template to structure your movie analysis properly.

Introduction

• The title of the film is… [title]
• The director is… [director’s name] He/she is known for… [movies, style, etc.]
• The movie was released on… [release date]
• The themes of the movie are… [state the film’s central ideas]
• The film was made because… [state the reasons]
• The movie is… because… [your thesis statement].
• The main characters are… [characters’ names]
• The events take place in… [location]
• The movie is set in… [time period]
• The movie is about… [state what happens in the film and why]
• The movie left a… [bad, unforgettable, lasting, etc.] impression in me.
• The script has… [a logical sequence of events, interesting scenes, strong dialogues, character development, etc.]
• The actors portray their characters… [convincingly, with intensity, with varying degree of success, in a manner that feels unnatural, etc.]
• The soundtrack is [distracting, fitting, memorable, etc.]
• Visual elements such as… [costumes, special effects, etc.] make the film [impressive, more authentic, atmospheric, etc.]
• The film succeeds/doesn’t succeed in engaging the target audience because it… [tells a compelling story, features strong performances, is relevant, lacks focus, is unauthentic, etc.]
• Cultural and societal aspects make the film… [thought-provoking, relevant, insightful, problematic, polarizing, etc.]
• The director and writer achieved their goal because… [state the reasons]
• Overall, the film is… [state your opinion]
• I would/wouldn’t recommend watching the movie because… [state the reasons]
• Analysis of the film Inception by Christopher Nolan .
• Examine the rhetoric in the film The Red Balloon .
• Analyze the visual effects of Zhang Yimou’s movie Hero .
• Basic concepts of the film Interstellar by Christopher Nolan.
• The characteristic features of Federico Fellini’s movies.
• Analysis of the movie The Joker .
• The depiction of ethical issues in Damaged Care .
• Analyze the plot of the film Moneyball .
• Explore the persuasive techniques used in Henry V .
• Analyze the movie Killing Kennedy .
• Discuss the themes of the film Secret Window .
• Describe the role of audio and video effects in conveying the message of the documentary Life in Renaissance .
• Compare and analyze the films Midnight Cowboy and McCabe and Mrs. Miller .
• Analysis of the movie Rear Window .
• The message behind the film Split .
• Analyze the techniques used by Tim Burton in his movie Sleepy Hollow .
• The topic of children’s abuse and importance of trust in Joseph Sargent’s Sybil .
• Examine the themes and motives of the film Return to Paradise by Joseph Ruben .
• The issues of gender and traditions in the drama The Whale Rider.
• Analysis of the film Not Easily Broken by Duke Bill.
• The symbolism in R. Scott’s movie Thelma and Louise .
• The meaning of audiovisual effects in Citizen Kane .
• Analyze the main characters of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo .
• Discuss the historical accuracy of the documentary The Civil War .
• Analysis of the movie Through a Glass Darkly .
• Explore the core idea of the comedy Get Out .
• The problem of artificial intelligence and human nature in Ex Machina .
• Three principles of suspense used in the drama The Fugitive .
• Examine the ideas Michael Bay promotes in Armageddon .
• Analyze the visual techniques used in Tenet by Christopher Nolan.
• Analysis of the movie The Green Mile .
• Discrimination and exclusion in the film The Higher Learning .
• The hidden meaning of the scenes in Blade Runner .
• Compare the social messages of the films West Side Story and Romeo + Juliet .
• Highlighting the problem of children’s mental health in the documentary Kids in Crisis .
• Discuss the ways Paul Haggis establishes the issue of racial biases in his movie Crash .
• Analyze the problem of moral choice in the film Gone Baby Gone .
• Analysis of the historical film Hacksaw Ridge .
• Explore the main themes of the film Mean Girls by Mark Walters .
• The importance of communication in the movie Juno .
• Describe the techniques the authors use to highlight the problems of society in Queen and Slim .
• Examine the significance of visual scenes in My Family/ Mi Familia .
• Analysis of the thriller Salt by Phillip Noyce.
• Analyze the message of Greg Berlanti’s film Love, Simon .
• Interpret the symbols of the film The Wizard of Oz (1939).
• Discuss the modern issues depicted in the film The Corporation .
• Moral lessons of Edward Zwick’s Blood Diamond .
• Analysis of the documentary Solitary Nation .
• Describe the audiovisual elements of the film Pride and Prejudice (2005) .
• The problem of toxic relationships in Malcolm and Marie .

📄 Film Analysis Examples

Below you’ll find two film analysis essay examples. Note that the full versions are downloadable for free!

Film Analysis Example #1: The Intouchables

Raising acute social problems in modern cinema is a common approach to draw the public’s attention to the specific issues and challenges of people facing crucial obstacles. As a film for review, The Intouchables by Oliver Nakache and Éric Toledano will be analyzed, and one of the themes raised in this movie is the daily struggle of the person with severe disabilities. This movie is a biographical drama with comedy elements. The Intouchables describes the routine life of a French millionaire who is confined to a wheelchair and forced to receive help from his servants. The acquaintance of the disabled person with a young and daring man from Parisian slums changes the lives of both radically. The film shows that for a person with disabilities, recognition as a full member of society is more important than sympathy and compassion, and this message expressed comically raises an essential problem of human loneliness.

Movie Analysis Example #2: Parasite

Parasite is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller movie directed by Bong Joon-ho and is the first film with a non-English script to win Best Picture at the Oscars in 2020. With its overwhelming plot and acting, this motion picture retains a long-lasting effect and some kind of shock. The class serves as a backbone and a primary objective of social commentary within the South Korean comedy/thriller (Kench, 2020). Every single element and detail in the movie, including the student’s stone, the contrasting architecture, family names, and characters’ behavior, contribute to the central topic of the universal problem of classism and wealth disparity. The 2020 Oscar-winning movie Parasite (2019) is a phenomenal cinematic portrayal and a critical message to modern society regarding the severe outcomes of the long-established inequalities within capitalism.

Want more examples? Check out this bonus list of 10 film analysis samples. They will help you gain even more inspiration.

• “Miss Representation” Documentary Film Analysis
• “The Patriot”: Historical Film Analysis
• “The Morning Guy” Film Analysis
• 2012′ by Roland Emmerich Film Analysis
• “The Crucible” (1996) Film Analysis
• The Aviator’ by Martin Scorsese Film Analysis
• The “Lions for Lambs” Film Analysis
• Bill Monroe – Father of Bluegrass Music Film Analysis
• Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Film Analysis
• Red Tails by George Lucas Film Analysis

Film Analysis Essay FAQ

• Watch the movie or read a detailed plot summary.
• Read others’ film reviews paying attention to details like key characters, movie scenes, background facts.
• Compose a list of ideas about what you’ve learned.
• Organize the selected ideas to create a body of the essay.
• Write an appropriate introduction and conclusion.

The benefits of analyzing a movie are numerous . You get a deeper understanding of the plot and its subtle aspects. You can also get emotional and aesthetic satisfaction. Film analysis enables one to feel like a movie connoisseur.

Here is a possible step by step scenario:

• Think about the general idea that the author probably wanted to convey.
• Consider how the idea was put across: what characters, movie scenes, and details helped in it.
• Study the broader context: the author’s other works, genre essentials, etc.

The definition might be: the process of interpreting a movie’s aspects. The movie is reviewed in terms of details creating the artistic value. A film analysis essay is a paper presenting such a review in a logically structured way.

• Film Analysis – UNC Writing Center
• Film Writing: Sample Analysis // Purdue Writing Lab
• Yale Film Analysis – Yale University
• Film Terms And Topics For Film Analysis And Writing
• Questions for Film Analysis (Washington University)
• Resources on Film Analysis – Cinema Studies (University of Toronto)
• Does Film Analysis Take the Magic out of Movies?
• Film Analysis Research Papers – Academia.edu
• What’s In a Film Analysis Essay? Medium
• Analysis of Film – SAGE Research Methods
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Have you ever read a review and asked yourself how the critic arrived at a different interpretation for the film? You are sure that you saw the same movie, but you interpreted it differently. Most moviegoers go to the cinema for pleasure and entertainment. There’s a reason why blockbuster movies attract moviegoers – cinema is a form of escape, a way to momentarily walk away from life’s troubles.

It’s an interesting point of view. Thank you for your opinion, Sourav!

EXCELENT COVERAGE!

Thank you, Mike!

Hi Rebecca,

Glad you liked the post. Sure thing, feel free to share the link with your audience!

All the best.

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How to Write an Essay on a Film: A Step-by-Step Guide to Analytical Writing

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the magic of the movies? How do you tailor your film experience into a thought-provoking piece of writing that outlines the core aspects of the genre? Whether you’re an eager student getting started with analytical writing or a film enthusiast itching to pen your thoughts, understanding how to write a good essay on a movie is key. Writing an essay on a film isn’t all about listing characters in a movie scene but providing a deep analysis of the representation of issues and how they relate to the real-world. In this regard, being able to articulate your thoughts can be a game-changer as you get to build a reputation as  a writer while at the same time gaining a deeper understanding of how film producers and writers mold their characters. Whether you’re getting started or a seasoned film analysis writer, this article will help you understand some tips that can help take your writing experience to another level. So, sit back and read along!

Tips to Write an Essay on a Film Correctly

Movies have an unparalleled ability to take us into the realms of imagination. As a student or a passionate moviegoer, you might find yourself inspired to write an essay on a film that had an impact on you. Whether it’s a thought-provoking analysis essay on a film or a personal reflection on a movie scene, it’s important that you display utmost creativity in your work. Here are tips to help you write correctly:

• Immerse yourself in the film . To pen an insightful analysis essay on a film, immerse yourself in the movie you intend to explore. Watch the film attentively, allowing the scenes and dialogues to resonate with you deeply. Lastly, take notes as you watch to ensure you have all the captivating moments on paper.
• Choose an area of focus . A successful film essay needs a clear and specific focus. Decide whether you want to analyze the movie as a whole, zoom in on a particular scene, or evaluate the effectiveness of the movie script. The choice of focus is very important as it gives your film analysis essay a sense of direction and purpose, presenting a better opportunity for success.
• Write a captivating introduction . The introduction of your film analysis essay should be like an opening shot that captivates the reader’s attention from the very beginning. Start with a compelling hook that intrigues the audience, introduce the film’s title and director, and provide a brief overview of what your essay will explore. Don’t forget to include your thesis statement to ensure the readers can understand your arguments.
• Embrace analytics evaluation . A film analysis essay isn’t complete without critical evaluation. Express your thoughts and opinions on the movie’s strengths and weaknesses. Be fair and objective in your assessment, backing your evaluations with solid reasoning and evidence from the film. Your unique perspective will make your essay stand out.
• Showcase your writing skills . Remember that a well-written essay is a joy to read. Showcase your writing skills by crafting clear, concise, and eloquent sentences. Use appropriate vocabulary to convey your ideas effectively. Proofread your essay carefully to eliminate any grammatical errors or typos that might distract your readers from the essence of your analysis.
• Seek feedback . Before finalizing your essay, seek feedback from peers, friends, or teachers. Constructive criticism can help you polish your work and identify areas for improvement. At this point, it might be helpful to contact custom essay writing service CustomWritings and have an expert from the company look at your essay and suggest any edits where necessary. This will help you align the essay to your target audience while at the same time honing your writing skills to meet the industry standards.

Benefits of Writing an Essay on a Movie

As students and film enthusiasts, we often find ourselves drawn to the magic of the screen. However, beyond the entertainment lies a hidden treasure waiting to be unlocked—writing an essay on a film. Whether it’s an in-depth analysis essay on a film or a personal reflection on a memorable movie scene, the process of putting our thoughts into words offers surprising benefits that go beyond mere writing exercises:

• Writing enhances critical thinking : Crafting film reviews and analysis essays requires delving into the nuances of storytelling, character development, cinematography, and more. This process stimulates critical thinking skills, encouraging writers to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the various elements that make a movie memorable. As we unravel the layers of a film, we enhance our ability to think critically and express our insights coherently.
• Opportunities for deeper film appreciation : Watching a film is an immersive experience, but writing about it takes our appreciation to new heights. When you write an essay about a film you have seen, you begin to notice the minor details you’ve often ignored when casually viewing. From the symbolism hidden in a movie scene to the underlying messages in a movie script, our writing journey unveils the craftsmanship of filmmakers and deepens our appreciation for their art.
• It provides an avenue to express emotional appreciation : Movies have a unique power to evoke emotions, and writing about them allows us to articulate the impact they have on our hearts and minds. When we write an essay on a film we have seen, we can delve into our emotional connections with the characters, the plot, or a particular scene that resonated with us. Sharing our feelings through writing can be cathartic and adds a personal touch to our analysis.
• Enhances personal writing skills : Writing essays on films nurtures our writing abilities, allowing us to experiment with language, style, and structure. We learn to convey complex ideas concisely, develop coherent arguments, and use appropriate vocabulary to articulate our thoughts effectively. These skills are not only valuable for academic pursuits but also serve us well in various aspects of life.
• It empowers artistic expression : Writing an essay on a film unleashes our creativity and empowers us to share our unique interpretations of cinematic masterpieces. We can experiment with creative writing techniques, such as vivid imagery or descriptive language, to paint a vivid picture of our cinematic experience. Through our words, we become storytellers, encapsulating the essence of the films that have left an indelible mark on us.
• Enhances academic growth : For students, writing film analysis essays is a gateway to academic growth. These essays encourage interdisciplinary exploration, connecting literature, history, sociology, and psychology to the world of cinema. Through such connections, students gain a holistic understanding of various subjects, enriching their academic journey.

Navigate Through the World of Writing

Writing an essay on a film can be a great skill to have. It helps you navigate the world of cinema while at the same time improving your analytical writing abilities. It gives you the opportunity to identify the essential elements in a story and convey your interpretations effectively. However, navigating through the domain of writing can be challenging if you’re just getting started. This article has outlined some of the tips to effective writing, presenting you with an opportunity to up your game when it comes to writing. So, brace yourself and explore the limitless opportunities that come with writing analytical film essays.

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• Short Film Festival – 2024

How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips

22 December 2023

last updated

This guideline is designed to teach people how to write a film analysis essay. Basically, students and anyone interested in writing a good movie analysis essay should read the details and tips that can help them to produce a high-standard piece. The article begins by defining what a film analysis is, listing the possible topics of such an essay, and giving a sample outline and example. The guideline also teaches about the various types of film analysis and the most common concepts that such a paper may address. As a result, the article concludes with tips, including ten things to do and ten not to do when writing a film analysis essay.

General Aspects of How to Write an Outstanding Film Analysis Essay

A college education is dynamic and robust because students undertake various academic activities in and out of the lecture room. Typically, activities within lecture halls are theoretical, and those that happen outside are practical. A critical academic exercise is a film analysis assignment, where professors require students to watch a movie and discuss using particular elements. The elements directors and producers use to bring the action alive include the stage, lighting, sound, and other special effects. As such, analyzing a film is a complex exercise that requires one to perfect the art of writing. In turn, this article is a guideline for how to write a film analysis essay. By reading this text, students can gain insights into the details and elements they must address when writing a movie analysis essay.

Definition of What Is a Film Analysis and Its Meaning

According to a simple definition, film analysis explores the use of particular elements in a film, including mise-en-scène, cinematography, sound, and editing. Students should talk about actors’ positioning, scenery adaptation, physical setting, stage lighting, and cultural context when writing this kind of essay. Another critical fact to consider is that films come in various genres, including action, documentaries, drama, horror, romance, and science fiction. Each type of movie analysis utilizes the above elements differently. Therefore, film analysis means writing an in-depth examination of how directors and producers approach their productions to make them entertaining and informative. For example, most science fiction films are futuristic, showing how society may change. In this respect, all films have a cultural context students must address in their movie analysis essay.

Unique Features of a Film Analysis

Generally, film analysis essays differ from other types of papers , including an argumentative essay , a cause and effect essay , and a research paper , because they focus on a single production and explore the use of the above elements. Some unique features that differentiate film analysis papers from other types of essays include a short plot summary where writers briefly tell readers what the movie is about, such as exterminating evil. In this type of analysis, writers evaluate the use of the elements above and state whether they make the film great or below expectations. Another feature is a poster showing sceneries to give readers a visual experience of the movie. Such visuals are essential to arouse the reader’s emotions and mental involvement in a movie analysis. Therefore, when writing a film analysis essay, students should focus on telling the story and depicting it.

6 Common Types of a Film Analysis Essay

Students must determine the type of film analysis essay to avoid sounding ignorant and irrelevant when writing about the movie. The most common types are semiotic, narrative, contextual, mise-en-scène, cultural, and historical analyses. Each type requires students to adopt a singular focus, meaning one cannot concentrate effort on elements that do not fall under the study. The reason for these types of analyses is that it is not always possible to understand an entire film in an essay, which is generally a short text of about two to three pages. Nonetheless, it is prudent for students to know how to write each type, meaning understanding the approach and unique features they must discuss and evaluate.

🔸 Semiotic Analysis

A semiotic essay involves discussing, evaluating, and interpreting the use of literary analysis elements, including analogies and metaphors, to inanimate characters and objects. Generally, these elements have different meanings, and students should determine what a particular feature stands for in the film they are analyzing vis-à-vis its broader cultural or historical significance in society. For example, when analyzing the 1958 film Vertigo , one may discuss the symbolism of flowers by stating how some images of them falling apart depict the heroine’s vulnerability. In turn, when conducting a semiotic analysis, one should consider several issues, including the repetition of objects or images throughout the movie, the association of a character with particular objects, and the relation between an object and other objects. Hence, a semiotic analysis essay requires students to examine the use of objects and symbols to communicate a deep meaning.

🔸 Narrative Analysis

A narrative analysis essay involves examining the elements that directors or producers use to construct the storyline, including characters, the plot, the setting, and the narrative structure. As such, students should focus on the entire movie and the message it seeks to communicate. Considering the example above of Vertigo , writers may discuss the narrative role of flowers by analyzing how director Alfred Hitchcock introduces them as the film begins and only brings them up again toward the end to complete the heroine’s character arc. Students should also consider several issues when conducting a narrative analysis essay, including the plot and how it unfolds. For example, one may talk about whether events are systematic or out of order and what that signifies. However, students should not focus on summarizing the plot at the expense of making and defending an argument.

🔸 Contextual Analysis

A contextual analysis of a film is a discussion of the placement of the movie within particular contexts, such as slavery, women’s suffrage, the civil rights movement, or the industrial revolution. In this case, filmmakers produce movies and base their identity on the unfolding circumstances or themes defining a particular time in history.

🔸 Mise-en-Scène Analysis

A mise-en-scène analysis essay involves discussing and evaluating compositional elements, including sets, props, actors, costumes, and lighting, and how they complement or conflict with cinematography, sound, and editing. The most effective approach in conducting this movie analysis is to focus on one or a few scenes rather than the entire film, telling readers how they support or undermine the plot. As such, mise-en-scène is part of the director’s narrative because this element influences how the audience understands the central message in the production. Taking Vertigo as a case study , one may discuss how Hitchcock incorporates lighting and camera angles to characterize Jimmy Stewart (starring as former police detective John “Scottie” Ferguson) as acrophobic. When adopting a mise-en-scène analysis, students should consider how particular scenes create effects and their purpose and how different scenes emphasize a theme central to the plot.

🔸 Cultural Analysis

A cultural analysis essay examines, evaluates, and interprets the broader cultural disposition the director adopts to tell the story. Students must understand that, regardless of a film’s production period, a culture influences its various elements, like characters and their mannerisms. Taking Vertigo as an example, one may interpret the scene where a man observes a woman without her knowing it to mean the sexual policing of women in mid-20th century America. When analyzing the context of a movie, students should consider how the film captures, reinforces, or critiques social norms in a particular culture or era.

🔸 Historical Analysis

A historical analysis essay means writing about a particular film from the perspective of the period underscoring its production. Ideally, filmmakers place their work into a historical context, such as the colonial era or ancient civilizations. Therefore, when writing a film analysis essay, students should focus on the period the director situates its plot.

How to Write a More Technical and Focused Film Analysis Essay

Film analysis helps readers to understand essential details, including the plot and its central themes, characters and their disposition, scenes and significance, and effects and the message they communicate. In this respect, one must be ready to undertake a technical, focused, and vigorous analysis of one or several of these elements. In most instances, instructions dictate the aspects students should write about. However, without such specifications, they should focus on a few elements and examine them vigorously. For example, one may decide to focus on the plot. In this instance, a movie analysis essay must examine the plot from different perspectives, including the characters, central themes, and the message. Such a focused analysis allows readers to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular element of movie reviews instead of an analysis that discusses several elements superficially. Some elements and terms that students can use for writing a film analysis essay include:

• Flashback and flashforward: Flashbacks are scenes that recount events that have a powerful influence on the current or unfolding event. On the other hand, flashforwards are scenes that reveal events that will occur later in the film, and their purpose is to create anticipation in the audience.
• Time framework: Film directors structure time linearly to depict an orderly unfolding of events. The most common time framework is omitting events to move the story forward.
• Setting: The environment within which a director creates a movie, including physical surrounding like a city and period like a year or century.
• Range of events: The different events in a film sustain the plot. Typically, these events directly or indirectly affect protagonists because they facilitate the storyline.
• Cast: The people producing a film, including the main actors and the production crew. However, actors take priority when discussing the cast.
• Plot: The sequence of events that directors create to communicate a central message in a movie analysis. When writing a film analysis essay, students should never ignore this aspect because it underscores the storyline.
• Shot, scene, and sequence: Features that tell the quality of a film but, most importantly, the interconnectivity of elements in the director’s aim to tell a story.
• Genre: The classification of movies into various forms, such as action, documentaries, science fiction, horror, or romance. Knowing a film’s genre under analysis is helpful in identifying the significance of cinematography and mise-en-scène elements.
• Directing: Supervising film production by visualizing the script, controlling and managing the artistic and dramatic aspects, and guiding the actors and technical crew.
• Scenario: The aspect of a movie analysis that provides the audience insight into the plot or characters. Ideally, scenarios are scenes that convey critical details of the storyline, such as climax.
• Acting: The role that individuals play to bring a film’s plot alive. As such, it involves all people who assume different characters in a movie, including protagonists, antagonists, heroes, and heroines.
• Visual effects: The qualities that filmmakers use to bring the action alive, such as images, shots, and scenes. When discussing visual effects in a film analysis essay, students should comment on how they reinforce certain concepts or themes, like mood, fear, and suspense.
• Music and audio effects: Sound and language that enhance the audience’s understanding of the central message. Most films incorporate background sounds in multiple scenes to arouse reactions in the audience.
• Camera angle: The positioning of the camera to capture precise shots in films. Filmmakers use camera angles in relation to scenes and characters to affect the audience’s perception.
• Lighting: A mise-en-scène element that filmmakers use to create different effects in a film. Ideally, movies involve different lighting techniques, such as key light, fill light, and backlight, to guide the audience’s attention, create a visual impact, give the film a texture, or create an atmosphere.
• References: Features that indicate how a film uses dialogue and images in its storyline to allude to, recall, or refer to another movie. Ideally, filmmakers use this feature to contextualize their productions within a cultural or historical space.
• Animation: The use of drawings or puppets with mobility like humans. Although it is a movie genre for analysis today, filmmakers use animation to give objects animal or human qualities, such as walking, talking, crying, or fighting. Animations effectively depict society as a complex system comprising different life systems.
• Protagonist: The character that takes center stage in a film and whom the director uses to construct the plot. While a film’s plot may revolve around several actors, only one is central, and others only assist the main hero in accomplishing agendas. In this respect, when students are writing a film analysis, they should tell the audience the main protagonist(s).
• Antagonist: Characters that stand opposite of protagonists. Filmmakers use them to depict the main character as assailed by forces aiming to thwart their agenda.
• Climax: The point in a movie where the plot peaks and where the protagonist puts into motion a series of events that significantly determine their final experience. These events may include betrayal, heroism, or tragedy. Therefore, one can identify a film’s climax by assessing how the plot intensifies and events directly impacting the protagonist unfolds.
• Hero vs. anti-hero: Heroes stand out as brave because they attempt what others fear. In most movies, protagonists are heroes because they survive what consumes others. On the other hand, an anti-hero is a central character who lacks heroic qualities like bravery but is timid, fearful, frustrating, and irritating. As a result, the audience celebrates heroes under analysis and loath anti-heroes.
• Atmosphere: The environment in which a movie imbues the audience through the sequence of events revolving around the plot. Generally, action films create an intense atmosphere because of the frequency of fights. On the other hand, romantic movies create an emotional atmosphere characterized by attraction and happiness. On their part, horror films create an uneasy atmosphere because of the constant anticipation of evil.
• Background: The technique of capturing an image or object from a distance, often giving other images or objects prominence. Filmmakers use this quality to create a sense of authenticity in scenes. For example, a scene capturing a rioting crowd may have in its background an image of anti-riot police forming a barrier using their bodies. Looking at the imagery, one may see rioters more clearly but also understand the situation’s intensity because of the police in the background.
• Cameo: The dramatic appearance of a famous actor or personality in a movie for various reasons, including fun, publicity, or to give the film credibility. However, such characters do not become protagonists because they appear briefly and only once. When doing a film analysis, students should indicate such personalities and the role they may have played in the plot.
• Cinematography: The artistic use of technology and visual effects to dramatize the sequence of events in a film. Ideally, writers should examine the scenes’ general composition, locations’ lighting, camera angles and movements, and special effects, like illusions or camera tricks.
• Comic relief: A scene that allows the audience to release emotional weight or tension that may have built up due to escalating events with a negative outcome, such as betrayal and a series of murders. Filmmakers interpose comic relief in tragic scenarios to avoid burdening the audience emotionally to the point of refusing to watch the film to its conclusion . The only film genre that rarely uses comic relief is gothic.
• Film critics: Individuals who have made criticizing films a part- or full-time engagement. Ideally, these people watch movies to identify negative qualities, like a confused plot, poor lighting, and sound effects. While one may consider them an appropriate source of film reviews, they rarely highlight a good analysis of a movie.
• Director’s cut: An edited film version that represents the director’s original edit before the release of the theatrical edit that reaches the screens. This part of the film is important because it shows scenes that some editors may cut or altered. By examining the director’s cut, the writer of a film analysis essay looks at the complete production and tells how it may enhance the audience’s viewing experience.
• Foreshadowing: The technique of giving the audience a sneak preview of events yet to unfold to build anticipation and heighten dramatic tension. Filmmakers use this quality early in the film to create excitement in the audience and make them want to view the production to the end. Typically, foreshadowing focuses on events directly affecting the protagonist, such as a tragedy.
• Editing: Perfecting a film by deleting, arranging, and splicing scenes and synchronizing all elements, including cinematography, mise-en-scène, sound, and special effects. The goal of editing is to make a film perfect for airing on the big screen. In this respect, it aims to remove all features affecting quality.
• Long shot: A scene in a film that filmmakers shoot from a considerable distance to give images and objects indistinct shapes, almost unrecognizable. An excellent long shot captures people walking New York City streets from the city’s skyline. While one would know the images are people walking, they cannot describe their demographics, such as age, gender, or race.
• Metaphor: A literary device that allows filmmakers to represent similarities between objects. An example of a metaphor in a movie is a visual metaphor, where filmmakers represent nouns through graphical images to suggest a particular association or resemblance. For example, an advert can represent beauty through the appearance of a flawless face, implying that beauty is equal to a look without flaws. Such an advert increases people’s interest in having a perfect face, leading to purchasing beauty products.
• Montage: The film editing technique where filmmakers combine a series of short shots into one sequence to condense time, establish continuity, or provide contrast. Montages take different forms, including repetition of camera movements, minimal or no dialogue, quick cuts, music, and voice narration.
• New wave: A French art film movement that emerged in the late 1950s to pave the way for experimentation and iconoclasm, thus rejecting traditional filmmaking conventions. Filmmakers who subscribed to this wave used film as a medium, like pottery or novels, for telling stories and translating thoughts and ideas by experimenting with form and style.
• Mockumentary traits: Films that assume a documentary genre, although they do not tell true stories. Instead, filmmakers use parody, satire, and humor to describe contemporary society through events, ideas, and emerging trends. Simply put, a movie is a mockumentary if it is a fictional documentary.
• Slow motion: A filmmaking effect where time appears to slow down because the film captures footage at a slower speed. This technique is common for rewinding scenarios to reinforce an idea in the audience. For example, most productions of sports tournaments use slow motion to provide viewers with detailed and perfect shots that leave no room for imagination and analysis.
• Soundtrack: The sound, often music, which filmmakers incorporate in a plot to accompany scenes for heightened effects, such as arousing the audience’s emotions. In most instances, this music plays in the background, often from a low to high intensity and vice versa, depending on the scene.
• Theme: The concept, idea, or principle that emphasizes a film’s plot and central message, such cas sadness, victory, morality, or community. By identifying the themes that a director uses to construct the plot, authors of a film analysis essay can tell the audience their meaning and significance through the story of the protagonist.
• Symmetry: The quality of balancing shots between characters or placing shots symmetrically to each other to create a pattern. For example, visual symmetry involves repeating parts of an image along a path, across an axis, or around a center. Filmmakers use symmetrical patterns to convey a sense of unity or uniformity.
• Symbolism: The literary device of using objects to symbolize ideas. For example, a filmmaker can use a dove to symbolize peace or the color black to symbolize evil. In essence, symbolism allows filmmakers to communicate profound messages to the audience. Therefore, students need to identify symbols representing ideas in film analysis.

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Topic Examples for Writing a Film Analysis Essay

• Video Review: Salt (2010)
• Video Review and Approval of Black Panther (2018)
• Analysis Essay of Volodymyr Zelensky’s Speech “I Call for You to Do More”
• Examining Gender Issues Through Symbolism in The Ugly Truth (2009)
• Discussing the Narrative Structure in The Godfather (1972)
• Evaluating Christopher Nolan’s Use of Mise-en-Scène Elements in Oppenheimer (2023)
• What Features Indicate the Context of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club (1993)?
• What Is the Cultural Context of City of God (2002)?
• How Does History Feature as an Element in the Star Wars Trilogy?
• How Does Roman Polanski Employ Flashback and Flashforward to Tell the Story of Wladyslaw Szpilman in The Pianist (2002)?
• Discussing the Conception of Time in The Matrix (1999)
• How Does the Setting of The Departed (2006) Underscore the Film’s Contemporary Significance?
• Describing the Chronology of Events in The Bark Night Rises (2012)
• How Does Casting Affect the Plot in American Beauty (1992)?
• What Central Themes Describe the Plot in Inglorious Bastards (2009)?
• Discussing How Scenes in Idiots (2009) Facilitate the Plot
• Analysis of Gothic Elements in the Horror Genre via the Lens of The Mummy (2017)
• Evaluating Mel Gibson’s Directing of The Braveheart (1995)
• Discussing the Scenarios that Construct the Climax in Capernaum (2018)
• Evaluating Al Pacino’s Acting in Scarface (1983)
• Analyzing the Significance of Visual Effects in Film From the Perspective of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
• How Does Sound Affect the Audience in Monster House (2006)?
• Evaluating How Camera Angle Enrich Viewer Experience in Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
• How Does Lighting Fit in the Gothic Film Sleepy Hollow (1999)?
• How Does Steven Spielberg Employ References in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)?
• Analysis of Animation in a Film From the Perspective of King Kong (1933)
• Who Is the Protagonist in The Wolf of Wallstreet (2013) and Why?
• What Makes Saruman the Antagonist in The Lord of the Rings Series?
• How Does Climax Underpin the Plot in Casino (1995)?
• Analyzing the Difference Between Heroes and Anti-Heroes via the Lenses of Black Panther (2018) and Black Adam (2022)
• How Does Suspense Create an Atmosphere of Anticipation in Black Swan (2010)?
• Discussing How Background Influences Viewer Experience in No Country for Old Men (2007)
• Evaluating the Impact of Harrison Ford’s Appearance in  Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)
• How Does M. Night Shyamalan Employ Cinematography in The Sixth Sense (1999)?
• Explaining Comic Relief in Film Using Uncut Gems (2019) as a Case Study
• Criticizing Jurassic Park (1993) from the Perspective of Cinematography
• How Does Director’s Cut Enrich the Storyline in Blade Runner (1982)?
• Exploring Foreshadowing in the Film Using 12 Years a Slave (2013)
• Explaining the Link Between Film Editing and Quality Using Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) as an Example
• How Do Long Shots Affect Viewers’ Experience in Film?
• Understanding a Visual Metaphor in Hotel Rwanda (2004)
• How Does Dialogue Underscore Montage in The Terminator (1984)?
• Analysis of How the Mid-20th Century New Wave Impacted French Filmmaking
• How Does Forgotten Silver (1995) Incorporate Mocumentary Traits?
• What Role Does Slow Motion Play in Films?
• Analyzing the Importance of Soundtracks From the Perspective of Horror Films
• How Do Film Directors Use Themes as Conveyors of the Central Message?
• Discussing How Symmetry Affects the Quality of Films
• Exploring Symbolism in the Film Using Angels & Demons (2009)

Sample Outline Template for Writing a Film Analysis Essay

I. College Essay Introduction

• Introduce the film’s title, followed by the director’s name and year of production.
• Give a short description of the film or some context underpinning its release.
• End this paragraph with a thesis statement about the film.

II. Summary

• Overview the film by describing its context, setting, plot, and main characters.

III. Analysis

• Describe several scenes in more detail by focusing on various elements, including cinematography, mise-en-scène, and others that help to evaluate the film.
• Provide and cite some scenes as details and supporting evidence for analysis.
• Evaluate and interpret the use of the above elements.

IV. Conclusion

• Remind the audience about the film’s context and plot.
• Recapitulate information in the analysis section.
• Interpret the film’s significance.

Example of a Film Analysis Essay

Topic: What Features Indicate the Context of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club (1993)?

I. Example of Writing an Introduction for a Film Analysis Essay

Films play a crucial role in educating people about the context within which movies come into their lives. Ideally, filmmakers implement various societal elements to construct ideas and use cinema as a conveyor belt to pass movies to different populations. Therefore, analyzing the film’s context is critical in understanding the ideas that the director embraced to produce the work. Several features in the 1993 film The Joy Luck Club indicate the film’s context.

II. Example of Writing a Summary Paragraph for a Film Analysis Essay

Directed by Wayne Wang, The Joy Luck Club tells the story of an Asian woman named Jun, born of the late Suyuan, who founded the Joy Luck Club social group. The movie’s plot revolves around the experiences of Asian mothers as immigrants in America from the perspective of their daughters. In this respect, the film takes a narrative approach. The movie’s setting alternates between San Francisco, California, and China, with the scenes in San Francisco representing the present day. Set in the 1980s, the storyline takes the viewer across generations. In this case, the mothers have flashbacks of the 1920s and 1940s.

III. Example of Writing an Analysis Paragraph for a Film Essay

A. physical landscape.

A key feature that reveals the context of The Joy Luck Club is the physical landscape. The film captures San Francisco as an urban place populated by buildings, busy streets, and a coastline. The movie contrasts this landscape with the mountainous landscape in China, where natural elements exceed physical structures.

B. Cultural Nuances

Another feature that reveals the film’s context is cultural nuances between mothers and their daughters. The viewer learns how mothers went through a world so different from that of their daughters to the extent they loathe some of the behaviors and mannerisms they see in them. However, the viewer can tell that some cultural differences between mothers and daughters may explain why there is confusion between two generations. Born in the conservative Chinese culture, mothers experience a cultural shock once in America, which does not happen for their daughters because they have only experienced the liberal American culture. In this respect, life values and perspectives of mothers and their daughters are constantly in conflict.

C. Conflict Between Generations

Although the scenes in San Francisco and China are essential to the storyline, cultural nuances of mothers and their daughters take center stage in a conflict between generations in the film. While daughters seem relaxed and willing to engage in fantasies, their mothers insist they embrace education as the noblest achievement. As such, two generations are always at loggerheads about leisure time because mothers seek to utilize every minute to work, while daughters want to have fun most of the time. Ironically, mothers see education as the tool to make their daughters truly American because it determines their quality of life.

IV. Example of Writing a Conclusion for a Film Analysis Essay

The Joy Luck Club exposes the experiences of Chinese mothers in America, showing some cultural nuances that influence their relationships with their daughters. The film depicts immigration as crucial to the women’s experiences in the movie because it is the avenue through which mothers arrived in America. In essence, the film depicts mothers as caring despite their unpleasant experiences and their daughters’ ignorance.

4 Easy Steps for Writing a Film Analysis Essay

Writing a good film analysis essay is a technical process that requires students to grasp and demonstrate certain qualities. Ideally, one should know how to produce a high-standard paper, including adequate preparation, stage setup, creating an initial draft, and perfecting a final draft. These details summarize the steps of writing a great film analysis essay.

Step 1: Preparation

Preparation is the first step of writing a film analysis essay and involves several tasks. The first aspect is defining possible essay topics if instructions from tutors do not specify them. In turn, one may select film research paper topics that are easy yet challenging. The second task is to generate ideas that the audience can relate to, such as the cultural or historical issues in the film.

Step 2: Stage Set Up

Setting the stage is the second step of writing a film analysis essay. It involves watching the film to understand its context and plot and using cinematography and other elements. The second task is to research credible sources that help to analyze the movie, such as scholarly reviews and scholarship on film, including gothic movies and the use of literary or rhetorical devices . The next task is to create a clear essay outline according to the sample above.

Step 3: The Writing Process of Starting a First Draft

The third step of writing a film analysis essay is to write a paper focusing on producing an initial draft. The text activity should combine all ideas to create a document with a logical order of ideas and content. Some of the activities in this stage include adding or deleting reliable sources to fit a paper and altering an initial outline to organize ideas. Students should also focus on developing a clear thesis statement when writing the introduction because it summarizes the paper’s aim. Students should adopt evidence-based writing by incorporating evidence and corresponding citations in the body. The last aspect is to restate the thesis and summarize the analysis in the conclusion by mentioning the most critical points.

Step 4: Wrap-Up and Finishing a Final Draft

The final step of writing a film analysis essay is to wrap it up by perfecting a first draft. In this respect, students should focus on revising their first drafts to eliminate flaws like inconsistent ideas. The second task is to edit a film analysis essay by adding to deleting words and sentences to foster a logical flow of thought. Students should also ensure each body paragraph has a topic sentence , evidence, scenes, or details cited from academic sources or films, explanation and analysis sentences, concluding remark, and transition to the next paragraph, not forgetting to check if the paper’s formatting is perfect. Concerning formatting, students should adopt one style in the entire document: APA , MLA , Harvard , or Chicago/Turabian . Considering The Joy Luck Club , templates and examples of citations should read as follows:

📕 Citing a Film in APA

• Reference entry: Wang, W. (Director). (1993). The Joy Luck Club [Film]. Walt Disney Studios.
• In-text citation: (Wang, 1993, 00:46:00-00:50:00)

📕 Citing a Film in MLA

• Work Cited entry: The Joy Luck Club . Directed by Wayne Wang, performances by Suyuan Woo and Rose Hsu Jordan, Walt Disney Studios, 1993.
• In-text citation: ( The Joy Luck Club 00:46:00-00:50:00)

📕 Citing a Film in Harvard

• Reference List entry: The Joy Luck Club (1993). Directed by Wayne Wang. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Studios.
• In-text citation: ( The Joy Luck Club 1993, 00:46:00-00:50:00)

📕 Citing a Film in Chicago/Turabian

• Bibliography entry: Wang, Wayne, director. The Joy Luck Club . Walt Disney Studios, 1993.
• Footnote: 1. The Joy Luck Club , directed by Wayne Wang (Walt Disney Studios, 1993), 00:46:00-00:50:00.

20 Tips for Writing a Good Film Analysis Essay

Students must learn essential tips for writing a high-standard film analysis essay. These tips include watching a specific film before starting a movie analysis paper; determining the aspects to cover, such as the plot, cinematography, context, or setting; selecting suitable sources to construct ideas and defend arguments; and creating a well-organized outline.

10 things to do when writing a film analysis essay include:

• watching the film at least once;
• considering the audience;
• commenting on the acting;
• criticizing the directing by mentioning cinematography, mise-en-scène, or special effects;
• supporting the criticism;
• talking about the plot;
• consulting professional reviewers, like Roger Ebert and Rotten Tomatoes;
• reading, rereading, editing, and revising;
• cultivating a personal voice to demonstrate knowledge;
• proofreading the final text.

10 things not to do include:

• retelling the film;
• overusing sentences;
• generalizing ideas;
• continuously comparing the movie with its adaptations, like a book or novel;
• ignoring or doing superficial research;
• telling irrelevant details;
• writing poorly with too many grammar and format errors;
• getting too personal;
• reviewing another film;
• plagiarizing reviews.

Summing Up on How to Write a Perfect Film Analysis Essay

• Watch a chosen film while notetaking.
• Read several reviews focusing on the plot, context, setting, characters, scenes, and elements, like cinematography and mise-en-scène.
• Create a list of ideas.
• Organize the ideas to fit various aspects of a film indicated above: plot, context, and other elements.
• Write an appropriate introduction.
• Summarize the film.
• Analyze the film by exploring one or several aspects comprehensively.
• Write a conclusion, which must satisfy the audience.

Essays About Films: Top 5 Examples and 10 Prompts

Get ready to binge-watch some of the best films of all time and write essays about films with our essay examples and prompts. 

Films are an exciting part of the entertainment industry. From romance to science fiction, there is a film genre for everyone. Films are a welcome escape from reality, providing a few hours of immersive entertainment that anyone can enjoy. Not only are films masterful works of art, but they are also great sources of employment for many. As a work of intellectual property, films can promote job creation and drive economic growth while advancing a country’s cultural esteem. With such a vast library of films available to us, many topics of discussion are available for your next essay.

5 Intriguing Film Essays

1. scream therapy: the mental health benefits of horror movies by michael varrati, 2. reel truth: is film school worth it by jon gann, 3. why parasite’s success is forcing a reckoning in japan’s film industry by eric margolis, 4. streaming services want to fill the family movie void by nicole sperling, 5. church, critics say new movie on marcos family distorts philippine history by camille elemia, 10 engaging writing prompts on essays about films, 1. the best film that influenced me, 2. the evolution of animated films, 3. women in modern films, 4. creating short films, 5. diversity in films, 6. film critique of my favorite film, 7. how covid-19 changed the film industry, 8. promoting independent films , 9. importance of marketing strategies in films’ success, 10. how to combat film piracy.

“Galvanized by the genre’s ability to promote empathy and face down the ineffable monsters of our daily lives, Barkan’s exploration of how others use horror to heal and grow speaks to the wider impact of our engagement with these movies that are so often dismissed as having little moral value.”

Initially criticized for enabling sadistic tendencies, horror films are now proven to provide a relieving experience and psychological ease to their audience. Numerous theories about the mental health benefits of watching horror films have emerged. But beyond these profound reasons, horror films could be a great source of thrilling fun. You might also be interested in these essays about The Great Gatsby .

 “These programs are great at selling the dream of filmmaking, but rarely the realities of the business, so students graduate with few real-world skills, connections, or storytelling ability. Unable to get a job out of school, newly minted “filmmakers” go back into the system for a higher graduate degree… The cycle is self-perpetuating, and rarely benefits anyone, except the institution’s bottom line.”

One has to weigh several personal and external factors in determining whether a full degree would be worth the leap and their pockets. Directors spill the beans on their thoughts and experiences with film school to help the lost find their way. 

“Japanese cinema was trending on Japanese Twitter right after the Oscars, with cinephiles and film directors alike airing grievances about a film industry that is deeply flawed despite ample talent and a global appetite for Japanese goods.”

The Japanese lamented their lackluster film industry and waning cultural influence worldwide as the first Korean film took home the Oscars. Reminiscing its golden years of film in the mid-20th century, Japan is stricken with nostalgia. But for the industry to see a renaissance, Japan has to end exploitative labor conditions for creators and censorship.

“The decline today is due to a combination of factors: a hangover from the pandemic, efforts by studios like Disney and Paramount to bolster their own streaming services with fresh content and the risks of greenlighting family films that aren’t based on well-known intellectual property.”

The latest trend in the race to rule film streaming compensates for the lack of family movies in theaters. Giant video-on-demand platforms have started rolling their production and investments into the genre plans for animation and even expensive live-action.

“The film… has amplified existing online narratives that portray the elder Marcos’ presidency as the “golden era” of the Philippines rather than as the darkest chapter of the Southeast Asian country’s recent history, as critics allege.”

A film in the Philippines draws crowds and criticisms for revising facts in one of the country’s most painful periods. But, overall, the movie paints a positive image of the dictator’s family, whose two-decade reign was marked by murders and an economic crisis that was among the worst to hit the country.

Beyond being a source of entertainment, films have the power to shape how we lead our lives and view the world. In this essay, talk about the film that etched an indelible mark on you. First, provide a summary and specify what drew you to the story or its storytelling. Next, narrate the scenes that moved you the most. Finally, explain how you relate to this film and if you would have wanted a similar or different ending to your story and personal life. 

Animated films used to be a treat mainly for children. But now, their allure cuts across generations. For your essay, look into the history of animated films. Find out which countries are the biggest influencers in animated films and how they have fostered these intellectual properties to thrive in global markets. Research how the global direction of animation is heading, both in theatrical releases and streaming, and what animation fans can expect in the next few months.

Have the roles of women progressed in modern films? Or do they remain to be damsels in distress saved by a prince? Watch recent popular films, explain how they depict women, and answer these questions in your essay. Take note of apparent stereotypes and the depth of their character. Compare how they differ from the most popular films in the 90s. You can also compare original films and remakes and focus on the changes in women characters.  

Short films are great starting points for budding directors. They could require much less financing than those in theater releases and still deliver satisfactory quality content. For this essay, brief the readers through the stages of short film production — writing the script, choosing the cast, production, marketing, and so on. To go the extra mile in your essay, interview award-winning short filmmakers to gain tips on how they best optimize their limited budget and still bag an award.  

Has the film industry promoted diversity and inclusivity in its cast selection? Explore recent diverse films and analyze whether they have captured the true meaning of diversity. One example is when people from underrepresented backgrounds take on the leading roles, not just the story’s sidekicks. You can also build on this research by the Center for Scholars and Storytellers to show the revenue challenges non-diverse films face at the box office.

Watch your favorite film and write a critique by expressing opinions on various aspects of the film. For example, you can have comments on the plot, execution, effects, cinematography, actors, and dialogue. Take time to relay your observations and analysis, as these will be the foundations that will determine the strength or weakness of your comments. 

As it has impacted many of us, COVID-19 accelerated how we watch films. Explore the exodus to streaming during the pandemic and how theater operators cope with this shift. In addition, you can look into how the competition among content producers has shifted and intensified. 

Independent films can be a hidden treasure, but it could be difficult to sell them, given how niche their concepts can be. So, find out the best strategies that have worked wonders for now successful independent filmmakers. Specifically, learn how they marketed their content online and in film festivals. Then, find out what forms of support the government is extending to high-caliber independent filmmakers and what could be done to help them thrive.

The biggest mistake made by filmmakers and producers is not marketing their films when marketing is the best way to reach a bigger audience and gain profits to make more films. This essay should provide readers with the best practices filmmakers can adopt when marketing a film. For example, directors, producers, and actors should aggressively attend events for promotion. Developing viral movie campaigns also provide a big boost to exposure. 

As more films are released digitally, filmmakers must better protect their intellectual property. First, write about the needed measures before the film release, such as adopting a digital rights management strategy. Next, lay down what production companies need to do to deter piracy activities immediately. Some good responses include working closely with enforcement authorities.

Don’t forget to proofread your essay with Grammarly , the best grammar checker. 

For more related topic ideas, you can also check our guide for writing essays about cinema .

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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The Art of Editing as Part of the Post-Production in Filmmaking Essay

Introduction, history of editing, editing to other filmmaking techniques, importance of editing in film development, usage of film to create meaning, pulp fiction, the responses editing evokes to the viewers.

The art of editing forms the most important part of the post-production part of filmmaking. It is the work of film editors to select and possibly combine numerous shots that eventually form a complete motion picture. The art of film editing is very unique in filmmaking and cinema. More often than not, it is editing that helps in separating other earlier art forms like photography, directing, theatre, and dance from filmmaking.

When film editing is well done, the film viewer becomes so engrossed in the film that the work of the editor is usually forgotten (Giannetti, 2008). Film editors, therefore, have a huge task of ensuring that their films appeal to the viewers. This is the only way to make sure that they remain relevant, especially in today’s world of fierce competition in all sectors, the film industry included.

The earliest form of film editing was done using a positive copy of a film’s negative called a film workprint. The process involved cutting and pasting pieces of film together by the use of a splicer. Threading the film on a machine using a viewer (movila) then followed. Currently, film editing is all digital and completely bypasses the positive workprint, a very essential element in ancient film making. In the early years of its invention, the use of the film’s positive allowed the film editor to perform as much experimenting as he wished with no caution (Dmytryk, 1984).

In film editing, it is the work of the film editor to assemble its footage, although editing also encompasses assembling film pieces, cutting off film slates, and editing scenes, especially those with dialogue.

Film editors must be able to link other forms of art such as stories, dialogue, music, and images with editing. He or she should also be in a position to place the performance of actors to rewrite the film so as to create a cohesive whole (Chandler, 2009).

Film editing can create sensually provocative montages, and become a laboratory for experimental data and bring out the emotional truth in an actor’s performance. Early techniques of editing have made it possible for modern film producers to bypass negative cutting (Dmytryk, 1984). The earliest forms of editing have led to the technologically advanced filmmaking industry.

Meaning creation in the film was introduced by the use of montage. Montage is a French term that means “to mount or to assemble together” pieces or shots to form a story in the form of a film. Editing a film is like building a house; shot by shot the building is made. Montage has been able to achieve its mission owing to the fact that most viewers infer meaning based on the context.

Film editing should be in a position to create some meaning through the use of shots edited to help in making narratives. These shots are very essential in the advancement of a story as opposed to merely creating a symbolic meaning.

Normally, film editors incorporate a background song in their film to help in enhancing the mood among its potential viewers and possibly underline the information being passed across (Giannetti, 2008). The background music further plays a big role in improving in attracting more viewers, especially those whose main point of attraction is the music.

Pulp fiction is a very interesting American film directed and edited by Quentin Tarantino. One element that makes the film interesting to watch is its hilarious humor, brought out by the irony of the incidences, especially the characters’ dialogues and monologues. The creation of a funny character is a huge task, where the director, in editing the film, must ensure that each character suites the roles assigned. The film is generally about gangsters and gamblers that dominated the paperback fictions of the thirties and forties (Otto & Harlan, 2006).

The main character’s role in this film is played by Ving Rhames, a crime lord who uses two dangerous people. The two have been sent by Marsellus to kill some young men who tried to steal from Marsellus. In their conversation on how fast foods are different in Europe, they conclude their discussion with a talk on Uma Thurman, Marssellus’s wife. Meanwhile, Marssellus has already planned to ask Vince to take a close watch on his wife while he is away for a few days on business matters. Interestingly, Marsselluss does not succeed in his mission to have the wife watched while he is away (Otto & Harlan, 2006).

The film is undoubtedly one of the weirdest, considering the number of engaging criminals in it. The director (Tarantino) is quite skillful in creating his characters to suit the situations. His skills are also manifested in the way he creates scenes so that the viewers are able to understand the intended message.

The story being developed by the director is narrated in chronological order. This is very important because the viewers can follow the events and establish their connections. To establish the connection of events, Tarantino uses very familiar scenes for the viewers. It is only through the use of familiar scenes that the viewers are able to understand the meaning, and possibly relate it to their daily lives (Otto, 2008). Tarantino manages to create characters with funny behaviors. Apart from the violent scenes in this film, it stands out as the most rewarding film with authentic horror, action and characters.

Film editing as an art can be used to evoke various emotions in the viewer, for example, sad and lively emotions. All film editors must clearly know the kind of emotions they wish to evoke among their audience.

Film editing can create sensually provocative images for the viewers. In most cases, the film editor uses editing to bring out the emotional truth to the actors and viewers or create a point of view on obtuse events. Editing can create an illusion of danger to the viewers where there is no danger at all. Film editors must therefore strive to provide quality films to attract more viewers since most viewers of today tend to be choosy.

• Chandler, G. (2009). Film editing: Great cuts Every Film maker and movie lover must know. New York: Michael Wiese productions
• Dmytryk, E. (1984). On film editing: An introduction to the art of film construction. Boston: Focal press
• Giannetti, L. (2008). Understanding Movies. New York: Pearson Prentice Hall
• Otto, P. & Harlan, C. (2006). Pulp fiction: the crime fighters. London, Quercus Press
• Otto, P. (2008). The big books of pulps: the best stories from the Golden Age of the pulps-the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. London: Quercus Press
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, December 26). The Art of Editing as Part of the Post-Production in Filmmaking. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-art-of-editing-as-part-of-the-post-production-in-filmmaking/

"The Art of Editing as Part of the Post-Production in Filmmaking." IvyPanda , 26 Dec. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/the-art-of-editing-as-part-of-the-post-production-in-filmmaking/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'The Art of Editing as Part of the Post-Production in Filmmaking'. 26 December.

IvyPanda . 2021. "The Art of Editing as Part of the Post-Production in Filmmaking." December 26, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-art-of-editing-as-part-of-the-post-production-in-filmmaking/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Art of Editing as Part of the Post-Production in Filmmaking." December 26, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-art-of-editing-as-part-of-the-post-production-in-filmmaking/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Art of Editing as Part of the Post-Production in Filmmaking." December 26, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-art-of-editing-as-part-of-the-post-production-in-filmmaking/.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Film Writing: Sample Analysis

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Summary: A sample analysis of a filmic sequence that makes use of the terminology on the OWL’s Writing About Film page .

Written by Kylie Regan

Introductory Note

The analysis below discusses the opening moments of the science fiction movie  Ex Machina  in order to make an argument about the film's underlying purpose. The text of the analysis is formatted normally. Editor's commentary, which will occasionally interrupt the piece to discuss the author's rhetorical strategies, is written in brackets in an italic font with a bold "Ed.:" identifier. See the examples below:

The text of the analysis looks like this.

[ Ed.:  The editor's commentary looks like this. ]

Frustrated Communication in Ex Machina ’s Opening Sequence

Alex Garland’s 2015 science fiction film Ex Machina follows a young programmer’s attempts to determine whether or not an android possesses a consciousness complicated enough to pass as human. The film is celebrated for its thought-provoking depiction of the anxiety over whether a nonhuman entity could mimic or exceed human abilities, but analyzing the early sections of the film, before artificial intelligence is even introduced, reveals a compelling examination of humans’ inability to articulate their thoughts and feelings. In its opening sequence, Ex Machina establishes that it’s not only about the difficulty of creating a machine that can effectively talk to humans, but about human beings who struggle to find ways to communicate with each other in an increasingly digital world.

[ Ed.:  The piece's opening introduces the film with a plot summary that doesn't give away too much and a brief summary of the critical conversation that has centered around the film. Then, however, it deviates from this conversation by suggesting that Ex Machina has things to say about humanity before non-human characters even appear. Off to a great start. ]

The film’s first establishing shots set the action in a busy modern office. A woman sits at a computer, absorbed in her screen. The camera looks at her through a glass wall, one of many in the shot. The reflections of passersby reflected in the glass and the workspace’s dim blue light make it difficult to determine how many rooms are depicted. The camera cuts to a few different young men typing on their phones, their bodies partially concealed both by people walking between them and the camera and by the stylized modern furniture that surrounds them. The fourth shot peeks over a computer monitor at a blonde man working with headphones in. A slight zoom toward his face suggests that this is an important character, and the cut to a point-of-view shot looking at his computer screen confirms this. We later learn that this is Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer whose perspective the film follows.

The rest of the sequence cuts between shots from Caleb’s P.O.V. and reaction shots of his face, as he receives and processes the news that he has won first prize in a staff competition. Shocked, Caleb dives for his cellphone and texts several people the news. Several people immediately respond with congratulatory messages, and after a moment the woman from the opening shot runs in to give him a hug. At this point, the other people in the room look up, smile, and start clapping, while Caleb smiles disbelievingly—perhaps even anxiously—and the camera subtly zooms in a bit closer. Throughout the entire sequence, there is no sound other than ambient electronic music that gets slightly louder and more textured as the sequence progresses. A jump cut to an aerial view of a glacial landscape ends the sequence and indicates that Caleb is very quickly transported into a very unfamiliar setting, implying that he will have difficulty adjusting to this sudden change in circumstances.

[ Ed.:  These paragraphs are mostly descriptive. They give readers the information they will need to understand the argument the piece is about to offer. While passages like this can risk becoming boring if they dwell on unimportant details, the author wisely limits herself to two paragraphs and maintains a driving pace through her prose style choices (like an almost exclusive reliance on active verbs). ]

Without any audible dialogue or traditional expository setup of the main characters, this opening sequence sets viewers up to make sense of Ex Machina ’s visual style and its exploration of the ways that technology can both enhance and limit human communication. The choice to make the dialogue inaudible suggests that in-person conversations have no significance. Human-to-human conversations are most productive in this sequence when they are mediated by technology. Caleb’s first response when he hears his good news is to text his friends rather than tell the people sitting around him, and he makes no move to take his headphones out when the in-person celebration finally breaks out. Everyone in the building is on their phones, looking at screens, or has headphones in, and the camera is looking at screens through Caleb’s viewpoint for at least half of the sequence.  

Rather than simply muting the specific conversations that Caleb has with his coworkers, the ambient soundtrack replaces all the noise that a crowded building in the middle of a workday would ordinarily have. This silence sets the uneasy tone that characterizes the rest of the film, which is as much a horror-thriller as a piece of science fiction. Viewers get the sense that all the sounds that humans make as they walk around and talk to each other are being intentionally filtered out by some presence, replaced with a quiet electronic beat that marks the pacing of the sequence, slowly building to a faster tempo. Perhaps the sound of people is irrelevant: only the visual data matters here. Silence is frequently used in the rest of the film as a source of tension, with viewers acutely aware that it could be broken at any moment. Part of the horror of the research bunker, which will soon become the film’s primary setting, is its silence, particularly during sequences of Caleb sneaking into restricted areas and being startled by a sudden noise.

The visual style of this opening sequence reinforces the eeriness of the muted humans and electronic soundtrack. Prominent use of shallow focus to depict a workspace that is constructed out of glass doors and walls makes it difficult to discern how large the space really is. The viewer is thus spatially disoriented in each new setting. This layering of glass and mirrors, doubling some images and obscuring others, is used later in the film when Caleb meets the artificial being Ava (Alicia Vikander), who is not allowed to leave her glass-walled living quarters in the research bunker. The similarity of these spaces visually reinforces the film’s late revelation that Caleb has been manipulated by Nathan Bates (Oscar Isaac), the troubled genius who creates Ava.

[ Ed.:  In these paragraphs, the author cites the information about the scene she's provided to make her argument. Because she's already teased the argument in the introduction and provided an account of her evidence, it doesn't strike us as unreasonable or far-fetched here. Instead, it appears that we've naturally arrived at the same incisive, fascinating points that she has. ]

A few other shots in the opening sequence more explicitly hint that Caleb is already under Nathan’s control before he ever arrives at the bunker. Shortly after the P.O.V shot of Caleb reading the email notification that he won the prize, we cut to a few other P.O.V. shots, this time from the perspective of cameras in Caleb’s phone and desktop computer. These cameras are not just looking at Caleb, but appear to be scanning him, as the screen flashes in different color lenses and small points appear around Caleb’s mouth, eyes, and nostrils, tracking the smallest expressions that cross his face. These small details indicate that Caleb is more a part of this digital space than he realizes, and also foreshadow the later revelation that Nathan is actively using data collected by computers and webcams to manipulate Caleb and others. The shots from the cameras’ perspectives also make use of a subtle fisheye lens, suggesting both the wide scope of Nathan’s surveillance capacities and the slightly distorted worldview that motivates this unethical activity.

[ Ed.: This paragraph uses additional details to reinforce the piece's main argument. While this move may not be as essential as the one in the preceding paragraphs, it does help create the impression that the author is noticing deliberate patterns in the film's cinematography, rather than picking out isolated coincidences to make her points. ]

Taken together, the details of Ex Machina ’s stylized opening sequence lay the groundwork for the film’s long exploration of the relationship between human communication and technology. The sequence, and the film, ultimately suggests that we need to develop and use new technologies thoughtfully, or else the thing that makes us most human—our ability to connect through language—might be destroyed by our innovations. All of the aural and visual cues in the opening sequence establish a world in which humans are utterly reliant on technology and yet totally unaware of the nefarious uses to which a brilliant but unethical person could put it.

Author's Note:  Thanks to my literature students whose in-class contributions sharpened my thinking on this scene .

[ Ed.: The piece concludes by tying the main themes of the opening sequence to those of the entire film. In doing this, the conclusion makes an argument for the essay's own relevance: we need to pay attention to the essay's points so that we can achieve a rich understanding of the movie. The piece's final sentence makes a chilling final impression by alluding to the danger that might loom if we do not understand the movie. This is the only the place in the piece where the author explicitly references how badly we might be hurt by ignorance, and it's all the more powerful for this solitary quality. A pithy, charming note follows, acknowledging that the author's work was informed by others' input (as most good writing is). Beautifully done. ]

Home — Essay Samples — Education — Class Reflection — Reflecting On Filmmaking Process

Film Production Experience: a Reflective Paper

• Categories: Class Reflection

About this sample

Words: 3557 |

18 min read

Published: Nov 22, 2018

Words: 3557 | Pages: 8 | 18 min read

Table of contents

Film production: reflective essay, works cited, what i learned.

• Allen, W. (Director). (Year). Title of Woody Allen film [Film]. Production Company.
• Boggs, J. M., & Petrie, D. W. (2019). The art of watching films. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2017). Film art: An introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Corrigan, T. (2016). A short guide to writing about film. Pearson.
• Giannetti, L. (2014). Understanding movies. Pearson.
• Katz, S. D. (2017). Film directing shot by shot: Visualizing from concept to screen. Michael Wiese Productions.
• Rabiger, M. (2015). Directing: Film techniques and aesthetics. CRC Press.
• Rea, P., & Irving, D. (2014). Producing and directing the short film and video. CRC Press.
• Thompson, R. J. (2018). Writing for visual media. Routledge.
• Wurtzel, D. (2015). The complete idiot's guide to independent filmmaking. Alpha Books.

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A Critical Reflection on Collaborative Film Production

Grounded in a social, fluid, and multiple nature of literacy, Chang Liu’s article critically reflects on a collaborative filmmaking experience and discusses the benefits of incorporating elements of media education into formal schooling, arguing for a curricular and pedagogical change, from one preoccupied with competition, testing, and outcomes to one that honours collaboration, reflection, and multimodality.

The ongoing digital revolution has witnessed a rising penetration of multimedia content in various facets of our lives, including education, entertainment, and communication. This transformation has spurred many (e.g., Buckingham, 2007; Cannon, 2018) to reconsider the notion of literacy , traditionally defined as “an individual, internal capability” to “make meaning from and through written text” (Luke & Woods, 2009, p.1). Contemporary literacy, however, is fluid in nature and viewed as one’s disposition to engage with diverse social and digital media contexts (Cannon, 2018) to fully participate in and contribute to society (Street, 2003). For educators, delivering media education has the potential to cater to the fundamental shift in young people’s lived experience (Cannon et al., 2018) and embrace a more  democratic mode of learning (Buckingham, 1992). This is in marked contrast to banking education , which entails a dominant one-way depositing of knowledge into learners’ minds (Freire, 2018) and a fixed standards-based evaluation of literacy (Buckingham, 2007). Regrettably, developing new media literacies is not sufficiently integrated in formal education and instead is largely confined to students’ out-of-school lives (Lankshear & Knobel, 2006). This module enabled me to experience first-hand the promise of media education, which celebrates a participatory culture :

a culture with relatively low barriers to artistic expression and civic engagement, strong support for creating and sharing creations, and some type of informal mentorship whereby experienced participants pass along knowledge to novices … members also believe their contributions matter and feel some degree of social connection with one another. (Jenkins, 2009, p.3)

In this essay, I will critically reflect upon my collaborative filmmaking experience as part of this module and discuss the benefits of incorporating elements of media education into formal schooling. Since “ the creative process is valuable on its own” (ibid., p. 6), I will focus more on my filmmaking journey than the finished product. By drawing on key concepts and theories of media education and creativity studies throughout, I argue for a curricular and pedagogical change, from one preoccupied with competition, testing, and outcomes to one that honours collaboration, reflection, and multimodality.

Development

  The first stage of our film project was to brainstorm a list of possible narrative ideas with “message” as the prompt. Our group started with a solitary ideation process as we believed that “everyone has a powerful story to tell” (Lambert, & Hessler, 2018, n.p.). Despite sharing similar socio-cultural backgrounds, we proposed vastly distinct accounts — perceiving “message” as a last resort to connecting faraway lovers, a stimulus leading to an everyday social dilemma, and a token symbolising Marxism in contemporary China, among others. Contrary to romantic notions of creativity as a form of divine power embodied by the few (Buckingham, 2003), this inception process reflected the ubiquity of creativity (Glăveanu,2010) as a feature displayed by all of us.

Subsequent collective discussions enabled us to share and challenge thoughts critically and respectfully, which was in stark contrast to the culture of silence due to classroom oppression in banking education (Freire, 2018). This meaning production and exchange activity was imbued with culturally mediated experiences (Hall, 1997), which eventually led to the group decision to work on a narrative that was closely related to our shared humanity. Initially constructed as a Public Service Announcement (PSA), our chosen tale intended to highlight the importance of listening to one’s inner thoughts against a cacophony of external voices in an information explosion age.

  As we were based in completely different regions, we agreed that our film should constitute several segmented scenes so that we could all participate in the shooting. In order to create  the storyline, we combined our imagination and past sociocultural encounters, which  mirrored Vygotsky’s (1967) basis of creativity. For example, we expressed our shared nostalgic feelings towards childhood by designing a scene of a carefree toddler playing with her mother on the lawn. Through these constructions, we were able to “turn to our natural selves and relive our experiences” (Nguyen, 2011, p.25).

The discussion then moved on to the technical elements underpinning the shot rationales, where we “develop[ed] ideas with others through investigating and experimenting with filmmaking techniques” (BFI, 2015 p.9). With a shared sense of purpose, we explored how applying the rule of thirds could make an object obvious in the frame and how using a low angle followed by a high angle shot could underscore the protagonist’s sense of sorrow  facing the luxurious building. During this process, we employed what Jenkins (2009, p.9) refers to as “collaborative problem-solving”, a preferred way of “complet[ing] tasks and develop[ing] new knowledge” in a participatory culture.

Once the details of all shots were formulated, we appointed one groupmate to craft the storyboard so as to maintain a consistent artistic style. Far from an individualised activity, this process involved constant clarifications, rationalisations, and redrafting from the entire group. As a film is perceived as a “dialogue between the filmmaker and audience” (BFI, 2015, p.9), how intended meanings could be effectively communicated to prospective audience was deliberated. This again illustrates the social influence on our film production, where meaning-making was situated in the “intersubjective space” (Glăveanu, 2010, p. 87) between the creator and the imaginary spectator. The spontaneous “two-way media flow” (Hoechsmann & Poyntz, p.5) enabled us to critique and refine our collective contributions at an early stage of enactment.

Aside from “harness[ing] collective intelligence” (Jenkins, 2009, p.72) within the group, we also developed our distributed cognition by “tapping … remote experts whose knowledge [might] be useful” (ibid., p. 67). For us, it was our tutors who offered us valuable insights and suggestions on filmmaking. After hearing our plan during one workshop, the tutor encouraged us to avoid using special effects and instead convey meaning through different camera techniques. While this suggestion was endorsed unanimously by the group, it brought about the most challenging part of our journey. As “people who cooperate to produce a work of art usually do not decide things afresh” (Becker, 1974, p. 771), we referred to memories of specific films and re-engaged in rounds of intellectual debate in an attempt to modify our plan. Eventually, we drew inspiration from John Lewis’ Give A Little Love and replaced the “bumping out” written inserts with a motif – an envelope. It resembles the heart emblem connecting a long chain of giving in Lewis’ clip. Surprisingly, rather than limiting creativity, “constraints … occasion[ed] enhanced creative outputs” (Cannon et al., 2014, p.10) and this modification turned out to be exceptionally successful when our final French New Wave film was on screen.

Shooting and Editing

Owing to the geographical separation of the entire group, we decided to shoot the scenes with the help of nearby friends and families. As creativity is distributed among groups working in collaboration (Glăveanu, 2010), discussions were conducted in real time as a group. During filming, we realised that the storyboard “did not represent a reductive and rigid model” (Potter, 2012, p.106), but performed as a scaffolding that triggered “improvisatory critical responses” (Cannon et al., 2018, p.188). For instance, the POV shot of cycling was the toughest one to film as I failed to keep the camera steady on a moving bike. Hence, our group were compelled to consider alternatives to produce a similar effect. Aside from details of specific shots like this, we did not experience changes of the main plotline as claimed in Cannon’s (2018) research, partially due to the small scale of our project.

As a novice film creator, I received enormous help from my groupmates who were more advanced in media production. Manifestations of “informal mentorship” (Jenkins, 2009, p.6) was noticeably seen during filming, where one groupmate shared her expertise with us throughout. For instance, she sharply identified a mistake after viewing my final shot. Using film terminology, she explained that the fourth wall had been broken as the actress looked straight into the camera, resulting in direct “contact” with the audience. Notwithstanding being thousands of miles apart, we created what Gee (2004, p.8) describes as “affinity space”, an informal peer-to-peer learning site where we developed knowledge, literacies, and communication skills. Besides accruing these forms of cultural capital, affective group ties were fostered, opposite to the win-lose competitive mindset of students under neoliberal forces.

Despite profound levels of group interactions for the most part, there were occasions where immediate responses could not be expected due to schedule clashes. One of the difficulties I faced was filming an envelope falling towards the camera when the wind was not in my favour. After a strenuous process of “manipulat[ing] core resources and explor[ing] [my] immediate environments” (Jenkins, 2009, p.35), I successfully overcame the wind force by using a massive scarf and a portable fan. This was promptly followed by an “experimental, trial and error way” (Sefton-Green, 2013, p.16) of capturing the intuitively best moment of the falling envelope. Another case that stimulated my creativity was filming the establishing shot, where I experimented with different layouts of props in order to set a cheerful atmosphere. This exploratory process allowed me to tap on my prior internalisations of vlogs produced by others and subsequent externalisations of these media works in my own way (Moran et al, 2003).

Lamentably, due to the limited timeframe, we did not have the opportunity to carry out editing as a group. Since contribution is not mandatory all the time in a participatory culture (Jenkins, 2009), we agreed that the editing task would be undertaken primarily by one motivated groupmate. In line with the view that “all [members] must believe they are free to contribute and that what they contribute will be appropriately valued” (ibid., p.6), I attempted trimming my shots to the desired lengths and adjusting their brightness using the built-in photos app on iPhone to save the editor some time. Similarly, regarding the soundtrack, instead of using a range of diegetic and non-diegetic music as we planned, we inserted one overarching bcking track to deliver the overall emotional tone.

Screening and Sharing

Upon submission, all groups were invited to an online screening and sharing session to  review the films as a module group. Unlike the typical “teacher-as-examiner” model of evaluating literacy (Buckingham, 2007, p. 52), this session brought in a diverse audience, including tutors, fellow students, and guest lecturers, who provided heartfelt comments on  our creative products. Our film Message on Interface was praised generously for its  enigmatic and intriguing mood and the skilful use of various cinematic techniques , especially the black-and-white flashback sequence. This supportive feedback brought me with “senses  of authorship of the medium and agency” (Rantala, 2009, p.395) we collaboratively achieved through “translati[ng] … abstractions into palpable modalities” (Cannon et al., 2018, p.186). Furthermore, as someone who once subscribed to the creative genius rhetoric before undertaking this project, I was highly sceptical of the distributive nature of creativity (Glăveanu, 2010) and hence group work. Just as Burn and Durran (2007) assert that creative production has the potential to transform the creator, this collaborative journey has deconstructed my purely psycho-cognitive preconception of creativity and my sense of self as an uncreative individual.

This film-viewing experience also allowed us to “[alter] the way [we] look at work created by others” (Jenkins, 2009, p. 6) as various interpretations of the prompts were showcased. Some narratives were equally sophisticated as ours, whereas others were situated in a quotidian setting. Nonetheless, what many shared was a common civic ambition of raising awareness of problems confronting our society, such as fake news and cyberbullying. My peers’ creative talents broadened my imagination of the potential of amateur multimedia producers, who were endowed with “the same tools that professional artists, craftspeople and engineers use” (Burn, 2016, p.4) in the digitalised era. This session also provoked me to consider further improvements to our production process and the final film. For example, more concurrent group discussions during the post-production phase would certainly enhance problem-solving and decision-making. Moreover, applying advanced skills we learnt in this module, such as Foley and match cuts , would further enrich our collaborative experience and take our film to a higher level.

Discussion and Conclusion

  Our film production journey testifies to the myriad virtues of media education “in terms of personal development, identity, expression and [its] social consequences — participation, social capital, civic culture” (Jenkins, 2009, p.5). However, a radical shift from a print-centric test-oriented system to one prioritising new literacies and participatory cultures is not entirely realistic. That said, the insights I gleaned from this module, particularly the film creation experience, can be translated into several recommendations for future schools. First, collaborative meaning-making activities can be encouraged across all subjects to empower students to experience creative agency, shared intelligence, strengthened emotive bonds, and bolstered self-perception. Second, reflective writing that focuses on situated learning experience and engages both theory and practice can be used by schools to replace a didactic linear mode of education. Third, multimodality should be adopted to enhance the educational experience of students with diverse learning styles, such as those who tend to thrive with indexical (e.g, films) rather than symbolic signs (e.g., language).  As  new  literacy  is  a  lived and dynamic mechanism (UNESCO, 2016), schools have a role to play in interrupting the established norms of education and endorsing elements of media education in a sustained manner.

Bibliography

Glăveanu, V.P., 2010. Paradigms in the study of creativity: Introducing the perspective of cultural psychology. New ideas in psychology, 28 (1), pp.79-93. Hall, S. ed., 1997. Representation: Cultural representations and signifying practices (Vol. 2). Sage. Hoechsmann, M. and Poyntz, S.R., 2012. Media literacies: A critical introduction . John Wiley & Sons. Jenkins, H., 2009. Confronting the challenges of participatory culture: Media education for the 21st century (p. 145). The MIT Press. Lambert, J. and Hessler, B., 2018. Digital storytelling: Capturing lives, creating community. Routledge. Lankshear, C. and Knobel, M., 2006. New literacies: Everyday practices and classroom learning. Open University Press. Luke, A. and Woods, A.F., 2009. Critical literacies in schools: A primer. Voices from the Middle, 17 (2), pp.9-18. Moran, S., John-Steiner, V. and Sawyer, R., 2003. Creativity in the making. Creativity and development , pp.61-90. Nguyen, A., 2011. Negotiations and challenges in creating a digital story: The experience of graduate students (Doctoral dissertation). Potter, J., 2012. Video and Performance. In Digital Media and Learner Identity (pp. 97-132). Palgrave Macmillan, New York. Rantala, L., 2009. In search of third spaces in media education: An ethnographic study from fifth graders’ media workshop. Pedagogy, Culture & Society, 17 (3), pp.385-399. Sefton-Green, J., 2013. Mapping digital makers: A review exploring everyday creativity, learning lives and the digital. London: Nominet Trust State of the Art Reviews. Street, B., 2003. What’s “new” in New Literacy Studies? Critical approaches to literacy in theory and practice. Current issues in comparative education, 5 (2), pp.77-91. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 2016. Five Laws of Media and Information Literacy. Available at: http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/CI/CI/pdf/Events/mil_five_laws_e nglish.png [Accessed on Dec 27, 2020]. Vygotsky, L.S., 1967. Play and its role in the mental development of the child. Soviet psychology, 5 (3), pp.6-18

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April 12, 2018

Reflective Essay

Reflective Essay  

 Effy Mitchell 

In this essay I will reflect on my production work throughout semester one discussing how these tasks alongside wider reading helped me to develop my production skills and wider understanding of working on film and television projects. 

‘Location scouting involves finding the best location, all things considered – and there is a lot to consider’ – Maier (1994, xii). Choosing and acquiring access to a location is a process of elimination based on various factors which I will discuss in this section of the essay (Maier, 1994) .  Accessibility is a vital part of choosing a location.  Shooting locally can save travel costs and prevent the crew being tired out from long hours spent driving to locations (Rahmel, 1994). Both locations I chose, the Hawthorn Leslie and Pelaw train tracks were local to me as I do not live in York and this personally meant low travel costs and easy access for location photos.  The level of exterior accessibility you need will be dependent on the size of the production for example a large scale film like   Fi ght club  would need a lot of space around the location as well as the location itself. I took this into consideration and with both locations being in fairly quiet and cordoned off abandoned places there’s a lot of space around them for parking. ‘ Governments can make film crews jump through seemingly unnecessary hoops ‘ – shoot factory, 2015. This as well means that we do not have to inform anyone who lives close by, local councils or re direct traffic which will save budget as we won’t have to pay for any permits or for anyone to re-direct traffic.   

Sound conditions internally and externally are something to consider as a microphone can pick up much more than the human ear (Rahmel, 1994).  The Hawthorn Leslie has no power and is the only structure on its side of the street backing onto a river. The Pelaw train tracks back onto countryside and go on for a couple of miles which means noise pollution internal and external in both locations will be minimal as there won’t be noise disruption from traffic or from things like air conditioning.  

‘This process must start early and happen quickly because it can be a long and intensive one ‘ – Rizzo ( 2013,P43). Building a relationship with the people who own the location is important and this is the key to being able to access any location, but business owners tend to be most concerned with liability (Maier, 1994) so you must have an appropriate approach depending on who you are working with. Leading with risk assessments and your safety procedures is a good idea with business owners especially with a derelict site. Arranging a deal with the owners of the sites will probably take time to establish so being in contact with them early on in the process is probably a good idea and is why location scouts are brought on so early in the process ( Chegg, 2017). 

As I have visited both locations before I was already aware of some the potential health and safety issues prior to scouting these are something to keep at the forefront of your mind. ‘The way to stay safe is to look at each shooting set up or location individually and think of what exactly could go wrong ‘ –  Moving Image Education ( 2018).  Issues can be identified with risk assessing, SWOT analysis and with help from the owners of the site (in our case A&P construction company) to ensure everyone’s safety which is vital.  

The location also needs to be appropriate for the story ( McDowell, 2017 ) for instance, the paper street house needs to be large enough to accommodate for the fact that at one point there are supposedly 20+ people living and have enough exists so that the narrator and Tyler can never be in the same room in front of Marla. Being aware of what specific creative details a location needs a film has based on what the director wants ( Maier, 2018) is integral part of being able to find an appropriate location that can then accommodate those need. 

‘Creating a script breakdown is about identifying various elements in a scene to better understand its shooting requirements’  – Studio Binder (2016). I chose a section of script from the film  Lady Bird  to work on, I chose this film because I was familiar with it and it had a variety of interesting but not overly complicated scenes for me to work on including in my script and storyboard.  

Through this task I learnt that there are many different processes to prep a script one of which is colour coding which can be useful for all members of the crew. You have to through each page looking for elements that are important ( Renee, 2016) for example I used purple to point out any object which was prominent in the scene or used by an actor which is useful to the art department, camera department and the cast. One scene had a stunt in it which consisted of Lady Bird rolling out of a moving car which required an orange highlight which is important for the whole crew to know about. Colour coding can let everyone know quickly and efficiently what each part of the script requires without covering it in wordy notes or memorising it.  

Script tramlines are used so that at a quick glance the crew can see what has and hasn’t been shot, How each scene is being shot, who is in each scene and how the script relates to their job on set. Lined scripts can also be useful for editors to give them a quick view of all available coverage at a glance ( Clarke, 2016). In summary tramlines can be useful to everyone in the production process to help everyone can make quicker decisions and for things to run smoother on set.  Script tramlines are vertical lines usually drawn in red ink which correspond with camera shot information. At first I ran into some difficulties as there are many camera shots for each piece of dialogue in the script but after some research and trial and error I figured it out. On reflection I understand how they would be useful for the camera department who could then look at the script to be able to follow how they should be shooting each part of the action as oppose to having a separate shot lit solely to work off of.  

A storyboard is at the basis of any good production. It helps string the scenes and the story together. It is a visualisation on paper. – Woodsman (2016). Storyboarding was challenging for me as I am not a very good artist, so I focused on the story board being simplistic and easily readable as it would have to be understood by many members of the crew.  I was aiming for a ‘shooting board’ which as the title suggests reflects the camera angles that are suitable for the cinematographer to use as reference ( Jew, 2013).  Story boards can be elaborate or as minimal as the film calls for but long as the layout of the location, camera angle and positioning of cast is correct the story board is usable.  

‘Light will enhance or diminish the efforts of the all the people who create sets, the costumes and the make up’ – Malkiewicz (2012 p2). This was a group task where we shot a scripted scene in the studio.  My role was lighting assistant. I discovered that the relationship with the director and other crew members is important since my role mainly involved collaborating with the other people to achieve the directors vision. Since we worked so closely with the director during the pre-production process the filming process ran quite smoothly and there were no discrepancies that got in the way of filming. Although there were some minor issues on the day I will discuss later. 

Bauman when interviewed by O’falt ( 2018) talks about how when working on  Phantom Thread  due to the low levels of light there had to be a longer experimentation period which we also encountered. We began by setting up many different kinds of lighting around the set using different filters, kinds of lights and positioning of lights to trial various ideas our director had. One of the methods we tried was creating our own filters for the blind effects but I found this very difficult as it was hard to mimic the clean lines that the shadow of the blinds create by hand. However it was still a useful technique to learn. Malkiewicz (2012) describes lights as paints in a painter’s pallet since lighting can completely change the tone or mood of a story. We wanted to do low key lighting to make the atmosphere cold and dark creating lots of shadows to fit with the tone of the story.  

An issue we faced was forgetting to note down the order in which the gels where on the light and the exact colours we used which cost us time on the second day of filming and could have caused continuity errors. Reflecting on this I learnt that balancing the creative elements and the technical elements like properly recording how each light was set up is important to remember.  

”what you do not see is as important as what you do see’  Malkiewicz (2012 p2). Throughout filming we had to make further adjustments because of things like the lights being directly in the actors in eyelines, shadows on faces and lights being able to be seen on camera. There was a light behind the door for instance which was accidently in shot that we had to move because it meant the actors could not open the door properly without it being scene. I worked alongside the production designer to solve these issues and find out the set and lights would affect one another. 

Being a Gaffer requires strong technical knowledge as well as a creative mind for how the lights will be set and adjusted and which ones are most appropriate for what the director wants (Brinkhaus, 2010). We worked with the techs to develop our technical knowledge and to help us make decisions on what kinds of lights we should use based on our requirements. We worked on doing as this safely as we were using high powered lights that can get incredibly hot and a heavy light falling into a set or crew member could be disastrous. One of the safety issues we had was the gels staying on the lights as we had multiple layers of gels on one light to achieve a specific shade of orange. We solved this by using clips instead of tape as they were sturdier. 

For the group live task we got the opportunity to film a live performance at the York theatre royal. My role in the group was assistant floor manager. The floor manager essentially liaisons between director and crew members and manages what happens on the floor (Newby, 1997) so effective communication is key.  Since we were working a big space and spread out two were required for the filming of the event. It was useful to have multiple people to oversee the area so tasks can be carried out quickly rather than one person running around between everyone especially on bigger productions. The director having briefed everyone beforehand meant that everyone knew what was expected of them on the night and we knew how the filming was supposed to run. However during filming the director and producer often can’t see all aspects of the studio from the gallery so it’s the responsibility is that of the floor manager to keep the them informed to enable them to make quick decisions when needed ( Utterback, 2016). 

You need to have a full overview of how everything is supposed to run and the skills to understand everyone in your crew and their cues coming through the intercom system in order to keep things running smoothly ( Utterback, 2016).  On the night we ran into the issue of the walkie talkies not working. Which meant during half time we had to go in person during half time to communicate with the crew. I learnt from this that effective communication is vital during a live task as when the walkie talkies cut out this meant the producer and floor manager couldn’t do their job effectively. The floor manager in many cases is also responsible for health and safety during filming (Utterback, 2016) as they have a full overview of what’s going on, every member of our crew had to be briefed on health and safety before filming at the theatre royal however it would be my responsibility to inform everyone if something were to go wrong.  

 A floor manager can have large range of tasks that varies depending on the kind of production, but they usually work with the crew and in some cases the talent ( Carr, 2016). My main task was to collect and label the memory cards for the camera operator at the end of the night, I had to label the cards A & B so that the editor knew which footage would be on each card. In order for a live filming event to run smoothly everyone has to do their job correctly so it doesn’t create a knock on effect for example mislabelling the cards would of created confusion for the editor.  There was some minor issues on the night such as one of the cameras briefly cutting out but this was quickly dealt with the help of the tech’s. Overall the filming went well and everyone worked effectively as a team and filming a live event was a good opportunity for everyone to work on a real event and gain some experience. 

For this task I wrote  an Essay on the short film  Mas o K is sed     which is a film produced by second year students for the 48 hour film challenge. I evaluated the film whilst taking into consideration its form and production criteria which consisted of the 48 hour time limit and the two genre’s which had to be implemented which were comedy and horror.  

To evaluate the film fairly I researched the short film form to better understand what makes a good short film and what their structure is like compared to feature film. I did this by reading interviews by with established short film makers from SXSW ( O’falt 2016) and watching some short films such as  I love Sarah Jane  . This research then gave me something to compare  Masokissed     too and helped me understand why they made certain decisions. For instance putting the audience right in the centre of the story with no introductions (O’falt 2016)  is a good idea because ‘You never have enough time to tell your entire story ‘ –  Hodge interviewed by O’falt ( 2016). Which I discovered makes the audience ask a lot of questions and continue watching whilst also saving screen time . 

 I think you’re on the wrong track if you don’t choose a story that you have some personal connection with’ – Munroe (2009, P8). I had to find out what makes a bad short film so it gave me some idea of the criteria I was marking this film up against. According to Jollard (2016) some short film cliché’s include writing none personal stories that have been told many times. Authenticity seems to be an important part of a short film as they only have a short amount of time to make an emotional connection to the audience.  

‘ Horror abounds with pragmatic aesthetics’ – Sipos (2010, P28. )I then had to look at the technical choices the team made like lighting choices, camera angles and use of location and how they related to their story and genre. I mainly used wider reading into the horror genre and the  short form itself to give depth to my analysis of  Ma sokissed . An issue I encountered was having to make a lot of assumptions based on what I saw on screen as I was not involved in the production.  The consequence of which are that some of my points may not be entirely accurate for instance I assumed that using members of crew as actors was due to the time constraints when it could have been a more conscious choice as they may have acting experience. This however gave me an impartial point of view which made my evaluation quite fair. Overall with this essay I attempted to use research and evidence from the film to make informed opinions about the film this group produced.  

‘ I would view sound design more as the process of creating new sounds either from scratch or by heavily manipulating existing sounds’ – Langford (2014, P3).  In this assignment we were tasked with creating the sound for one of a few selected video clips. By either creating our own foley or using sound clips from online sound libraries like ‘ Freesfx.co.uk ‘. I ended up using mostly hard effects from these libraries for things such as the dropping of objects in the supermarket. I have very little experiencing editing at all so I found this task particularly challenging however I did complete the task and now know my editing skills are an area I need to improve upon.  

I chose a clip from  Go  (1999) because I hadn’t seen the film before and thought it was quite funny. I tried to emulate this humour with my choice of music (  Shut  Me up  by M.S.I) that was kind of ridiculous and exaggerated like the whole scene itself. The music also contrasted against the clip and which I think is similar to how the characters actions contradict their very mundane appearances and environment. I chose the music to drive the scene as too many sonic elements could be confusing ( Fougner, 2013) and too much when paired with the action on screen. I used ambience to create the soundscape of the supermarket and had to think about what kind of noises you would here there like the checkouts and other customers.  

A challenge I encountered was finding sound clips to match the noise of things being taken off of the shelves and put into the girl’s pockets as there were no specific noises for that as well as things falling onto the floor out of frame as I had to guess when they would hit the floor and hope it seemed realistic. Creating my own sounds could have been a solution for this. However, I ended up using things that sounded right even if they weren’t accurate for example I used the sound of leaves falling for the sound of the green beans being thrown up into the air. I did struggle with the volumes of each sound clip as some clips ending up drowning out other sound effects I used which made the soundscape seem really flat especially when the music came in. Layering sound is an important part of creating a soundscape (Powell, 2015) and a skill I need to develop as every sound should be heard / at the right volume for the clip.  

To conclude I think both my practical skill development and wider reading contributed to my personal development as a filmmaker throughout this semester. I was not entirely successful in all of my tasks however I did reflect on these mistakes to not make them again in the future. There is a great deal of personal, creative, technical and theoretical knowledge that needs to be combined in order to be successful in production and I will continue to develop these skills in my work at university.  

Bibliography  

Bauman, Micheal interviewed by O’fault, Chris. 2018.  How Paul Thomas Anderson Dirtied-Up ‘Phantom Thread’ to Avoid the Polish of ‘The Crown’. [ Website Article]. Available at: http://www.indiewire.com/2017/12/phantom-thread-paul-thomas-anderson-cinematography-1201909965/. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Brinkhaus, Andrew. (2010). The role of a Gaffer . [ Website Article]. Available at: https://cinematography.wonderhowto.com/news/role-gaffer-0114468/. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Carr, Tim. 2016). Meet the this morning team – Floor manager Tim Carr.  [ Youtube Video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb61rQr30y8. [ Accessed on 04.10.2018]. 

Clarke, Amy. ( 2016).  How to line a film script . [ Website Article]. Available at: https://www.amyclarkefilms.com/blog/how-to-line-a-film-script. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Chegg. (2017).  Location Scout.  [ Website article]. Available at:    http://www.chegg.com/career-center/explore/location-scout. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Fougner, Jon. (2013).  [ Website article].   8 Tips for Making Your Film Sound Great from the Industry’s Top Sound Designers and Execs. Available at:  http://www.indiewire.com/2013/02/8-tips-for-making-your-film-sound-great-from-the-industrys-top-sound-designers-and-execs-41471/. [ Acessed on 11.04.2018] 

Go . (1999). [ Film]. Directed by Doug Liman. Las Vegas, Banner Entertainment.  

I  Love Sarah Jane.  ( 2008). [ Film]. Directed by Spencer Susser. Australia, Aquarius Films. 

Jolland, Stephanie. ( 2012). 7 Rules for writing short films. [ Website article]. Available at: https://www.raindance.org/7-rules-for-writing-short-films/. [ Acessed on 11.04.2018].  

Lady Bird.  (2018). [ Film]. Directed by Greta Gerwig. Sacramento, California. A24. 

Langford, Simon. ( 2014).  Digital Audio Editing.  Oxon, Focal Press. 

Fight Club . (1999). [ Film]. Directed by David Fincher. California. Regency enterprises.  

Maier, Robert .  (1994) .  L ocation   scouting and management handbook .  Newton, Focal Press. 

Malkiewicz, Kris. ( 2012).   Film Lighting: Talks with Hollywood’s Cinematographers and Gaffers . New york, Touch Stone. 

Massokissed . [ Film]. Directed by Sam Gladstone. York, Socks and sandals Films.  

McDowell, Alex. ( 2017).  Alex McDowell Design Manchester . [ Youtube video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsgJHrLFf5k. [ Accessed on 04.10.2018]. 

Moving Image Education. (2018).  Health and Safety. [ Website article].  Available from: https://movingimageeducation.org/create-films/production/the-production-department/health-and-safety/ [ Accessed on 10.04.2018].  

 Munroe, Robert. (2009).  Ho w  not to make a short  film.   New York, Harper Collins. 

Newby, Julian. (1997)   Inside Broadcasting.  London, Routledge. 

O’falt, Chris. ( 2012).  SXSW 2016: What is the key to writing a good short film script.  [ Website article ]. Available at: http://www.indiewire.com/2016/03/sxsw-2016-what-is-the-key-to-writing-a-good-short-film-script-58016/. [ Accessed on 11.04.2018].  

Powell, Dan. (2013).  5 Independent Films  With  Great Sound  Design .[ Website Article]. Available at: https://www.raindance.org/5-independent-films-with-great-sound-design/. [ Accessed on 11.04.2018]. 

Rahmel, Dan. (2013).  Nuts and Bolts Filmmaking: Practical Techniques for the Guerilla Filmmaker.   Burlington, Focal press. 

Renee, V. (2016).   A Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking Down a Script for Production.  [ Website article ]. Available at: https://nofilmschool.com/2016/02/step-step-guide-breaking-down-script-production. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Rizzo, Michael . (2013) .  The Art Direction Handbook for Film . Burlington, Focal Press.  

Shoot Factory. (2015).  ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR BECOMING A FILM LOCATION SCOUT.   [ Website article]. Available at: http://www.shootfactory.co.uk/essential-information-for-becoming-a-film-location-scout/. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018].  

Sipos, Thomas. (2010).  Horror Film Aesthetics: Creating the Visual Language of  Fear. North Carolina, Mcf arland and Company  inc.  

Studio Binder. ( 2016).  How to Break Down a Script . [ Website Article]. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/free-script-breakdown-sheet/. ( Accessed on 10.04.2018). 

Jew, Anson. (2013) .  Professional Storyboarding: Rules of Thumb.  Burlington, Focal press. 

Utterback, Andrew. ( 2016).  Studio Television Production and Directing: Concepts, Equipment, and Procedures.  New York, Focal press. 

Woodsman Film Company. ( 2016).  The importance of storyboarding in filmmaking.  [ Website article]. Available at: http://www.thewoodsmanfilm.com/importance-storyboarding-filmmaking/. [ Acessed on 10.04.2018].  

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January 5, 2019

3MD004 – Production Design and Cinematography

48 film challenge evaluation, 2md001 – portfolio.

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174 Film Research Paper Topics To Inspire Your Writing

Also known as a moving picture or movie, the film uses moving images to communicate or convey everything from feelings and ideas to atmosphere and experiences. The making of movies, as well as the art form, is known as cinematography (or cinema, in short). The film is considered a work of art. The first motion pictures were created in the late 1880s and were shown to only one person at a time using peep show devices. By 1985, movies were being projected on large screens for large audiences.

Film has a rich and interesting history, as well as a bright future given the current technological advancements. This is why many professors will really appreciate it if you write a research paper on movies. However, to write a great paper, you need a great topic.

In this blog post, we will give you our latest list of 174 film research paper topics. They should be excellent for 2023 and should get you some bonus points for originality and creativity. As always, our topics are 100% free to use as you see fit. You can reword them in any way you like and you are not required to give us any credit.

Writing Good Film Research Paper

Before we get to the film topics for research papers in our list, you need to learn how you can write the best possible film research paper. It’s not overly complicated, don’t worry. Here are some pointers to get you started:

Start as early as possible Start your project with an outline that will keep you focused on what’s important Spend some time to find a great topic (or just use one of ours) Research every angle of the topic Spend some time composing the thesis statement Always use information from reliable sources Make sure you cite and reference properly Edit and proofread your work to make it perfect. Alternatively, you can rely on our editors and proofreaders to help you with this.

Now it’s time to pick your topic. We’ve made things easy for you, so all you have to do is go through our neatly organized list and select the topic you like the most. If you already know something about the topic, writing the paper shouldn’t take you more than 1 or 2 days, however if you have no desire to spend a lot of time on your assignment, thesis writing help from our professionals is on its way. Pick your topic now:

Easy Film Research Topics

We know most students are not too happy about spending days working on their research papers. This is why we have compiled a list of easy film research topics just for our readers:

• What was the Electrotachyscope?
• Research the history of film
• Describe the first films ever made
• Talk about the Kinetoscope
• Who were Auguste and Louis Lumière?
• An in-depth look at film during World War I
• Talk about the evolution of sound in motion pictures
• Most popular movie actors of all time
• The life and works of Charles Chaplin
• The life and works of Sergei Mikhailovich Eisenstein
• Discuss the Mutoscope device
• Talk about the introduction of natural color in films

Film Topics To Write About In High School

If you are a high school student, you probably want some topics that are not overly complicated. Well, the good news is that we have plenty of film topics to write about in high school. Check them out below:

• An in-depth analysis of sound film
• Research the shooting of Le Voyage dans la Lune
• Talk about the Technicolor process
• Research the film industry in India
• The growing popularity of television
• Discuss the most important aspects of film theory
• The drawbacks of silent movies
• Cameras used in 1950s movies
• The most important cinema movie of the 1900s
• Research the montage of movies in the 1970s
• The inception of film criticism
• Discuss the film industry in the United States

Interesting Film Paper Topics

Are you looking for the most interesting film paper topics so that you can impress your professor and your fellow students? We are happy to say that you have arrived at just the right place. Here are our latest ideas:

• Are digital movies much different from films?
• Research the evolution of cinematography
• Research the role of movies in Indian culture
• The principles of a cinema camera
• Technological advancements in the film industry
• The use of augmented reality in movies
• Talk about the role of film in American culture
• An in-depth look at the production cycle of a film
• The role of the filming crew on the set
• Latest cameras for cinematography
• An in-depth look at the distribution of films
• How are animated movies made?

Controversial Movie Topics

Why would you be afraid to write your paper on a controversial topic? Perhaps you didn’t know that most professors really appreciate the effort and the innovative ideas. Below, you can find a whole list of controversial movie topics for students:

• An in-depth look at Cannibal Holocaust
• Controversies behind Fifty Shades of Gray
• A Clockwork Orange: the banned movie
• All Quiet on the Western Front: a controversial war movie
• Discuss The Texas Chain Saw Massacre movie
• Apocalypse Now: one of the most banned movies
• Brokeback Mountain and the controversies surrounding it
• Talk about The Last Temptation of Christ
• The Birth of a Nation: the movie that was banned in America

Movie Topics Ideas For College

As you probably know already, college students should choose topics that are a bit more complex than those picked by high school students. The good news is that we have compiled a list of the best movie topics ideas for college students below:

• Methods to bring your sketches to life
• Discuss problems with documentary filming
• War movies and their impact on society
• What does a director actually do on the set?
• Talk about state-sanctioned movies in China
• Research cinematography in North Korea
• Talk about psychological reactions to films
• Research the good versus evil theme
• African Americans in the 1900s cinematography in the US
• Discuss the creation of sound for films

Hottest Film Topics To Date

Our writers and editors did their best to compile a list of the hottest film topics to date. You can safely pick any of the topics below and write your essay or research paper on it. You should be able to find plenty of information online about each and every topic:

• The life and works of Alfred Hitchcock
• Talk about racial discrimination in war movies
• The psychology behind vampire movies
• The life and works of Samuel L. Jackson
• Classic opera versus modern movie soundtracks
• Hollywood versus Bollywood
• The life and works of tom Hanks
• Research the Frankenstein character
• Major contributions by women in cinematography
• The life and works of Harrison Ford
• The 3 most popular topics for a moving picture

Good Movie Topics For 2023

We know, you probably want some topics that relevant today. You want to talk about something new and exciting. Well, we’ve got a surprise for you. This list of good movie topics for 2023 has just been added to the blog post, and you can use it for free:

• The life and works of Will Smith
• Why do people love movie monsters?
• Talk about the popularity of fan movies
• The life and works of Morgan Freeman
• Gender inequality in UK films
• Research movies that were produced because of video games
• The life and works of Anthony Hopkins
• The importance of the Golden Raspberry Award
• Outer space: the future of cinematography
• Compare today’s filming techniques to those in the 1950s
• The importance of winning a Golden Globe Award

Fascinating Film Topics

Are you looking for some of the most fascinating film topics one can ever find online? Our experts have outdone themselves this time. Check out our list of ideas below and choose the topic you like the most:

• Talk about the development of Star Wars
• Talk about spaghetti western movies
• Discuss the filming of Pride and Prejudice
• Research fantasy films
• The most popular movie genre in 2023
• What makes a movie a blockbuster?
• Filming for the Interstellar movie
• Peculiarities of Bollywood cinema
• Talk about the era of Hitchcock
• Discuss the role of motion pictures in society
• Talk about Neo-realism in Italian movies
• Research the filming of A Fistful of Dollars

The History Of Film Topics

Writing about the history of film and cinematography can be a good way to earn some bonus points from your professor. However, it’s not an easy thing to do. Fortunately, we have a list of the history of film topics right here for you, so you don’t have to waste any time searching:

• Research the first ever motion picture
• Discuss the idea behind moving images
• Research the Pioneer Era
• Talk about the introduction of sound in movies
• Talk about the Silent Era
• Who created the first ever movie?
• Discuss the Golden Era of cinematography
• The era of changes in 2023
• The rise of Hollywood cinematography
• Discuss the first color movie
• Research the first horror movie
• Discuss the phrase “No one person invented cinema”

Famous Cinematographers Topics

You can, of course, write your next research paper on the life and works of a famous or popular cinematographer. You have plenty to choose from. However, we’ve already selected the best famous cinematographers topics for you right here:

• The life and works of Sir Roger Deakins
• Research the cinematographer Vittorio Storaro
• An in-depth look at Bill Pope
• Research the cinematographer Gordon Willis
• The life and works of Wally Pfister
• An in-depth look at Robert Burks
• Research the cinematographer Stanley Cortez
• The life and works of Conrad Hall
• An in-depth look at Rodrigo Prieto
• The life and works of Claudio Miranda
• Emmanuel Lubezki
• An in-depth look at Jack Cardiff
• Research the cinematographer Michael Ballhaus
• The life and works of Kazuo Miyagawa

Famous Films Topic Ideas

The easiest and fastest way to write an essay or research paper about movies is to write about a famous movie. Take a look at these famous films topic ideas and start writing your paper today:

• Research A Space Odyssey
• Research the movie Seven Samurai
• Cinematography techniques in There Will Be Blood
• Discuss the film The Godfather
• An in-depth look at La Dolce Vita
• Research the movie Citizen Kane
• Cinematography techniques in Goodfellas
• An in-depth look at the Aliens series
• Cinematography techniques in Singin’ in the Rain
• Research the movie Mulholland Drive
• An in-depth look at In The Mood For Love
• Research the movie City Lights

The Future Of Movies Topic Ideas

Did you ever wonder what the movies of the future will look like? We can guarantee that your professor has thought about it. Surprise him by writing your paper on one of these the future of movies topic ideas:

• The future of digital films
• Discuss animation techniques of the future
• The future of cinematography cameras
• How do you view the actors of the future?
• Will digital releases eliminate the need for DVDs?
• The role of streaming services in the future
• Talk about the direct-to-consumer distribution concept
• Is cinematography a good career for the future?
• Will movie theaters disappear?
• Virtual reality in future films
• The rise of Pixar Studios

Awesome Cinema Topic Ideas

Our experts have just finished completing this section of the topics list. Here, you will find some of the most awesome cinema topic ideas. These should all work great in 2023, so give them a try today:

• The concept of the Road Movie
• Review the film “Donnie Brasco”
• The popularity of musical movies
• A comprehensive history of cinematography
• Discuss the A Beautiful Mind movie
• Compare watching movies now and in the 1990s
• Talk about film narrative
• The importance of the main characters in a movie
• The process of selecting the right actor for the role
• Well-known produces in the United States
• The most popular actors in 2023
• Research Nazi propaganda films

Simple Cinema Essay Ideas

If you want to write about cinematography but don’t want to spend too much time researching the topic, you could always choose one of our simple cinema essay ideas. New ideas are added to this list periodically:

• Discuss the concept of limited animation
• War movies during World War II
• The importance of James Bond for Americans
• What is docufiction?
• The traits of a filmophile
• The success of early crime movies
• An in-depth look at Hanna-Barbera
• The transition from VHS tape to DVD
• Best comedy movies ever made
• Discuss the Film Noir genre
• What is a Blaxploitation?
• The best samurai film ever produced

Movies And The Internet Topics

• How does piracy affect the movie industry?
• An in-depth look at Netflix
• Research the top 3 movie streaming websites
• Compare and contrast Netflix and Amazon Prime
• Should movies be shared for free online?
• The effects of online streaming on piracy
• Is pirating movies illegal everywhere?
• Illegal downloads of movies in North Korea
• Piracy: a form of film preservation
• The most pirated movies of the 21st century
• Research the best ways to stop film piracy
• The economic impact of movie piracy in the United States

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