• How It Works
  • PhD thesis writing
  • Master thesis writing
  • Bachelor thesis writing
  • Dissertation writing service
  • Dissertation abstract writing
  • Thesis proposal writing
  • Thesis editing service
  • Thesis proofreading service
  • Thesis formatting service
  • Coursework writing service
  • Research paper writing service
  • Architecture thesis writing
  • Computer science thesis writing
  • Engineering thesis writing
  • History thesis writing
  • MBA thesis writing
  • Nursing dissertation writing
  • Psychology dissertation writing
  • Sociology thesis writing
  • Statistics dissertation writing
  • Buy dissertation online
  • Write my dissertation
  • Cheap thesis
  • Cheap dissertation
  • Custom dissertation
  • Dissertation help
  • Pay for thesis
  • Pay for dissertation
  • Senior thesis
  • Write my thesis

174 Film Research Paper Topics To Inspire Your Writing

174 Film Research Paper Topics

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

Rely On The Best Thesis Writing Service

Are you preparing to start working on your thesis? Or perhaps you just need some help with a research paper or an essay related to films and the movie industry. Our thesis writing service is exactly what you have been looking for! We have the writers and the experts you need if you want to do a great job on your next academic writing project. And remember, you will get assistance fast and cheap from a team of ENL writers, editors and proofreaders. We are a reliable academic writing agency with years of industry experience, so collaborating with us is 100% secure.

Over the years, we have helped thousands of high school, college and university students with their writing projects. We have always delivered the high quality professors were expecting from their students. In other words, our customers get top grades in 99.6% of the cases. We have an expert for every class, so you don’t have to worry about your project being too complex for us.

If you are a student who is searching for top quality custom content online, custom dissertation writing online from our expert helpers. We have just added new offers and discounts, so don’t forget to ask our customer support specialist about them. Get in touch with us now and save!

journalism topics

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment * Error message

Name * Error message

Email * Error message

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future.

Ukraine Live Updates

217 Film Research Paper Topics & Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Film research paper topics provide a rich, multifaceted canvas for critical analysis. One can explore genre theory and its evolution, scrutinizing the symbiotic relationship between society and film genres, such as sci-fi, horror, or romance. Another fruitful area lies in auteur theory, assessing the unique stylistic fingerprints of directors, like Kubrick, Hitchcock, or Miyazaki. Delving into film adaptations provides an opportunity to study narrative transformation across different media. Studying representation in film, be it racial, gender, or cultural, opens a lens into societal norms and biases. In turn, there is the exploration of film technologies and their influence on the cinematic experience. Film criticism and its role in shaping public perception can also be an intriguing topic. With every cinematic element providing a potential research topic, film studies truly cater to diverse academic interests.

Best Film Research Paper Topics

  • Impacts of Technological Advancements on the Animation Film Industry
  • Portrayal of Mental Health in Contemporary Cinema
  • Cultural Stereotypes in Global Film Industry
  • Feminist Theory Analysis in Alfred Hitchcock’s Films
  • Violence and its Effect on Teenagers in Action Films
  • Representation of History in Steven Spielberg’s Movies
  • Examination of Homosexuality in Bollywood Cinema
  • Depiction of Science and Technology in Science Fiction Films
  • Philosophical Themes Explored in the Matrix Trilogy
  • Influence of Film Noir on Modern Thrillers
  • Comic Book Adaptations: Success and Failure Factors
  • Cinema’s Role in Promoting Environmental Awareness
  • Portrayal of AI and Robotics in Films: A Comparative Study
  • Evolution of Special Effects in the Film Industry
  • Relationship Between Music and Narrative in Film
  • Examination of Sociopolitical Contexts in Iranian Cinema
  • Impacts of Hollywood on Global Film Cultures
  • Aesthetic Evolution in French New Wave Cinema
  • Exploring Symbolism in Stanley Kubrick’s Films
  • Influence of the Silent Era on Modern Film Techniques
  • Alien Depictions: Reflection of Societal Fears in Film
  • Use of Dreams and Subconscious in David Lynch’s Films
  • Examination of Masculinity in Clint Eastwood’s Westerns
  • Evolution of Animation: From Disney to Studio Ghibli
  • Exploring Religion and Spirituality in Indian Cinema

Easy Film Research Paper Topics

  • Interpreting Magic Realism in Guillermo del Toro’s Films
  • Analysis of Adaptation Theory in Book-to-Film Transitions
  • Modern Film Criticism: Influence of Online Review Platforms
  • Exploration of Absurdism in Coen Brothers’ Films
  • Social Media Portrayal in Contemporary Film
  • Influence of Film on Public Perception of Historical Events
  • Analysis of Horror Tropes in Japanese Cinema
  • Portrayal of Childhood and Growing Up in Animated Films
  • Impacts of Censorship Policies on Film Creativity
  • Narrative Techniques in Quentin Tarantino’s Films
  • The Role of Fashion and Costume in Period Films
  • Ethical Considerations in Documentary Filmmaking
  • Representation of Post-Apocalyptic Themes in Cinema
  • Exploring Cultural Identity in African Cinema
  • Analysis of Musical Scores in Film Noir
  • Examination of Adaptation of Video Games Into Films
  • Portrayal of Space Travel in Science Fiction Films
  • Evolution of Stop Motion Techniques in Cinema
  • Cultural Interpretations of Love and Romance in Films
  • Examination of Dystopian Themes in Animated Films
  • Analyzing the Concept of Anti-Heroes in Film
  • Exploring Satire and Parody in Comedy Films
  • Portrayal of Race and Ethnicity in Hollywood Cinema

Film Research Paper Topics & Ideas

Interesting Film Research Paper Topics

  • Depiction of Cybercrime in Contemporary Cinema
  • Influence of German Expressionism on Tim Burton’s Aesthetic
  • Use of Color and Lighting in Guillermo del Toro’s Films
  • Examination of LGBTQ+ Representation in Hollywood Cinema
  • Roles of Politics in the Cuban Film Industry
  • Portrayal of Disability in Modern Films
  • Treatment of Time Travel in Science Fiction Films
  • Analyzing the Evolution of Cinematography Techniques
  • Cultural Influences in South Korean Cinema
  • Roles of Nostalgia in Recreating Period Pieces
  • Importance of Film Score in Creating Atmosphere
  • Analysis of Propaganda Techniques in North Korean Cinema
  • Representation of Women in Action Films
  • Ethical Implications of Animal Use in Film Production
  • Impacts of Streaming Platforms on Film Distribution
  • Evolution of Film Censorship: A Comparative Study
  • Examination of Familial Relationships in Animated Films
  • Interpretation of Surrealism in Luis Buñuel’s Films
  • Examination of Biopics: Historical Accuracy vs. Dramatic License
  • Impacts of Film Festivals on Independent Cinema
  • Exploring Existentialism in Ingmar Bergman’s Films

Film Research Paper Topics About Students

  • Influence of Silent Cinema on Modern Filmmaking Techniques
  • Portrayal of Social Media’s Impact on Adolescents in Contemporary Movies
  • Bollywood vs. Hollywood: A Comparative Study of Storytelling Styles
  • Representation of Mental Health in Animation Movies
  • Foreign Language Films: Enhancing Global Cultural Understanding among Students
  • The Role of Women in Classic Film Noir: A Critical Analysis
  • Analysis of Auteur Theory in Modern Independent Cinema
  • Evaluating the Accuracy of Historical Dramas: A Fact vs. Fiction Study
  • Roles of Music in Creating Emotional Impact: A Study on Film Scores
  • Racial Stereotyping in Blockbuster Movies: A Comprehensive Study
  • Interpreting Symbolism and Metaphor in Fantasy Genre Films
  • Exploring Subliminal Messages in Advertising and Product Placement in Films
  • Understanding the Social Impact of LGBTQ+ Representation in Cinema
  • Examining the Evolution of Special Effects in the Film Industry
  • Influence of Japanese Anime on Western Animation Styles
  • Significance of Set Design in Creating Realistic Period Films
  • Ethics in Documentary Filmmaking: Truth vs. Storytelling
  • Roles of Cinematography in Enhancing Narratives in Films
  • Impacts of Sci-Fi Films on Popular Science Understanding Among Students
  • Subtext and Satire: The Power of Political Commentary in Movies
  • Narrative Techniques in Autobiographical and Biographical Films
  • Artistic Censorship: Its Impact on Creative Freedom in International Cinema

Film Research Paper Topics Made by Students

  • Transformation of Comic Books to Silver Screen: A Historical Analysis
  • Gender Representation in Oscar-Winning Films Over the Decades
  • The Evolution of Horror Films: From Psycho to Paranormal
  • Motion Capture Technology: Changing the Landscape of Animation Films
  • Examination of Propaganda in World War II Era Cinema
  • Unpacking the Influence of Music Scores in Emotional Storytelling
  • Analyzing Film Noir: The Aesthetics of Grit and Shadows
  • Impacts of Streaming Platforms on Traditional Movie Theatres
  • Silent Era to Talkies: How Did Sound Revolutionize Cinema?
  • Special Effects Techniques: The Making of Modern Sci-Fi Movies
  • The Hero’s Journey: Exploring Mythological Themes in Films
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Documentaries: A Study on Bias and Objectivity
  • Dissecting the Psychological Depth of Christopher Nolan’s Films
  • Censorship in Films: A Comparative Study Between Countries
  • The Role of the Auteur in Independent Filmmaking
  • How Disney Reinvents Fairy Tales: A Feminist Perspective
  • Bollywood vs. Hollywood: Contrasting Storytelling Techniques
  • Exploration of Coming-of-Age Themes in Teenage Films
  • Stereotyping in Movies: Assessing the Consequences on Society
  • Roles of Cinematography in Creating a Film’s Atmosphere

Film Research Paper Topics About Popular Movies

  • Influences of Classic Literature on “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy
  • Propaganda and War-Time Politics in “Casablanca”
  • Exploring Social Alienation in “Taxi Driver”
  • Cinematography Techniques Used in “Citizen Kane”
  • Implicit Racism Portrayed in “Gone with the Wind”
  • Animation Evolution: A Study on the “Toy Story” Series
  • Gender Stereotypes in Disney Princess Films
  • Symbolism and Surrealism in “Pan’s Labyrinth”
  • Cult Status and Cultural Impact of “Pulp Fiction”
  • Examination of Crime and Morality in “The Godfather”
  • “Fight Club” and the Commentary on Consumerism
  • Psychological Analysis of the Protagonist in “A Clockwork Orange”
  • Role of Music in the Narrative of the “Star Wars” Saga
  • Concept of Love in Richard Linklater’s “Before” Trilogy
  • “The Shining” and Its Divergence From the Original Novel
  • “Inception” and the Philosophy of Dream Interpretation
  • The Relevance of “1984” in the Age of Mass Surveillance
  • Science and Fiction: A Study on “Interstellar”
  • Decoding the Metaphor of “The Matrix”
  • “The Dark Knight”: A Modern Take on Heroism and Villainy
  • Biblical Themes in Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah”
  • Investigating Historical Accuracy in “Schindler’s List”

Film Research Paper Topics on History

  • The Impact of World War II on Hollywood: Propaganda and Patriotism
  • The Rise of Film Noir: Exploring the Dark Side of Post-War America
  • Cultural Significance of Epic Historical Films: From “Gone with the Wind” to “Gladiator”
  • Uncovering Hidden Histories: Films That Shed Light on Forgotten Events
  • The Representation of Ancient Civilizations in Hollywood: Myths and Realities
  • The Birth of Cinema: Exploring the Early Pioneers and Their Historical Films
  • Propaganda in Film During the Cold War: From East to West
  • The Role of Women in Historical Films: Portrayals and Progressions
  • Depicting the Civil Rights Movement on the Silver Screen: From “Selma” to “The Help”
  • The Historical Accuracy of Biographical Films: Balancing Fact and Fiction
  • The Representation of Colonialism in Film: Perspectives and Power Dynamics
  • The Cinematic Portrayal of World War I: From “All Quiet on the Western Front” to “1917”
  • Political Upheaval and Film: Exploring Revolutionary Movements on Screen
  • The Historical Evolution of War Films: From Silent Era to Modern Blockbusters
  • The Representation of Indigenous Peoples in Historical Films: Stereotypes and Subversions
  • Holocaust’s Theme in Movies: Documenting Trauma and Commemorating History
  • The Role of Historical Films in Shaping Collective Memory: Remembering the Past
  • Film and the Civil Rights Movement: Documenting Activism and Progress
  • The Portrayal of Historical Figures: Heroes, Villains, and Complex Characters

Research Paper Topics on Music in Films

  • Musical Transformations: Exploring the Evolution of Film Scores
  • Melodic Narrative: The Role of Music in Conveying Storytelling Elements in Films
  • Harmonic Innovations: Examining the Impact of Experimental Music in Cinematic Soundtracks
  • Rhythm and Emotion: Analyzing the Connection Between Beat and Mood in Film Music
  • Melancholic Melodies: Investigating the Use of Music to Evoke Sadness in Movies
  • Orchestral Powerhouses: Unveiling the Influence of Symphonic Scores in Epic Films
  • Sonic Identity: The Significance of Musical Themes in Establishing Character Presence in Movies
  • Vocal Expressions: Exploring the Role of Singing in Enhancing Cinematic Narratives
  • Cinematic Soundscapes: Investigating the Use of Ambient Music in Establishing Atmosphere
  • Cultural Harmonies: Examining the Representation of Different Music Genres in Film Scores
  • Experimental Soundtracks: Analyzing the Use of Avant-Garde Music in Artistic Films
  • Jazzy Tones: Unveiling the Influence of Jazz Music in Enhancing the Cinematic Experience
  • Musical Archetypes: Exploring the Portrayal of Heroes and Villains through Music in Films
  • Electronic Ambience: Investigating the Role of Techno and Electronic Music in Movie Soundtracks
  • Musical Narrative Arcs: Analyzing the Structure and Development of Musical Scores in Films
  • Emotional Resonance: Examining the Connection Between Music and Audience Response in Movies
  • Historical Harmonies: Unveiling the Role of Period Music in Depicting Different Eras in Film
  • Musical Cues: Exploring the Use of Leitmotifs in Creating Musical Associations in Cinema
  • Cross-Cultural Fusion: Investigating the Incorporation of World Music in Film Scores
  • Genre-Bending Soundtracks: Analyzing the Influence of Non-Traditional Music in Different Film Genres

Horror Film Research Paper Topics

  • Evolution of Horror Cinema: From Silent Movies to CGI Monsters
  • The Role of Sound Design and Score in Creating Horror Atmosphere
  • Psychoanalysis and Fear: The Hidden Messages in Classic Horror Films
  • Ghost Stories in Film: Cultural Differences in Horror Narratives
  • Horror Tropes and Their Social Commentary: A Deep Dive
  • Relevance of Classic Monsters in Modern Horror Films
  • The Impact of Globalization on Horror Film Narratives
  • Found Footage Films: The Realism in Fear and Dread
  • Women in Horror: Representation and Character Development
  • Dissecting Cinematic Techniques in Iconic Horror Scenes
  • Psychological Horror vs. Slasher Films: A Comparative Study
  • Portrayal of Mental Illness in Horror Movies: Is It Responsible?
  • Exorcism and Religion: The Unholy Alliance in Horror Films
  • Horror Comedy: The Unique Balance of Scares and Laughs
  • Adaptation of Horror Literature into Film: Successes and Failures
  • Body Horror: Physical Mutation as a Symbol of Inner Turmoil
  • Dark Tourism in Horror Films: Spooky Locations and Their Histories
  • Post-Apocalyptic Horror Films: Reflecting Societal Anxieties
  • Creature Features: The Significance of Non-Human Antagonists
  • Examining the Unsettling Nature of Uncanny Valley in Horror Movies
  • Interplay of Light and Darkness in Horror Cinematography
  • Reception Studies: How Do Different Cultures Respond to Horror Films?
  • Queer Representation in the Horror Genre: Progress and Challenges

Film Research Paper Topics About Monster Movies

  • Evolution of Monster Depictions in Cinema: A Historical Analysis
  • Cultural Implications of Monster Symbols in Japanese Kaiju Films
  • Transcending Fear: Psychoanalytic Theory in Monster Movies
  • Dissecting the Female Monster: Gender Dynamics in Horror Films
  • Monsters as Metaphors: Environmental Themes in Monster Cinema
  • The Gaze of the Other: Racial and Ethnic Subtexts in Monster Films
  • Unveiling Monstrosity: The Role of Cinematography in Monster Reveals
  • CGI vs. Practical Effects: Creating Convincing Monsters in Modern Cinema
  • How Do Score and Sound Design Enhance the Fright Factor in Monster Movies?
  • Parallels Between Classical Mythology and Contemporary Monster Films
  • The Lure of the Lovecraftian: Cosmic Horror in Monster Movies
  • Alien Invaders: The Intersection of Monster and Science Fiction Genres
  • Transformation and Fear: The Role of Werewolves in Cinema
  • Gothic Influence on the Evolution of Vampire Movies
  • The Horror of the Familiar: Domesticity as a Setting in Monster Films
  • Monstrosity Reimagined: Postmodern Approaches in Monster Cinema
  • Archetypes and Stereotypes: Monster Character Analysis in Film
  • Sequels and Series: Examining the Longevity of Monster Movie Franchises
  • Deconstructing Zombie Cinema: Metaphors of Disease and Decay
  • Audience Reactions and Expectations: A Study on Monster Movie Reception
  • Silent Era to Sound: The Influence on Early Monster Movies
  • Comedy in the Midst of Horror: Analyzing Humor in Monster Films

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

484 sports research topics & good ideas, 295 criminal justice research topics & ideas.

logo

Film Research Topics: 140+ Interesting Ideas

140+ Film Research Topics

The film industry includes a variety of fields that you can explore in your research paper. These include producing, directing, art direction, documentary films, screenwriting, cinematography, digital cinema, and more. Throughout their academic years, students get to learn and understand an array of such aspects. However, because of this extensive range of varieties, students often need help choosing the correct film research topic for their papers.

Think about something that would most effectively showcase your critical thinking and expertise. However, aside from the interest factor, there are numerous other things that you should always pay attention to. That is why, to guide you on this daunting journey, we have compiled a comprehensive list of film topics to write about. Furthermore, to help students, we have also shared some essential tips to help you pick the right topic. So, without any further delay, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Choosing the Best Film Topic for Writing

Do you want to find the perfect topic? Don’t worry! We’ve got your back! We have enumerated a few tips you can use for selecting the right topic that perfectly fits your requirements:

  • Think about your favorite films, filmmakers, or genres:  You can quickly narrow down the best options when you chase after the movies or filmmakers you’re passionate about. A positive attitude would give you an advantage.
  • Consider picking a topic from a historical era:  You can choose a specific chronological age of the film industry to analyze themes, movies, techniques, etc., used in that period. Historical eras shed light on hidden or contradictory histories that either contradict or support established narratives. Thus, choosing a film topic from a significant historical era will help you frame an out-of-the-box research paper.
  • Choose a film genre:  Choosing your favorite film genre will help you narrow down a few research topics of your interest.
  • Research previous scholarly articles:  Research previous academic essays and papers would help you gain a significant perspective on the topic you want to use in your research paper and how you want to take it further. You can use credible sources such as published research papers, literature, media platforms, etc.
  • Brainstorm the ideal topics:  Armed with credible sources, you can come up with the most intriguing film research topics that pique your interest. Ensure that the topic is narrow enough and establish relevant values.
  • Narrow down the most relevant topics.  Narrowing down your good topics would make the selection process easier for you. This way, you can eliminate unnecessary topics and can analyze and select the best topic among them.   Students must do an in-depth study on various film research topics. In this case, your objective is to comprehensively analyze multiple film industry aspects. Furthermore, understand the abovementioned tips before jumping on the topic selection process.

140+ Film Research Paper Topics

Movie-making   is the ideal form of art that requires the correct combination of creativity and techniques. Much effort is needed to shoot the scenes and turn the big picture into reality. It is why film studies can be both interesting as well as complex at the same time. One must combine extensive research with creativity to frame their research paper. Here are some original and exciting film research topics for your academic papers to lessen your difficulties. Let’s get started!

Most Promising Film Research Topics

The most exciting film paper topics are included in the following list. When choosing a topic for your research, make sure you choose the one that will pique your interest the most. These film research topics will help you put your most professional foot forward.

You can also look at our research topics; you might get something that can correlate with your film research. So, why give it a try?

  • The role of censorship in the film industry
  • Gender Stereotypes in Hollywood Movies
  • The American film industry
  • The Life Struggle Of Hazel And August In The Fault In Our Stars Movie: An Individual Psychological Approach
  • Bringing Ideas into Life Through Animation
  • A detailed study of the cultural impact of war movies
  • Comics and Superheroes in Cinematography
  • Films Seen Through the Directors’ Eyes
  • The vitality of color in the film industry
  • Animals in Movies and on TV: Cruelty Behind the Scenes
  • Video editing: the vitality of visual effects in movies
  • Daily Soap is the New Film Franchise
  • The Psychosocial Implications of Walt Disney Movies
  • Books vs screenplays
  • Documentary movies: The Power to Change the World
  • Indie Movies: A Genre or an Attitude?
  • Analyzing the art and science of crafting screenplays
  • A detailed study of ethical issues in documentary filmmaking
  • The role of film directors in bringing stories to life
  • The impact of movie genres on different audiences
  • Personality Traits of the Best Film Directors
  • Digital Storytelling: Narrative Elements from Hollywood
  • The social, psychological, and cultural influence of movies
  • The psychological impact of masculinity and violence on youth
  • Exposure and Ethnocentrism in Foreign Cinematography
  • The Notion of Mainstream Film in Contemporary Cinema
  • The cultural phenomenon of drama in movies
  • Freudian practice in cinematography
  • A detailed study of the technical evaluation of the film industry

Read Also – 120+ Journalism Research Topics

Music and Sound Research Topics in the Film Industry

Music in films can stir emotions and develop an excellent experience for viewers long after watching any movie. Musicians, especially those working in cinema, experiment extensively with the film’s background score, sound design, and songs to give the whole thing a unique experience. Occasionally, a movie scene is elevated and supported by nothing but music. If you enjoy listening to music, you can research any of the film music research topics listed below.

  • Contemporary opera and classical crossover
  • The Works of Sam Raimi and John Carpenter: A Comparative Analysis
  • The evolution of the music industry
  • A detailed study of the essential aspects of film theory
  • Understanding the psychological impact of music on audiences
  • The art of sound design in movies
  • The effect of music on contemporary cinema
  • Musicals: from stage to screen
  • An introduction to music therapy: theory and practice
  • The evolution of film music: using a theme for storytelling
  • Movies Based on Broadway Shows
  • The influence of music on movie perceptions
  • Musical development and performance: the 20th century and beyond
  • Classical opera versus modern music on screen
  • Ambient sound in film and media production
  • Constructing music: an art beyond words
  • The structure of the popular music industry
  • Innovation and diversity in the popular music industry, 1969–1990
  • The impact of brand sponsorship on music festivals
  • A comprehensive study on the art of film music

Riveting Horror Film Research Paper to Consider

Horror is one of the most intriguing film genres for most of us. Some horror and thrilling movies linger for a long time for various viewers. These horror films can keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Here are some enticing horror film research paper topics to consider:

  • The psychology of horror movies
  • Use of mythology in horror movies
  • The life and works of Alfred Hitchcock: the master of suspense
  • Horror movies reflect cultural fears: a critical review
  • The Place of Horror Movies in Today’s Cinematography
  • The aesthetics and psychology behind horror movies
  • The concept of suspense behind the making of horror movies
  • Racial discrimination in horror movies
  • US vs European horror movies: a comparative analysis
  • Evaluation of Horror Cinematography Through the Centuries
  • A detailed study of the elements of fear in horror movies
  • Religion and mythology in horror movies
  • Use of special effects and cinematography in horror movies
  • Horror-comedy: the chaotic spectrum and cinematic synthesis
  • The chaotic fusion of horror and comedy: why do we love it?
  • The perception of youth toward horror movies
  • A Brief History of Gothic Horror
  • The dark side and comparative mythology in screenwriting
  • How Horror Reflects Societal Fears
  • The Holocaust as horror in American film

Read Also – Art History Thesis Topics

Film History Research Paper Topics

The history of cinema is so vast that using this as your research topic would open a world of opportunities for students. Using the history of cinema as your research paper topic would be an excellent way to earn bonus points from your committee members.

So, let’s look at the below-listed film history research topics.

  • Music and Multimedia: Theory and History
  • Globalization of popular culture: from Hollywood to Bollywood
  • Evolution of the film industry over centuries
  • The technological evolution of the film industry
  • The history of motion pictures
  • The depression years, as depicted by the American theatre
  • Filmmaking and its history in the United States
  • A detailed study of early cinema
  • A Brief History of Special Effects in Film
  • A detailed history of science fiction movies
  • The globalization of popular film industries
  • The Golden Era of Cinematography: A Complete Historical Guide
  • Charlie Chaplin and the Silent Film Era
  • Representation of African-Americans in American Movies
  • The contribution of women to the film industry
  • War justification in American cinema
  • Pioneers of the Moving Picture
  • Hollywood’s dominance of the movie industry
  • Movies Transformation From B&W to Color
  • History of the horror film genre

Brilliant Film Research Topics for Monster Movies

Just like horror movies, audiences also like watching monster movies. Compared to fictional characters such as vampires, werewolves, monsters, or zombies, those with human characteristics provide audiences a terrifying experience. Thus, if monster movies intrigue you, this would be a worthwhile research topic for your upcoming project. Familiarization with these research topics would give you a significant perspective on what research topic you want to pursue. Check them out below:

  • A detailed analysis of a monster culture in the 21st century
  • Why do we still love Universal movies about monsters?
  • The science behind bringing monsters to life through cinematic effects
  • The psychological appeal of movie monsters
  • The mythology of monster movies
  • A brief history of monsters in movies
  • In the true meaning of Frankenstein, who was the monster?
  • Aspects of horror in the films
  • The Monsters Within Gothic Monstrosities in Dracula
  • Exploring Humanity Through Monster Movies
  • Monsters in Our Midst: An Examination of Human Monstrosities in Fiction
  • Zombies in Film: The Evolution of the Zombie in Contemporary Cinema
  • Vampires in Hollywood: The Undead’s Evolution
  • Exploration of movie monsters through the years
  • The psychological impact of monster movies on children
  • The culture of fictional monsters in the 21st century
  • Zombies and vampires in the contemporary film industry
  • Understanding the relationship between myth and anomalies in the film industry
  • Discomforting Creatures: Monstrous Natures in Recent Film
  • The Monster Movies of Universal Studios

Read Also – 180+ Immigration Research Topics

Animation Research Paper Topic Ideas

Are you still struggling with your decision? We understand choosing the correct film research topic can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to worry anymore. We can help. In this section, we have prepared a list of the best film paper topics related to animation.

  • Advanced narrative illustration: an overview
  • Mapping the evolution and development of 3D in printing
  • A thematic analysis of digital illustration
  • Organizational creativity in heterarchies: The case of VFX production
  • Analyzing the new developments in the area of illustrations
  • The role of ethics, culture, and artistry in scientific illustration
  • Analyzing Hidden Elements in Disney Movies and Effects on Children
  • Exploring the progress in animation films in the past ten years
  • Exploring the effects of Kinematics methods on animation
  • Animation Character Detection Algorithm Based on Clustering and Cascaded SSD
  • History of the Japanese Animation Industry and New Technology
  • Scotland’s History of Animation: An Exploratory Account of the Key Figures and Influential Events
  • The history and developments of 2D animation
  • Analysis Of Finding Nemo Through Mythological, Theological, And Ideological Criticisms
  • Bringing a story to life: For programmers, animators, VFX artists, and interactive designers
  • Design and Realization of Animation Composition and Tone Space Conversion Algorithm
  • Scotland’s History of Animation
  • Anime: A Style of Japanese Film and Television
  • A comparative analysis between Kinematics and Dynamic Animation
  • Animated vs Static graphics in a video game
  • Analyzing the use of texting art in animated games.
  • The idea of Digital illustration and its impact on an appealing visual element
  • An Analysis of Animation in the Movies Frozen and Zootopia
  • Aesthetics and design in the three-dimensional animation process
  • The uses and abuses of cartoon style in animation

Read Also – A List of 100+ Research Topics in Education

Movies Research Paper Topics About Production Houses

If you are still looking for the best film topics to write about, we suggest you look at the topics below about production houses. This list includes essential research topics about film production houses and their roles in the film industry. Let’s have a look!

  • The risk environment of filmmaking: Warner Bros in the inter-war years
  • Stardom and the profitability of filmmaking: Warner Bros. in the 1930s
  • A Comparison in the Movie Studios Sector
  • Bankruptcy and Restructuring at Marvel Entertainment Group
  • Disney’s Marvel acquisition: a strategic financial analysis
  • A research study on the 20th Century Studios
  • Marvel, DC, and sport: Investigating rivalry in the sport and comic settings
  • Walt Disney Animation Studios: a detailed analysis
  • Historical and Mythical Time in the Marvel and DC Series
  • Hollywood’s attempt to appropriate television: The case of Paramount Pictures
  • TSG Entertainment Production Company Box Office History
  • A measurement study of Netflix, Hulu, and a tale of three CDNs
  • The Powerful Influence of Netflix and Amazon Studios
  • Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures: a research analysis
  • Can Netflix Take Over Hollywood

Final Words

Film studies generally examine the film industry’s historical, critical, and theoretical aspects. You can easily select the perfect research topic that matches your interests from the above-provided lists of film research topics. However, there’s still an option if you need help with these. You can contact our writing services and get   quick assistance. At Edumagnate.com , we provide brilliant research papers and research proposal writing services to students from all domains. You can contact us and share your requirements to get a high-quality, plagiarism-free research paper quickly.

' src=

By Alex Brown

I'm an ambitious, seasoned, and versatile author. I am experienced in proposing, outlining, and writing engaging assignments. Developing contagious academic work is always my top priority. I have a keen eye for detail and diligence in producing exceptional academic writing work. I work hard daily to help students with their assignments and projects. Experimenting with creative writing styles while maintaining a solid and informative voice is what I enjoy the most.

DissertationTop Phone Number

Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Film » Film Dissertation Topics (28 Examples) For Research Ideas

film topics for thesis

Film Dissertation Topics (28 Examples) For Research Ideas

Mark Jun 18, 2020 Jun 18, 2020 Film No Comments

The discipline of film studies in the world of academia is linked with the critical, historical, and theoretical approaches to films. A list of film dissertation topics is developed to help students in choosing the right topic for their thesis, research project, and dissertation. Choosing a topic from the list of film dissertation topics can […]

film dissertation topics

The discipline of film studies in the world of academia is linked with the critical, historical, and theoretical approaches to films. A list of film dissertation topics is developed to help students in choosing the right topic for their thesis, research project, and dissertation. Choosing a topic from the list of film dissertation topics can help in gaining a fascinating experience of research.

The project topics on films and research topics on films are developed to help students in finding a topic according to their area of interest. We have a team of highly experienced and professional writers who can help you in writing proposals and dissertations on your selected film dissertation topic.

List of Film dissertation topics

An analysis and comparison of the most popular genres of cinema in the world today.

To compare the commercial cinema and non-commercial cinema – A literature review.

Studying the role of marketing in the Chinese and Japanese film industry.

Examining the cinema and film culture in the Middle East.

An analysis of the perceptions of youngsters on horror films.

Exploring the concept of special effects in silent movies.

Creative translation and cultural transformation impact on the film adaptation.

How has the digital revolution influenced the film and cinema industry?

An empirical analysis of music and soundtracks in films.

Exploring the diverse film elements and pedagogical feasibilities for creative writing.

An analysis of film education as a multiplicity of practices.

Evaluating the evolution of music in the film – a comparative review.

Studying the evolution of urban film making.

How are technological advancements contributing to the film industry?

An analysis of the importance of a Character in a film.

Studying the landscape of Eastern film making.

Exploring the relationship between literature and film.

What are the special aspects of film making and how it influences the different people involved in the process?.

Why is violence in commercial cinema overrated?

An analysis of participatory film production a media practice.

Exploring the role of women in film – cultural impact on the changing discourse on gender representation in films.

A sentiment analysis on IMDb movie reviews using hybrid feature extraction model..

Irony, interpretation, and surface meanings in the film.

A literature review on the evolution of television and film industry.

Studying the art of handmade movie hoardings in Pakistan.

To study the effects of protectionism on film industry taking the case of Korea.

An analysis of Hollywood’s film localization efforts.

A comparative review of Hollywood with other countries film industry.

Topic With Mini-Proposal (Paid Service)

Along with a topic, you will also get;

  • An explanation why we choose this topic.
  • 2-3 research questions.
  • Key literature resources identification.
  • Suitable methodology with identification of raw sample size, and data collection method
  • View a sample of topic consultation service

Get expert dissertation writing help to achieve good grades

  • Writer consultation before payment to ensure your work is in safe hands.
  • Free topic if you don't have one
  • Draft submissions to check the quality of the work as per supervisor's feedback
  • Free revisions
  • Complete privacy
  • Plagiarism Free work
  • Guaranteed 2:1 (With help of your supervisor's feedback)
  • 2 Instalments plan
  • Special discounts

Other Posts

Message Us On WhatsApp

logo

150 Outstanding Film Research Paper Topics

Table of Contents

Are you a film technology student looking for interesting film research paper topics? Read this blog post. We know how difficult it will be to identify a perfect topic for a research paper. Therefore, for your convenience, here we have listed 150 amazing research paper ideas related to films and music. In addition to that, we have also shared some valuable tips on how to pick the right film research paper topic.

Explore this blog and get unique ideas for film research paper preparation.

Also, Read – Outstanding Research Paper Topics for Students of All Spheres

Tips for Choosing a Good Film Research Paper Topic

If you are confused about how to select the right research topic for your film studies, here’s what you can do to identify the film dissertation idea that fits you.

  • Prepare a list of your favorite films, filmmakers, or genres. When you go as per your interest or specific film category, you can easily narrow down your list.
  • Not just your favorite films or filmmakers, you can choose a specific period in film history and then analyze the themes, techniques, etc., used in that period.
  • To find the right topic, extensive research is required. You can generate more ideas when you research and explore different credible sources such as literature, media platforms, books, and published research papers.
  • With the relevant information you have gathered, you can come up with a specific topic that matches your interest. Remember to choose a topic that isn’t too broad.
  • Narrow down your topic and pick one or two ideas for writing a high-quality research paper. If you narrow it down, you can explore deeply and add more value to the topic. Also, you can keep the readers engaged.

Film Research Paper Topics

List of Film Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Creating a film is not an easy task. It is a pure form of art that requires the efforts of different creative and technical departments. From shooting a scene to making it a whole film, a variety of works are involved. As film studies is a vast subject, you can research different areas such as film technology, film genre, film history, music and sound design, etc.

If you are highly passionate about understanding films, then doing film research will also give you the same pleasure you receive from watching films. Since many areas are involved in the film industry, finding the right research topic might be difficult for you. To eliminate all your searching difficulties, here we have listed the best film research topic ideas that you can consider for writing your academic paper.

Film History Research Paper Topics

Today, along with technology, the film industry has also evolved a lot. But when you stop and turn back, you may get different ideas about film history from the time the first film was made to modern cinema. To captivate your readers, you can research the fascinating film history research topics listed below.

  • Charlie Chaplin and the Silent Movie Era
  • The technological evolution of filmmaking
  • The history of science-fiction movies
  • The importance of representation in movies.
  • Changes in Hollywood and its dominance of cinematography
  • The Globalization of Popular Culture: Hollywood vs. Bollywood
  • The Role and Contributions of Women in the Film Industry
  • Movies about the history of religions.
  • The impact of the film industry on different generations.
  • Evolution of animation in movie production.
  • Life Before CGI: The History of special effects
  • African Americans in cinematography.
  • Fellini’s contribution to cinematography.
  • Hitchcock’s sacred power.
  • War Justification in American Cinema

Research Topics on Music in Films

To stir the emotions of the audience and engagingly narrate the story, music plays a predominant role in the films. In the film industries across the world, musicians, especially those who work for films, experiment a lot with the film background score, sound design, and songs to add uniqueness to the entire film. In some films, only music supports the story and elevates a scene. If you are a music lover, then you can perform research on any of the below-mentioned research topics on film music.

  • Compare the works of Sam Raimi and John Carpenter
  • Discuss the most important aspects of film theory
  • How are animated movies made?
  • What does a director do on the set?
  • The psychological impact of music in movies
  • The art of sound design in movies
  • The use of music in contemporary cinema
  • History of film music: Storytelling with sound
  • The evolution of music in films
  • The Effects of Music on Movie Perceptions
  • The development and cultural influence of musicals in the 20th century
  • Classical Opera versus Modern Music on Screen
  • The power of recorded nature sounds.
  • History and Evolution of Indian Cinema
  • Analysis of the History Behind the Roundhay Garden Sequence

Excellent Film Research Paper Topics

Listed below are a few excellent research topics that you can consider for writing your film dissertation or thesis.

  • Broadway musicals are made into movies.
  • Cradle of future pop stars
  • Bollywood-made musicals.
  • Picture versus sound.
  • Christina Aguilera’s career in musicals.
  • Analyze the soundtrack and music in films.
  • The modification in actors’ behavior in the film set
  • History of animation movies and special effects
  • Can Star Wars become a new film category?
  • How can the soundtrack promote its film?
  • TV Shows: A New Film Franchise
  • Movies Through the Eyes of Their Directors
  • Walt Disney and the Psychosocial Implications of His Characters
  • Discuss the educational significance of historical movies
  • The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

Horror Film Research Paper Topics

Horror is one of the exciting film genres. Many scary horror films pull the audience to the edge of their seat. To enthrall your readers, you can conduct an in-depth analysis of the horror films or the techniques used in popular horror films directed by the world’s best film directors. Here are some gripping research topics on horror films.

  • The concept of suspense in horror films.
  • Racial discrimination in horror films.
  • Alfred Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
  • The use of religion in horror movies
  • Special effects in horror films
  • The fusion of comedy and horror
  • Folklore elements in the screenplay.
  • Psychological and behavioral responses to horror films
  • Popular fear elements used in the horror genre
  • The youngsters’ perception of horror films
  • Describe the history depicted in the movies named ‘Apollo 13’ and ‘The Woman King’
  • Analyze the visual effects and cinematography of the Jurassic Park
  • Why 2001: A Space Odyssey is considered one of the most exceptional movies ever made?
  • Compare and contrast the cinematography of ‘Inception’ and ‘Gravity’
  • Analysis of the central meaning of The Dark Knight (2008)

Also Read: Top 100 LGBT Research Paper Topics For Students

Monster Film Research Topics

Like horror films, a group of audiences also enjoy watching monster movies. Some movies terrifically portray fictional monster characters and develop fear in the audience using different film techniques. When compared to the human characters, the scary monsters, vampires, or zombies with human characterization grab the attention of the audience easily. For an education dissertation in film research, you can consider monster movies. Here are some engaging film research topics on monster films.

  • Multimedia systems development
  • The Effect of horror films on children
  • Explain the Folklore elements in the screenplay.
  • Discuss the popular fear elements used in horror films.
  • Alfred Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense.
  • Psychological and behavioral responses to horror films.
  • Monster movie culture in the 21st century
  • The history of monster movies
  • The science behind Hollywood’s movie monsters
  • Zombies in contemporary cinema

Interesting Film Research Paper Topics

For writing a top-quality film research paper, you can choose any interesting film research topics mentioned below.

  • Mythology in Monster Cinema
  • The psychological appeal of movie monsters
  • The Monster vs. Frankenstein: Who Is More Human?
  • The aspects of human monstrosity in films
  • An Exploration of Fear in Monster Movies
  • Vampires through History: The Evolution of the Undead Cinema
  • Animals on Movies: The Ethics of Animal Training
  • Comics and Superheroes in films
  • Animation: Giving life to sketches
  • Walt Disney and the psychosocial implications of his characters
  • TV shows: A new film franchise
  • Masculinity and violence in films
  • Different forms of narrative structures
  • The Role of Colors in Movies

Top-quality Film Research Ideas

If you are struggling to identify a good topic for your film research paper, then take a look below. To make the topic selection easier for you, here we have shared a few top-quality film research paper ideas.

  • The effects of Hollywood stereotypes
  • The Impact of film critics and Reviews on box office performances
  • Documentary movies and their power to change the world
  • The ethical issues involved in documentary filmmaking
  • The art of crafting stories using video editing
  • The importance of visual effects and transitions in movie editing
  • The Effects of Censorship on Films
  • The Social and Cultural Impact of Cinema
  • The role of film directors in giving life to stories
  • The cultural impact of war movies.
  • The essential traits of a successful movie director
  • Cradle of future pop stars.
  • The mental effects created by music in movies.

Captivating Film Dissertation Topics

Listed below are a few captivating research topics that you can prefer for writing a high-quality film dissertation.

  • Analyze the popular cinema genres in the world
  • Difference between commercial cinema and non-commercial cinema
  • The influence of the digital revolution on the film industry?
  • The importance of a character in a film
  • The diverse film elements needed for creative writing
  • The usage of irony in films
  • The evolution of urban filmmaking
  • The relationship between literature and film
  • Analyze the localization efforts of Hollywood films.
  • Drama as a cultural phenomenon

Engaging Film Research Paper Topics

In case, you are unsure of what topic to choose for your film dissertation, feel free to get engaging film research paper topic ideas from the list attached below.

  • The art of storytelling in modern movies
  • The influence of movie genres on different audiences
  • Multiple actors playing a single role
  • Indie Movies: An Attitude or a Genre?
  • The cinema of shortcuts
  • Success factors of the American film industry
  • The Art of Cinematography
  • The Role of fashion design in the film industry
  • Humanity versus technology in modern films
  • Good versus Evil concept in movies

Unique Film Thesis Topics

The following are some unique film research topics that will be helpful for you in preparing an excellent thesis.

  • Discuss the portrayal of mental health in contemporary cinema.
  • Analyze the philosophical themes in the Matrix Trilogy.
  • Compare the portrayal of AI and Robotics in films.
  • Explore the use of dreams in David Lynch’s films.
  • Examine the Dystopian themes in animated films.
  • Write about the cultural influences in South Korean Cinema.
  • Examine the familial relationships in animated films.
  • Explain the impact of film festivals on independent cinema.
  • Discuss the influence of Japanese Anime on Western Animation styles.
  • Explain the role of the Auteur in independent filmmaking.

Outstanding Film Research Paper Topics

For your easy access, here, we have grouped some outstanding film thesis topics. Carefully go through them all and pick a topic that syncs with your interest.

  • The Influence of social media on movie outcomes
  • The effects of streaming platforms on Cinematography
  • What makes a great film director?
  • The persuasive effectiveness of shortcuts
  • Freudian Practice in Cinematography
  • Film Noir: A style expanding through genres
  • The concept of drama in movies
  • Comics in the film industry.
  • The psychological aspects of filmmaking
  • Video Streaming Platforms and the Future of Cinema

Impressive Film Research Questions

The following are some important questions that you can consider for writing your film research paper.

  • Write about the Gender Stereotypes in Hollywood Movies.
  • Explain the role of censorship in the film industry.
  • Analyze the Personality Traits of the Best Film Directors.
  • Examine the impact of brand sponsorship on music festivals.
  • Explain the use of mythology in horror movies.
  • Discuss the history of motion pictures.
  • Explain Hollywood’s dominance of the movie industry.
  • Explore Humanity Through Monster Movies.
  • Present a thematic analysis of digital illustration.
  • Explore the effects of Kinematics methods on animation.

Wrapping Up

In general, film studies are concerned with historical, critical, and theoretical approaches to film. From the list of film research topics provided in this blog, select any topic of your choice and prepare an excellent research paper or film essay. If you are unsure how to select a film research topic or if you need expert help in creating an appealing film research paper, contact us. We have film experts on our team to offer instant guidance.

Research papers are usually very tough to write. But our team of professional academic writers who have a Ph.D. degree in film studies and relevant experience in the film industry will make it easy for you. We are known for providing top-quality assignment help on almost all academic subjects, including film studies. Just share your requirements with us and get a high-quality, unique academic research paper as per your expectations.

Related Post

Explanatory Essay Topics

100 Best Explanatory Essay Topics and Ideas

Special Education Research Topics

75 Latest Special Education Research Topics and Ideas

Business Essay Topics

200 Impressive Business Essay Topics

About author.

' src=

Jacob Smith

Jacob Smith guides students with writing research paper topics and theses at greatassignmenthelp.com. Read about the author from this page

https://www.greatassignmenthelp.com/

Comments are closed.

  • Featured Posts

175 Unique Bioethics Topics To Consider for Academic Paper

Apa vs. mla: know the major differences between the citation styles, top 155 java project ideas for beginners and experts, 150+ best child development research topics, python language advantages and its applications, 275 excellent theology research topics and ideas, 8 top private universities in singapore for higher education, 170 amazing art history thesis topics, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Great Assignment Help

logo

120 Most Interesting Film Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Are you a student with a major in Film? Are you looking for exciting film research topics for writing your research paper? We know how challenging it is to find the right topic for your research paper. One of the most difficult things in the process of research paper writing is finding the best research topic.

However, when one talks about film studies, one can find a huge list of topics in a film dissertation, but choosing the best and the most interesting one out of the lot, is what matters the most. To help you in selecting the film essay topic for your research paper, we have shared some vital tips on choosing the right film research topic and have also made a list of 100 film research topics.

Film Research Paper Topics

How can one select the appropriate Film Research Topic?

If you do not know how to choose the right research topic for your film research paper, this is what you can do to choose the film dissertation topic that will fit you well.

  • Make a list of all your favorite films, genres, and filmmakers. This is because writing about a specific film category that is of your interest is easier.
  • If not your favorite films or filmmakers, you can also select a specific period in the history of films and then examine the theme that has been used in that time period.
  • For finding the right topic, deep-ended research is important. You can create more and more ideas when you do extensive research and go through different authentic sources. It can be literature, media, books, websites, research papers from the previous years, etc.
  • With the important information that you have compiled, you can fix a specific topic that will match your interest. Make sure to choose a topic that is not very broad.
  • Shorten down your selected topic and pick a few ideas for writing a research paper that is of high quality. Narrowing it down can help you explore the depth and will also add value to the topic. This will also keep the readers engaged.

Film Research Paper Topic Ideas that have been popular throughout

Film Research Paper Topic Ideas

Creating a film is quite a difficult task to do. It is the best form of art and it requires a lot of effort from various departments of creativity and techniques. A lot of work goes into shooting a scene or making the whole film. A film study is a huge subject, and if you are passionate about films, then you will find utmost interest in doing film research papers. To lessen your difficulties, we have here provided a list of the best film research topic for writing your academic paper, go through the following list:

Film History Research Paper Topics

  • Life Before CGI: The history of special effects
  • African-Americans in cinematography.
  • Contribution of Fellini to cinematography.
  • Sacred power of Hitchcock.
  • American Cinema’s War Justification in
  • Charlie Chaplin and the Silent Movie Era
  • The technological evolution of filmmaking
  • The history of science-fiction movies
  • The importance of representation in films.
  • Changes in Hollywood; and its dominance of the cinematography
  • The globalization of popular culture: Hollywood vs Bollywood
  • The role and contributions of women in the film industry
  • Movies about the history of religions.
  • The impact of the film industry on different generations.
  • Evolution of animation in movie production.
  • Fiction films as a historical source for the study of cultural memory.
  • Historical semantics of cinema.
  • Visualization of history: a new turn in the development of historical knowledge.

Research Topics on Music in Films

To touch the emotions of your audience and tell your story in an interesting way in films, music plays an important role. In the film industries all over the world, musicians who are working the films, do a lot of experimentation with the film background score, uniqueness of the sound design, and elevate the experience of the entire film. If you are a music fanatic, you can choose a research paper on any of the research topics on film music for your research paper:

  • The psychological impact of music in movies
  • The art of sound design in movies
  • The use of music in contemporary cinema
  • History of film music: Storytelling with sound
  • The evolution of music in films
  • The effects of music on movie perceptions
  • The development and cultural influence of musicals in the 20th century
  • Classical Opera versus Modern Music on Screen
  • The power of recorded nature sounds.
  • Broadway musicals made into movies.
  • Cradle of future pop stars
  • Bollywood-made musicals.
  • Picture versus sound.
  • Christina Aguilera’s career in musicals.
  • Analyze the soundtrack and music in films.
  • The Evolution of Music in Film.
  • The Psychological Impact of Music in Movies.
  • Musicals: From Broadway to Screen.
  • The Effects of Music on Movie Perceptions.
  • Classical Opera
  • The Development and Cultural Influence of Musicals in the 20th century.

Horror Film Research Paper Topics

One of the best and the most exciting genres of films in the genre of a horror movie. There is a list of horror films that has an intense effect on the audience. To excite the readers who will go through your paper, in-depth research can be conducted on horror films and also on the techniques used in the famous horror films of all times. We have provided here some of the best research topics on horror movies:

  • The concept of suspense in horror films.
  • Racial discrimination in horror films.
  • Alfred Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
  • The use of religion in horror movies
  • Special effects in horror films
  • The fusion of comedy and horror
  • Folklore elements in the screenplay.
  • Psychological and behavioral responses to horror films
  • Popular fear elements used in the horror genre
  • The youngsters’ perception of horror films

Film Research Topic Ideas on Monster Movies

Just the way, a group of people enjoys watching horror films, they also like monster movies. Some movies show the character of fictional monsters and create fear amongst the audience with the help of different film techniques. The scary characters such as the monsters, zombies, werewolves, or zombies help in holding the attention of the audience. A lot of monster movies can be considered for film dissertations ideas. Below given is a list of engaging film research topics on monster movies, have a look:

  • Monster movie culture in the 21st century
  • The history of monster movies
  • The science behind Hollywood’s movie monsters
  • Zombies in contemporary cinema
  • Mythology in monster cinema
  • The psychological appeal of movie monsters
  • The Monster vs. Frankenstein: Who Is More Human?
  • The aspects of human monstrosity in films
  • An exploration of fear in monster movies
  • Vampires through history: The evolution of the undead cinema

Read more: Interesting Social Media Research Topics and Ideas To Focus On

Most Interesting Film Research Paper Topic Ideas

For writing a film research paper that will interest the readers, you can select any one of the interesting film research topics given below.

  • Animals on Movies: The Ethics of Animal Training
  • Comics and Superheroes in films
  • Animation: Giving life to sketches
  • Walt Disney and the psychosocial implications of his characters
  • Movies through the eyes of their directors
  • TV shows: A new film franchise
  • Masculinity and violence in films
  • Different forms of narrative structures
  • The role of colors in movies
  • The effects of Hollywood stereotypes
  • The impact of film critics and reviews on box office performances
  • Documentary movies and their power to change the world
  • The ethical issues involved in documentary filmmaking
  • The art of crafting stories using video editing
  • The importance of visual effects and transitions in movie editing
  • The effects of censorship on films
  • The social and cultural impact of cinema
  • The role of film directors in giving life to stories
  • The cultural impact of war movies.
  • The essential traits of a successful movie director

Unique Film Research Paper Topics

  • Captivating Film Dissertation Topics
  • Analyze the popular cinema genres in the world
  • Difference between commercial cinema and non-commercial cinema
  • The influence of the digital revolution on the film industry?
  • The importance of a character in a film
  • The diverse film elements needed for creative writing
  • The usage of irony in films
  • The evolution of urban filmmaking
  • The relationship between literature and film
  • Analyze the localization efforts of Hollywood films.
  • Drama as a cultural phenomenon
  • Engaging Film Research Topics
  • The art of storytelling in modern movies
  • The influence of movie genres on different audiences
  • Multiple actors playing a single role

Read more: Excellent Statistics Project Ideas That Will Help Scoring an A+ Grade

Amazing Film Research Paper Topics

  • Indie Movies: An attitude or a genre?
  • The cinema of shortcuts
  • Success factors of the American film industry
  • The art of cinematography
  • The role of fashion design in the film industry
  • Humanity versus technology in modern films
  • Good versus Evil concept in movies
  • The influence of social media on movie outcomes
  • The effects of streaming platforms on cinematography
  • What makes a great film director?
  • The persuasive effectiveness of shortcuts
  • Freudian Practice in Cinematography
  • Film Noir: A style expanding through genres
  • The concept of drama in movies
  • Comics in the film industry.
  • The psychological aspects of filmmaking
  • Video streaming platforms and the future of cinema

Latest Film Research Paper Topics

  • The effect of movie reviews and critics on box office results
  • The ability of documentaries to impact the world
  • The moral dilemmas associated with filming documentaries
  • The craft of utilizing video editing to tell tales
  • The significance of transitions and visual effects in film editing
  • The repercussions of film censorship
  • The effects of film on culture and society
  • The function of cinema directors in bringing tales to life
  • the influence of war films on culture.
  • The characteristics of a successful film director

The Concluding Words

In a generic way, film studies include a lot of approaches based on history, critics, and theories of films. From the above-mentioned list of popular and interesting film research topics mentioned in this blog, you can select the topic that best suits your choice and interest to write an excellent Film research paper. If you are confused on how to choose a film research topic or if you are finding it difficult to write a good film research paper, then contact our expert team of academic writers and get genuine research paper writer assistance.

film topics for thesis

Related Post

film topics for thesis

  • List of Engaging Ceremonial Speech Topics and Ideas To Get Started

Architecture thesis topics

  • 165 Creative Architecture Thesis Topics and Ideas For Students

Human Resources Research Topics

  • 175 Excellent Human Resources Research Topics For Students

About Author

' src=

writepaperadmin

https://www.writemypaperpro.com/blog

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Featured Posts

230 Best Psychology Research Topics and Ideas For Students

110+ excellent marketing research topics for students to deal with, 140 amazing economics research topics and ideas for students to deal with, 140 compelling anthropology research topics and ideas for students, top 140 inspirational entrepreneurship research paper topics, 155 engineering research topics for academic writing, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Write My Paper Pro

Recent Posts

  • 260 Amazing Biology Research Topics and Ideas For Students
  • 195 Interesting Social Media Research Topics and Ideas To Focus On

Recent Comments

film topics for thesis

Top Film Studies Research Topics for Education and Career Success

  • Published: July 17, 2023
  • By: Yellowbrick

If you’re a student or aspiring filmmaker looking to explore the world of film studies, you may find yourself wondering what research topics to pursue. Studying film can be a fascinating and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming to decide where to start. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top film studies research topics that can help you gain a deeper understanding of the industry and prepare for a successful career.

The History of Film

One of the most fundamental topics in film studies is the history of the industry itself. Studying the evolution of film can help you understand how movies have changed over time, from the earliest silent films to the modern blockbusters we see today. You can explore the impact of major technological advancements, such as the introduction of sound and color, as well as the social and cultural context in which films were made.

Genre Studies

Another important area of film research is genre studies. This involves examining the conventions and themes of different types of films, such as horror, romance, or science fiction. By studying the characteristics of different genres, you can gain a better understanding of how filmmakers use storytelling techniques and visual elements to create a particular mood or tone.

Film Theory

Film theory is a broad field that encompasses a range of different approaches to understanding movies. From auteur theory to feminist film theory, there are many different lenses through which you can analyze films and gain a deeper appreciation for their meaning and impact. You can explore the ways in which films reflect and shape our cultural values, and how they can be used to communicate complex ideas and emotions.

Film Production

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the film industry, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the production process. Researching topics such as screenwriting, cinematography, and editing can help you develop the technical skills you need to succeed in your chosen field. You can also explore the business side of film production, including marketing and distribution, to gain a better understanding of how the industry operates.

Film Criticism

Finally, studying film criticism can help you develop your critical thinking skills and learn how to evaluate movies in a thoughtful and nuanced way. By reading reviews and essays by film critics, you can gain insights into the ways in which different audiences and cultural contexts can shape our perceptions of movies. You can also learn how to write compelling and persuasive film reviews yourself, which can be a valuable skill for aspiring filmmakers and critics alike.

Film studies research topics can help you gain a deeper understanding of the industry and prepare for a successful career. Some of the top film studies research topics include the history of film, genre studies, film theory, film production, and film criticism. Consider taking the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials online course and certificate program to gain a comprehensive understanding of the film industry and develop the skills you need to succeed.

Enter your email to learn more and get a full course catalog!

  • Hidden hide names
  • Hidden First Name
  • Hidden Last Name
  • Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

More from Yellowbrick

film topics for thesis

Mastering the Art of Backline Tech: Tips & Tricks for Technicians

Explore the exciting role of a backline technician, gain insights into essential skills, career growth opportunities, and steps to achieve success in the live music industry.

film topics for thesis

Test Unlocked Resource Page

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

film topics for thesis

Fashion and Identity: Exploring Expression through Style

Dive into the intricate relationship between Fashion and Identity Expression, explore how style choices communicate personal, cultural values, and the various career paths in fashion.

film topics for thesis

ABOUT YELLOWBRICK

  • Work at Yellowbrick
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

STUDENT RESOURCES

  • Scholarships
  • Student Login
  • Beauty Business Essentials
  • Beauty Industry Essentials
  • Ecommerce Essentials
  • Fashion Business Essentials
  • Fashion Industry Essentials
  • Footwear Business Essentials
  • Gaming & Esports Industry Essentials
  • Global Sports Management
  • Hospitality Industry Essentials
  • Music Industry Essentials
  • Performing Arts Industry Essentials
  • Product Design Essentials
  • Sneaker Essentials
  • Streetwear Essentials
  • TV/Film Industry Essentials
  • UX Design Essentials

film topics for thesis

©2024 Yellowbrick · All Rights Reserved · All Logos & Trademarks Belong to Their Respective Owners

film topics for thesis

  • How it works

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

Yes I want the free topic

Film and Theatre Studies Research Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

Introduction

Film and theatre studies focus on the critical analysis of experiential learning. Film and theatre have been popular areas of interest among students of arts. As a student of film and theatre, you will be expected to study cinema history and the social importance of cinematography and films to learn the techniques and methods used for the production of films. This blog post provides several film dissertation topics and theatre dissertation topics so you can make a meaningful contribution to the literature.

Here is our selection of film and theatre research topics that we think you should consider.

Topic 1: An Exploration of Gender Role in Blockbuster Films and the Perspectives of Assigning Roles

  • Topic 2: A Comparative Study of Hollywood and Bollywood: An Exploration of Research of Movies

Topic 3: A Detailed Analysis of the Principles of Making Films: An Exploration of the Relevant Principles of Making Films

Topic 4: assessing the significance of awards for making a better film, topic 5: analysing female sexuality in the film: a detailed research on the perspectives of society, topic 6: an explorative study of the performances of an actor in theatre and film.

  • Topic 7: An explorative study of the Cultures of Theatre and Film in the Big City of a Country

Topic 8: Detail Perspectives of the Impact of Theatre in the Urban Area

Topic 9: explorative research on the impact of film in a rural area, topic 10: the relevance of casting and editing for making a film.

These film and theatre dissertation topics have been developed by PhD-qualified writers of our team , so you can trust to use these topics for drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics for 2022 here.

You may also want to review our arts dissertation topics, fashion dissertation topics and literature dissertation topics if you don’t find an intriguing idea below.

2022 Film and Theatre Studies Research Topics

Topic 1: the role of writers’ creativity in film’s success- a comparison between hit and flop hollywood movies.

Research Aim: This study aims to find the role of writers’ creativity in a film’s success in Hollywood. It will show how the writer’s imagination, emotions, creativity, and other factors affect the movie’s story. And how does it affect its success when it comes to the cinema? It will compare and contrast various successful and flop Hollywood movies to analyze whether the writer’s creativity is crucial for the movie or not. Lastly, it will recommend whether producers give the writer’s creativity prime attention or not.

Topic 2: Impact of Online Streaming Services on Traditional Cinema’s Content Quality and Investments - A Case of Netflix TV Shows Production

Research Aim: This research intends to find the impact of online streaming services on traditional cinema’s content quality and investments. It will show whether the introduction of online content besides mainstream cinema has affected its content or continues the way it used to create. It will use Netflix as a case study to show whether its introduction and significant investments affected the Cinema equilibrium in terms of investments in cinema and content produced by it. Lastly, it will indicate whether both models can work simultaneously or if one has to give up.

Topic 3: Do Film Sequels Overshadow the Original Story? Or Do they Help to Reconnect with the Original Story? A Case of “The Lord of the Rings”

Research Aim: This study sheds light on the impact of film sequels on the success of the original story. It will show whether sequels overshadow the actual story or do they help to reconnect with the original story. Moreover, it will find how factors such as the introduction of new characters and actors, replacement of old actors, addition and removal from the actual story, etc., affect the success of the original story.

Topic 4: The Economics of Cinema: Impact of Large Production Houses’ Monopoly in Production and Distribution on the Quality of the Movies

Research Aim: This study assesses the impact of large production houses’ monopoly in production and distribution on the quality of the movie. It will show that these economic actors control production and distribution factors in the movie markets. It will see how big production houses operate in Hollywood and influences the entire Hollywood economic process of movie production, distribution, rights allocation, etc. Lastly, it will also show how small players penetrated this market of strong entry to a barrier.

Topic 5: Does a Script Makes a Movie Successful or the Actors? An Exploratory Analysis Finding the Factors which Make a Movie Successful

Research Aim: This research will identify the factors which make a movie successful. It will specifically find whether a good script makes a movie successful or the actors. It will assess various movies through a film literature framework to see whether a specific movie was actors-dominated or script overshadowed the actors, or it was a mix of both. Moreover, it will show how a film producer can utilize both to make a good movie.

Film and Theatre Dissertation Research Topics

Research Aim: The research aims to investigate and analyse the role of gender in doing blockbuster films. The aim of the research seeks to understand the importance of gender roles in assigning a task. The aim of the research explores the roles of genders to discover new areas of filmmaking.

Topic 2: A Comparative Study of Hollywood and Bollywood: An Exploration Research of Movies

Research Aim: The research aims to explore the different perspectives of Hollywood and Bollywood movies and explore the areas for improvement. The research explores the comparisons between these two types of film. The study supports various arguments about making two different types of movies.

Research Aim: The relevance of the research focuses on the principles of making films. The research highlights the importance of utilizing principles in the field of theatre. The research aims to explore various perspectives of principles that help to justify the topic of the film.

Research Aim: The research aims to evaluate the importance of awards for making a good film. The aim is to focus on the detailed analysis of the awards and their cultural perspective on making a film.

Research Aim: The research aims to analyse the perspectives of society in the case of representing female sexuality in the movie. The study analyses the stereotypical presentation of women onscreen that describes how women were initially treated in society. The detailed analysis of the research explores the role of film in highlighting a sensitive issue of women.

Research Aim: It studies the detailed analysis of the actor’s performances and how external and internal factors affect the performances of actors in a film.

Topic 7: An explorative study of the Cultures of Theatre and Film in the big city of a country

Research Aim: The aim of the research is in making a detailed exploration of the cultures of theatre and film. It highlights the differences in culture from both perspectives.

Research Aim: The research aims to analyse the impact of theatre and its advancement in an urban area. The aim is to explore the reflection of theatre on the mind of a human being.

Research Aim: The aim of the research focuses on the impact of film on the mind of the people of rural areas. It explores the forms of various films that create an effect on the life of the rural area.

Research Aim: This research highlights the importance of casting and editing and its critical casting and editing perspectives in film. It focuses on the principles of casting and editing for making a film.

Topic 11: Perspectives of Youth for Making a Cinema: A Detailed Analysis of the Influential Factors of Making a Cinema.

Research Aim: It highlights the mindset of youth for making a cinema. It focuses on the factors that influence making a successful piece of art.

Topic 12: The Role of the Short Film in Making a Big Cinema

Research Aim: The research focuses on making a short film can be an essential step for making a big one. This research highlights the various perspectives of making a short film. It helps to explore the historical perspectives of making a big cinema.

Topic 13: A Detailed Exploration of the Impact of History and Culture on Making Modern Cinema

Research Aim: The research focuses on the importance of history and how it impacts making modern cinema. It highlights the steps of records of cinema.

Topic 14: A Critical Analysis of Horror Movies: A Case Study on a Horror Movie

Research Aim: The aim explores the perspectives of horror movies and it impacts society. It supports arguments based on evidence.

Topic 15: An Exploration of the Revolution of the Movie with Perspectives on History and Culture

Research Aim: The research aims to explore the evolution of cinema’s history and highlight every perspective of the revolution. It focuses on the impact of the revolution on making a film.

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find film and theatre studies dissertation topic.

To find a film and theatre studies dissertation topic:

  • Watch diverse films and plays.
  • Analyze themes, techniques, and social relevance.
  • Research historical contexts.
  • Explore theoretical frameworks.
  • Identify unexplored areas.
  • Select a topic resonating with your passion and academic scope.

You May Also Like

Need interesting and manageable management dissertation topics or thesis? Here are the trending management dissertation titles so you can choose the most suitable one.

We have listed some interesting and relevant dissertation topics to help you get an overview and hit the ground running with your Ukraine, Russia & NATO conflict-based research. 

Need help with a good and unique dissertation topic on teaching? Feel free to use or get inspired by our list of teaching dissertation topics.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

secure connection

COMPANY DETAILS

Research-Prospect-Writing-Service

  • How It Works

logo

150 Amazing Film Research Paper Topics for Students

Table of Contents

If you are a film student, then often you will have to work on film research papers. But for writing a research paper, you must have a good topic. Right now, do you want to prepare a film research paper? Are you looking for the top film research topics? No worries! We know how hard it is to come up with the right topic for a dissertation. So, to help you out, here, we have prepared a list of the best film research paper topics for you to consider. Continue reading this blog post and get exclusive film dissertation topic ideas.

Film Research Paper Topics

How to Find a Good Topic for a Film Research Paper?

In film studies, there are plenty of film research paper topics available. Out of those topics, you will have to identify a good topic for your assignment. The topic selection becomes easier if your professor gives a set of ideas or themes for you to choose from. Sometimes, your professor will ask you to create your own idea for research. At that time, choosing one right topic from endless topics would become hard.

Are you confused about how to identify the right film research topic? Don’t worry! Here is what you will have to do to find out a good film dissertation topic of your choice.

  • Create a list of your favorite filmmakers, films, or genres. Then, based on your interest or category, narrow down your search.
  • It is not necessary to go with topics related to your favorite filmmaker or film. You can also think about a certain film history period and research the film techniques, themes, etc. used in that period.
  • Deep research is necessary to identify the right topic. By exploring credible sources such as literature, books, media platforms, and published research papers, you can collect more research or dissertation ideas.
  • From the list of ideas gathered, you can choose a topic that matches your area of interest and has a wide research scope.
  • If the topic is too broad, make sure to narrow it down. Because the narrow topic will help you cover all the major points before the deadline and keep your readers engaged.

Also, before finalizing the topic, check whether your selected topic stands in line with your professor’s research paper writing guidelines.

List of Excellent Film Research Paper Topics

Film studies is a broad field of study where you can conduct research on any areas such as film technology, film history, film genre, music, sound design, etc. Here, we have listed some best film research paper topic ideas in various categories. Go through the whole list and pick an ideal film topic for writing your academic paper.

Film Research Paper Topics

Film History Research Paper Topics

  • Movies about the history of religions.
  • The importance of representation in movies.
  • African-Americans in cinematography.
  • Science-fiction movies- History
  • The globalization of popular culture: Hollywood vs. Bollywood.
  • Discuss the contribution of Fellini to cinematography.
  • How technology has transformed the art of filmmaking?
  • Discuss the contribution of women in the film industry.
  • Hitchcock’s sacred power.
  • The progress of animation in movie production.
  • The effect of the film industry on different generations.
  • Analyze the life before CGI.
  • War Justification in American Cinema
  • Charlie Chaplin and the Silent Movie Era.
  • Changes in Hollywood and its dominance of cinematography.
  • Evolution of Hollywood movies  
  • Discuss the cinematographic excellence of Roger Deakins  
  • History of British Cinema  
  • The Lion In Winter – A movie that nailed historical accuracy  
  • Discuss the contribution of Steven Spielberg  
  • Song of the Road – The first Indian movie at the Academic Award  
  • Analyze the impact of LGBTQ+ Representation in Contemporary Cinema.
  • War Justification in the worlds’ Moving Pictures
  • Changes in Hollywood and Its Dominance of the Cinematography

Horror Film Research Paper Topics

  • Special effects in horror films.
  • Explain the Folklore elements in the screenplay.
  • Discuss the popular fear elements used in horror films.
  • Alfred Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense.
  • Psychological and behavioral responses to horror films.
  • The fusion of comedy and horror.
  • Racial discrimination in horror films.
  • The use of religion in horror movies
  • The youngsters’ perception of horror films.
  • The idea of suspense in horror films.
  • George Romero: The greatest director of horror movies of all time  
  • Compare the works of Sam Raimi and John Carpenter  
  • Michael Myers: The most famous killer in horror movies  
  • Chucky: One of the most scariest movies have ever made  
  • Discuss the use of Psychopathy and Delusions in horror films with examples  
  • A side effect of watching horror movies  
  • The reflection of society’s fears in horror movies
  • The specific use of genre theory in the horror game
  • The human fondness for horror movies
  • Monster creatures from horror movies
  • Stephen King and his legacy in the genre of horror

Horror Film Research Paper Topics

Film Music Research Paper Topics

  • The use of music in modern movies.
  • The power of recorded nature sounds.
  • The art of sound design in movies.
  • The progress of music in films.
  • The effects of music on movie perceptions.
  • Bollywood-made musicals.
  • The art of storytelling with sound
  • Picture versus sound.
  • Broadway musicals are made into movies.
  • The development and cultural influence of musicals in the 20th century.
  • Christina Aguilera’s career in musicals.
  • Classical Opera versus Modern Music on Screen
  • Analyze the soundtrack and music in films.
  • Cradle of future pop stars.
  • The mental effects created by music in movies.
  • Theoretical aspects of studying film music.
  • Music in cinema as a director of the semantic series.

Monster Film Research Topics

  • Mythology in monster movies.
  • The aspects of human monstrosity in films.
  • The history of monster movies.
  • The science behind Hollywood’s movie monsters.
  • Explore fear in monster movies.
  • Vampires through history: The evolution of the undead cinema.
  • Examine the portrayal of aging in Cinema.
  • The Monster vs. Frankenstein: Who Is More Human?
  • The psychological appeal of movie monsters.
  • Discuss the monster movie culture in the 21st century.
  • Compare Prophecy (1979) and It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955)  
  • Discuss the first monster film  
  • Impact of monster movies on children  
  • A side effect of watching monster movies  
  • Use of VFX and Special Effects in monster films  

Outstanding Film Research Paper Topics

  • TV shows: A new film franchise.
  • Masculinity and violence in films.
  • Movies through the eyes of their directors.
  • What are the effects of censorship on films?
  • The role of colors in movies.
  • Comics and Superheroes in films.
  • The role of animals in movies.
  • Investigate the Use of AI in Film Production, Visual Effects, and Storytelling.
  • Animation: Giving life to sketches.
  • The cultural effects of war movies.
  • The power of documentary movies to change the world.
  • Walt Disney and the psychosocial implications of his characters.
  • The ethical issues involved in documentary filmmaking.
  • The effects of Hollywood stereotypes.
  • The art of creating stories using video editing.

Unique Film Research Paper Topics

  • The role of film directors in giving life to stories.
  • The important qualities of a successful movie director.
  • The role of film critics and reviews on box office performances.
  • Transitions and visual effects in movie editing.
  • The social and cultural effects of movies .
  • Contribution of Arthur Conan Doyle to detective movies  
  • Good versus Evil: A classing theme of the movie  
  • Discuss the cinematic innovations that have changed the movie industry  
  • Discuss the most important inventions the movie industry experienced within the past two decades  
  • The directorial debut of Tom Hanks  
  • How depression years are depicted in American movies?
  • Discuss the technological evolution of the global film industry from 1975 to 2022
  • The Works of Christopher Edward Nolan and Sam Raimi: A comparative analysis
  • Evolution of Indian cinema from 1950 to 2022
  • Discuss the contribution of Edgar Allan Poe to detective movies
  • Compare and contrast European and Asian horror movies
  • Discuss the comparative mythology and dark side in screenwriting
  • Critical analysis of the silent era of the movie industry
  • How African-Americans get represented in American movies
  • Analyze the evolution of the zombie in contemporary cinema

Interesting Film Dissertation Topics

  • The importance of a character in a film.
  • The influence of the digital revolution on the film industry?
  • Drama as a cultural phenomenon.
  • Diverse film elements are needed for creative writing.
  • The evolution of urban filmmaking.
  • Difference between commercial cinema and non-commercial cinema.
  • The usage of irony in films.
  • Discuss the popular cinema genres in the world.
  • Analyze the localization efforts of Hollywood films.
  • The relationship between literature and film.
  • Explore the role of men and women in blockbuster movies.
  • Assess the importance of global film awards in improving the quality of filmmaking.
  • Analyze the roles given to black actors and white actors in Hollywood movies.
  • Study the key differences between theater performances and film shooting.
  • Analyze the principles of filmmaking with respect to casting and editing.
  • Discuss the impact of online streaming services on the quality of traditional cinema content.
  • Study the impact of film in a rural area.
  • Explain the role of a short film in making a feature film.
  • Research the cultures of theater and film in the big city of a country.
  • Explain the economics of cinema.

Read more: Demonstration Speech Topics and Ideas That Will Impress the Audience

Brilliant Film Research Topics

  • The art of cinematography.
  • Indie Movies: An attitude or a genre?
  • Good versus Evil concept in movies.
  • The cinema of shortcuts.
  • Multiple actors play a single role.
  • The influence of social media on movie results.
  • What makes a great film director?
  • Humanity versus technology in modern films.
  • The role of fashion design in the film industry.
  • Video streaming platforms and the future of cinema.
  • Success factors of the American film industry.
  • The influence of movie genres on different audiences.
  • Film Noir: A style expanding through genres.
  • Comics in the film industry.
  • The persuasive effectiveness of shortcuts.
  • Freudian Practice in Cinematography.
  • The effects of streaming platforms on cinematography.
  • The idea of drama in movies.
  • The psychological aspects of filmmaking.
  • The art of storytelling in modern movies.

Impressive Film Research Questions

  • Different Types of Narrative Structures in Screenplays and Books
  • Violence and Masculinity in Hollywood Blockbusters.
  • Looking for Truth in Film: Observational vs. Direct Cinema.
  • Reconstructing atmospheres using ambient sounds: Recorded Nature Sounds.
  • Comedy and horror combined in a chaotic genre mashup.
  • History of the Vampire: The Cinematic Evolution of the Dead
  • Using the content of documentaries, kids may develop their interethnic tolerance.
  • The Cultural and Educational Project of the Cinema Museum and Its Importance in Historical Education.
  • The history of development and current status of the post-apocalyptic storyline in American movies.
  • The characteristics of contemporary cinema in relation to the development of historical politics.

Awesome Ideas for Film Research Paper

  • Digital Storytelling: Narrative Elements from Hollywood.
  • Analyze the Personality Traits of the Best Film Directors.
  • Musicals: from stage to screen.
  • Analyze the animation in the Movies Frozen and Zootopia.
  • Share your viewpoints about the use of mythology in horror movies.
  • Analyze the hidden elements in Disney movies and their effects on children.
  • Write about the history of the Japanese animation industry and new technology.
  • Historical and Mythical Time in the Marvel and DC Series.
  • Analyze the new developments in the area of illustrations.
  • Explore the phenomenon of visiting film locations and the economic impact on local communities.

The Bottom Line

Film studies basically approach movies from historical, theoretical, and critical perspectives. To write a brilliant film research paper, from the list of 150+ topics recommended above, choose the best topic that matches your interest. In case, you are not sure what film research topic to select or how to write an informative film research paper, then contact us for help.

We have a team of experienced writers who are masters in film studies to assist you in writing film research papers on the best topics. Based on your specifications, our experts will prepare a plagiarism-free research paper and deliver it to you on time at a low cost. As a part of our film research paper help service , we also offer unlimited revisions and 24/7 customer support.

Without any hesitation, just take our film studies assignment writing help by submitting the order form.

film topics for thesis

Related Post

Religious Research Paper Topics

220 Amazing Religious Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Research Proposal

Read and Understand How to Write a Research Proposal

Controversial Research Topics

100+ Controversial Research Topics and Ideas to Focus On

About author.

' src=

Jacob Smith

I am an Academic Writer and have affection to share my knowledge through posts’. I do not feel tiredness while research and analyzing the things. Sometime, I write down hundred of research topics as per the students requirements. I want to share solution oriented content to the students.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Featured Posts

140 Unique Geology Research Topics to Focus On

200+ outstanding world history topics and ideas 2023, 190 excellent ap research topics and ideas, 150+ trending group discussion topics and ideas, 170 funny speech topics to blow the minds of audience, who invented exams learn the history of examination, how to focus on reading 15 effective tips for better concentration, what is a rhetorical analysis essay and how to write it, primary school teacher in australia- eligibility, job role, career options, and salary, 4 steps to build a flawless business letter format, get help instantly.

Raise Your Grades with Assignment Help Pro

  • Artist Spotlight
  • Best New Music
  • Short Film Selection
  • Thoughts on Film
  • MBFW Russia
  • Sustainable Fashion
  • Watch Spotlight
  • Art & Photography

J. Cole Surprise Releases New Project ‘Might Delete Later’

Albums out today: vampire weekend, phosphorescent, the black keys, mount kimbie, and more, sis announces new album ‘vibhuti’, shares new single, orville peck and willie nelson cover ned sublette’s ‘cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other’, special ops: lioness: daniel richtman reveals it will renewed for a second season, narcos return in 2024: latest news, rumors, & potential new series, review: love lies bleeding, the handmaid’s tale season 6: latest news, rumours & release date, take flight with the 2024 trend: delicate beauty of butterfly jewelry, the best british watch brands, tissot unveils their new pr516 collection, michael kors fall/winter 2024 runway show, types of best casino bonuses in 2024: no deposit, free play & more, blox fruits codes for march 2024: exp boosts, money & reset stats, best valorant crosshair codes used by pros in 2024, 8 books we’re excited to read in april 2024, author spotlight: alexandra tanner, ‘worry’, author spotlight: toby lloyd, ‘fervor’, breaking boundaries: wenqing gu’s artistic odyssey, revealing resistance: the art of protest in claire zou’s mask creations, interview: joe taveras, film research paper topics: tips & ideas to use as inspiration.

person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug

Film making has become part and parcel of current human life. This makes  Film Research Paper Topics , Tips & Ideas to Use as Inspiration an affluent area of making money and even highly examinable in the schools. As such, as a veteran or aspiring filmmaker, researcher or student in that field, it is commendable to always have at your fingertips various current ideas to use as inspirations when working on such a topic. Consequently, this article seeks to keep you at par with the various current film research paper topics, tips & and ideas for inspiration. There are various film research paper topics  by WriteMyEssays.info  that the history of film making and research suggest to be very easy to work with as a beginner or student. Given the vast history of filmmaking, there are so many research topics and below is a list of the most relevant.

If you are searching for an essay writer on film topics you’ll need the best essay writing service company.

Film Research Paper Topics

There are various  film research paper topics  that the history of film making and research suggest to be very easy to work with as a beginner or student. Given the vast history of filmmaking, there are so many research topics and below is a list of the most relevant.

Science fiction movies

The digital era tends to appreciate science fiction movies so much. This gives this film research topic a wide range of markets, making it almost naturally acceptable. Science fiction movies as a film research paper topic also allow you to structure your script to your liking, provided it has a flow and is understandable.

African-Americans in the American Cinema

Writing about African-Americans has always been a marketable film research paper topic from time immemorial. This is given the diversity in the treatment and reception of African-Americans across the American continent. The success and rise to positions of power and leadership by the African-Americans, the rise in the anti-racism campaigns , the factual existence of people who still consider blacks as slaves and various topics surrounding the African-Americans allow you to structure your script as you so wish.

Women’s role and contribution in the film industry and society in general

Women have drastically evolved from their previous submissive nature into measuring up with their male counterparts in societal duties. Notably, in the film industry included, women have risen to the occasion to take up leadership and other roles in society and other fronts of life. This makes women in themselves a highly marketable film research paper topic.

The evolution of filmmaking

Like every other thing, filmmaking has evolved with technology over the decades. This is an exciting and highly marketable film research paper topic. The human mind tends to appreciate the knowledge of history and evolution of a field that has since become part and parcel of human life.

The Importance of Representation in Movie

The human brain tends to want to understand everything, especially the things that have since become a part of human life, like filmmaking. Consequently, the importance of representation in movies is a topic that tends to spike a debate anywhere across the globe. This makes it a highly marketable film research paper topic.

Tips & Ideas to Use as Inspiration

As a person working in the filmmaking industry, you need to know the tips and amp and ideas and to use them as inspiration when writing a particular film. When choosing an inspiration, it is commendable to go with a topic you are passionate about to make it easily navigable for you. Below is a list of ideas that tend to carry so much inspiration. This site also will help you find out more creative ideas.

  • Your background may form a perfect inspiration as you perfectly understand it.
  • The culture and heritage of a particular group of people don’t necessarily have to be ethnic.
  • Deserted areas tend to be good inspirations as the human mind is naturally curious and would want to know what goes on there.
  • Former old film .
  • A day in one’s life.

What are the current trends in filmmaking and research? The answers to this question tend to solve a good percentage of your problems in the film industry.

Our Culture Mag & Partners

Groove and Green: How THC Enhances Musical Experiences

European regulator briefs communications minister on how total gambling ad ban could work in australia too, how video photo booths are changing event coverage on youtube, the 3 responsible gambling tips that most players follow when playing, benefits of cbd edibles you might not know, arts in one place..

All of our content is free, if you would like to subscribe to our newsletter or even make a small donation, click the button below.

People are Reading

The 10 best films of 2023, interview: thr33som3s, album review: vagabon, ‘sorry i haven’t called’, author spotlight: jem calder, reward system.

Logo

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

Make a Gift

Ask Yale Library

My Library Accounts

Find, Request, and Use

Help and Research Support

Visit and Study

Explore Collections

Film Studies Research Guide: Research Topics

  • Film Reviews
  • Films & Videos
  • Screenplays/Filmscripts
  • Archives & Institutes
  • Critical Approaches & Problems
  • Directors, Actors, Writers, etc.
  • Filmmaking, Producing, etc.
  • Genres, Styles, Categories, Series
  • History and/of Film
  • International Cinema
  • Literature & Film
  • Movie Business & Studios
  • Music & Sound in Movies
  • Social & Other Aspects
  • Themes, Subjects & Characters
  • Annuals & Directories
  • Bibliographies & Filmographies
  • Biographies, Credits & Plots
  • Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
  • Festivals & Awards
  • Guides & Companions to Films
  • Organizations & Associations

Topics in Film Studies

What's here.

This section of the Film Studies Research Guide provides assistance in many of the particular subjects in Film Studies.  The pages discuss particular issues and list key resources on those topics.

You can get to the topical pages from the main navigation bar above or from the links below.  The links are listed alphabetically.

  • Critical Approaches and Problems: Theory, Methodology, Philosophy and Aesthetics
  • Literature & Film
  • The Movie Business & Studios
  • Music & Sound in Movies
  • Social & Other Aspects of Filmmaking
  • Themes, Subjects and Characters

Director, Yale Film Archive

Profile Photo

  • << Previous: Archives & Institutes
  • Next: Animation >>
  • Last Updated: Mar 24, 2024 11:29 PM
  • URL: https://guides.library.yale.edu/film

Yale Library logo

Site Navigation

P.O. BOX 208240 New Haven, CT 06250-8240 (203) 432-1775

Yale's Libraries

Bass Library

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Classics Library

Cushing/Whitney Medical Library

Divinity Library

East Asia Library

Gilmore Music Library

Haas Family Arts Library

Lewis Walpole Library

Lillian Goldman Law Library

Marx Science and Social Science Library

Sterling Memorial Library

Yale Center for British Art

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

@YALELIBRARY

image of the ceiling of sterling memorial library

Yale Library Instagram

Accessibility       Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion      Giving       Privacy and Data Use      Contact Our Web Team    

© 2022 Yale University Library • All Rights Reserved

Film Analysis: Example, Format, and Outline + Topics & Prompts

Films are never just films. Instead, they are influential works of art that can evoke a wide range of emotions, spark meaningful conversations, and provide insightful commentary on society and culture. As a student, you may be tasked with writing a film analysis essay, which requires you to delve deeper into the characters and themes. But where do you start?

In this article, our expert team has explored strategies for writing a successful film analysis essay. From prompts for this assignment to an excellent movie analysis example, we’ll provide you with everything you need to craft an insightful film analysis paper.

  • 📽️ Film Analysis Definition

📚 Types of Film Analysis

  • ✍️ How to Write Film Analysis
  • 🎞️ Movie Analysis Prompts
  • 🎬 Top 15 Topics

📝 Film Analysis Example

  • 🍿 More Examples

🔗 References

📽️ what is a film analysis essay.

A film analysis essay is a type of academic writing that critically examines a film, its themes, characters, and techniques used by the filmmaker. This essay aims to analyze the film’s meaning, message, and artistic elements and explain its cultural, social, and historical significance. It typically requires a writer to pay closer attention to aspects such as cinematography, editing, sound, and narrative structure.

Film Analysis vs Film Review

It’s common to confuse a film analysis with a film review, though these are two different types of writing. A film analysis paper focuses on the film’s narrative, sound, editing, and other elements. This essay aims to explore the film’s themes, symbolism , and underlying messages and to provide an in-depth interpretation of the film.

On the other hand, a film review is a brief evaluation of a film that provides the writer’s overall opinion of the movie. It includes the story’s short summary, a description of the acting, direction, and technical aspects, and a recommendation on whether or not the movie is worth watching.

This image shows the difference between film analysis and film review.

Wondering what you should focus on when writing a movie analysis essay? Here are four main types of film analysis. Check them out!

📋 Film Analysis Format

The movie analysis format follows a typical essay structure, including a title, introduction, thesis statement, body, conclusion, and references.

The most common citation styles used for a film analysis are MLA and Chicago . However, we recommend you consult with your professor for specific guidelines. Remember to cite all dialogue and scene descriptions from the movie to support the analysis. The reference list should include the analyzed film and any external sources mentioned in the essay.

When referring to a specific movie in your paper, you should italicize the film’s name and use the title case. Don’t enclose the title of the movie in quotation marks.

📑 Film Analysis Essay Outline

A compelling film analysis outline is crucial as it helps make the writing process more focused and the content more insightful for the readers. Below, you’ll find the description of the main parts of the movie analysis essay.

This image shows the film analysis essay outline.

Film Analysis Introduction

Many students experience writer’s block because they don’t know how to write an introduction for a film analysis. The truth is that the opening paragraph for a film analysis paper is similar to any other academic essay:

  • Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention . For example, it can be a fascinating fact or a thought-provoking question related to the film.
  • Provide background information about the movie . Introduce the film, including its title, director, and release date. Follow this with a brief summary of the film’s plot and main themes.
  • End the introduction with an analytical thesis statement . Present the central argument or interpretation that will be explored in the analysis.

Film Analysis Thesis

If you wonder how to write a thesis for a film analysis, we’ve got you! A thesis statement should clearly present your main idea related to the film and provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. Your thesis should be specific, concise, and focused. In addition, it should be debatable so that others can present a contrasting point of view. Also, make sure it is supported with evidence from the film.

Let’s come up with a film analysis thesis example:

Through a feminist lens, Titanic is a story about Rose’s rebellion against traditional gender roles, showcasing her attempts to assert her autonomy and refusal to conform to societal expectations prevalent in the early 20th century.

Movie Analysis Main Body

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the film that supports your main idea. These aspects include themes, characters, narrative devices , or cinematic techniques. You should also provide evidence from the film to support your analysis, such as quotes, scene descriptions, or specific visual or auditory elements.

Here are two things to avoid in body paragraphs:

  • Film review . Your analysis should focus on specific movie aspects rather than your opinion of the film.
  • Excessive plot summary . While it’s important to provide some context for the analysis, a lengthy plot summary can detract you from your main argument and analysis of the film.

Film Analysis Conclusion

In the conclusion of a movie analysis, restate the thesis statement to remind the reader of the main argument. Additionally, summarize the main points from the body to reinforce the key aspects of the film that were discussed. The conclusion should also provide a final thought or reflection on the film, tying together the analysis and presenting your perspective on its overall meaning.

✍️ How to Write a Film Analysis Essay

Writing a film analysis essay can be challenging since it requires a deep understanding of the film, its themes, and its characters. However, with the right approach, you can create a compelling analysis that offers insight into the film’s meaning and impact. To help you, we’ve prepared a small guide.

This image shows how to write a film analysis essay.

1. Understand the Prompt

When approaching a film analysis essay, it is crucial to understand the prompt provided by your professor. For example, suppose your professor asks you to analyze the film from the perspective of Marxist criticism or psychoanalytic film theory . In that case, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these approaches. This may involve studying these theories and identifying how they can be applied to the film.

If your professor did not provide specific guidelines, you will need to choose a film yourself and decide on the aspect you will explore. Whether it is the film’s themes, characters, cinematography, or social context, having a clear focus will help guide your analysis.

2. Watch the Film & Take Notes

Keep your assignment prompt in mind when watching the film for your analysis. For example, if you are analyzing the film from a feminist perspective, you should pay attention to the portrayal of female characters, power dynamics , and gender roles within the film.

As you watch the movie, take notes on key moments, dialogues, and scenes relevant to your analysis. Additionally, keeping track of the timecodes of important scenes can be beneficial, as it allows you to quickly revisit specific moments in the film for further analysis.

3. Develop a Thesis and an Outline

Next, develop a thesis statement for your movie analysis. Identify the central argument or perspective you want to convey about the film. For example, you can focus on the film’s themes, characters, plot, cinematography, or other outstanding aspects. Your thesis statement should clearly present your stance and provide a preview of the points you will discuss in your analysis.

Having created a thesis, you can move on to the outline for an analysis. Write down all the arguments that can support your thesis, logically organize them, and then look for the supporting evidence in the movie.

4. Write Your Movie Analysis

When writing a film analysis paper, try to offer fresh and original ideas on the film that go beyond surface-level observations. If you need some inspiration, have a look at these thought-provoking questions:

  • How does the movie evoke emotional responses from the audience through sound, editing, character development , and camera work?
  • Is the movie’s setting portrayed in a realistic or stylized manner? What atmosphere or mood does the setting convey to the audience?
  • How does the lighting in the movie highlight certain aspects? How does the lighting impact the audience’s perception of the movie’s characters, spaces, or overall mood?
  • What role does the music play in the movie? How does it create specific emotional effects for the audience?
  • What underlying values or messages does the movie convey? How are these values communicated to the audience?

5. Revise and Proofread

To revise and proofread a film analysis essay, review the content for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure the paper flows logically and each paragraph contributes to the overall analysis. Remember to double-check that you haven’t missed any in-text citations and have enough evidence and examples from the movie to support your arguments.

Consider seeking feedback from a peer or instructor to get an outside perspective on the essay. Another reader can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

🎞️ Movie Analysis: Sample Prompts

Now that we’ve covered the essential aspects of a film analysis template, it’s time to choose a topic. Here are some prompts to help you select a film for your analysis.

  • Metropolis film analysis essay . When analyzing this movie, you can explore the themes of technology and society or the portrayal of class struggle. You can also focus on symbolism, visual effects, and the influence of German expressionism on the film’s aesthetic.
  • The Godfather film analysis essay . An epic crime film, The Godfather , allows you to analyze the themes of power and corruption, the portrayal of family dynamics, and the influence of Italian neorealism on the film’s aesthetic. You can also examine the movie’s historical context and impact on future crime dramas.
  • Psycho film analysis essay . Consider exploring the themes of identity and duality, the use of suspense and tension in storytelling, or the portrayal of mental illness. You can also explore the impact of this movie on the horror genre.
  • Forrest Gump film analysis essay . If you decide to analyze the Forrest Gump movie, you can focus on the portrayal of historical events. You might also examine the use of nostalgia in storytelling, the character development of the protagonist, and the film’s impact on popular culture and American identity.
  • The Great Gatsby film analysis essay . The Great Gatsby is a historical drama film that allows you to analyze the themes of the American Dream, wealth, and class. You can also explore the portrayal of the 1920s Jazz Age and the symbolism of the green light.
  • Persepolis film analysis essay . In a Persepolis film analysis essay, you can uncover the themes of identity and self-discovery. You might also consider analyzing the portrayal of the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath, the use of animation as a storytelling device, and the film’s influence on the graphic novel genre.

🎬 Top 15 Film Analysis Essay Topics

  • The use of color symbolism in Vertigo and its impact on the narrative.
  • The moral ambiguity and human nature in No Country for Old Men .
  • The portrayal of ethnicity in Gran Torino and its commentary on cultural stereotypes.
  • The cinematography and visual effects in The Hunger Games and their contribution to the dystopian atmosphere.
  • The use of silence and sound design in A Quiet Place to immerse the audience.
  • The disillusionment and existential crisis in The Graduate and its reflection of the societal norms of the 1960s.
  • The themes of sacrifice and patriotism in Casablanca and their relevance to the historical context of World War II.
  • The psychological horror in The Shining and its impact on the audience’s experience of fear and tension.
  • The exploration of existentialism in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind .
  • Multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators in Rashomon .
  • The music and soundtrack in Titanic and its contribution to the film’s emotional resonance.
  • The portrayal of good versus evil in the Harry Potter film series and its impact on understanding morality.
  • The incorporation of vibrant colors in The Grand Budapest Hotel as a visual motif.
  • The use of editing techniques to tell a nonlinear narrative in Pulp Fiction .
  • The function of music and score in enhancing the emotional impact in Schindler’s List .

Check out the Get Out film analysis essay we’ve prepared for college and high school students. We hope this movie analysis essay example will inspire you and help you understand the structure of this assignment better.

Film Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Get Out, released in 2017 and directed by Jordan Peele, is a culturally significant horror film that explores themes of racism, identity, and social commentary. The film follows Chris, a young African-American man, visiting his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend. This essay will analyze how, through its masterful storytelling, clever use of symbolism, and thought-provoking narrative, Get Out reveals the insidious nature of racism in modern America.

Film Analysis Body Paragraphs Example

Throughout the movie, Chris’s character is subject to various types of microaggression and subtle forms of discrimination. These instances highlight the insidious nature of racism, showing how it can exist even in seemingly progressive environments. For example, during Chris’s visit to his white girlfriend’s family, the parents continuously make racially insensitive comments, expressing their admiration for black physical attributes and suggesting a fascination bordering on fetishization. This sheds light on some individuals’ objectification and exotification of black bodies.

Get Out also critiques the performative allyship of white liberals who claim to be accepting and supportive of the black community. It is evident in the character of Rose’s father, who proclaims: “I would have voted for Obama for a third term if I could” (Peele, 2017). However, the film exposes how this apparent acceptance can mask hidden prejudices and manipulation.

Film Analysis Conclusion Example

In conclusion, the film Get Out provides a searing critique of racial discrimination and white supremacy through its compelling narrative, brilliant performances, and skillful direction. By exploring the themes of the insidious nature of racism, fetishization, and performative allyship, Get Out not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on their own biases.

🍿 More Film Analysis Examples

  • Social Psychology Theories in The Experiment
  • Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader: George Lukas’s Star Wars Review
  • Girl, Interrupted : Mental Illness Analysis
  • Mental Disorders in the Finding Nemo Film
  • One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Film: Interpretive Psychological Analysis
  • Analysis of Spielberg’s Film Lincoln
  • Glory – The Drama Movie by Edward Zwick
  • Inventors in The Men Who Built America Series
  • Crash Movie: Racism as a Theme
  • Dances with Wolves Essay – Movie Analysis
  • Superbad by G. Mottola
  • Ordinary People Analysis and Maslow Hierarchy of Needs
  • A Review of the Movie An Inconvenient Truth by Guggenheim
  • Chaplin’s Modern Times and H.G. Wells’s The Island of Dr. Moreau
  • Misé-En-Scene and Camera Shots in The King’s Speech
  • Children’s Sexuality in the Out in the Dark Film
  • Chinese and American Women in Joy Luck Club Novel and Film
  • The Film Silver Linings Playbook by Russell
  • The Role of Music in the Films The Hours and The Third Man
  • The Social Network : Film Analysis
  • My Neighbor Totoro : Film by Hayao Miyazaki
  • Marriage Story Film Directed by Noah Baumbach

❓ Film Analysis Essay: FAQ

Why is film analysis important.

Film analysis allows viewers to go beyond the surface level and delve into the deeper layers of a film’s narrative, themes, and technical aspects. It enables a critical examination that enhances appreciation and understanding of the film’s message, cultural significance, and artistic value. At the same time, writing a movie analysis essay can boost your critical thinking and ability to spot little details.

How to write a movie analysis?

  • Watch the film multiple times to grasp its key elements.
  • Take notes on the story, characters, and themes.
  • Pay attention to the film’s cinematography, editing, sound, message, symbolism, and social context.
  • Formulate a strong thesis statement that presents your main argument.
  • Support your claims with evidence from the film.

How to write a critical analysis of a movie?

A critical analysis of a movie involves evaluating its elements, such as plot, themes, characters, and cinematography, and providing an informed opinion on its strengths and weaknesses. To write it, watch the movie attentively, take notes, develop a clear thesis statement, support arguments with evidence, and balance the positive and negative.

How to write a psychological analysis of a movie?

A psychological analysis of a movie examines characters’ motivations, behaviors, and emotional experiences. To write it, analyze the characters’ psychological development, their relationships, and the impact of psychological themes conveyed in the film. Support your analysis with psychological theories and evidence from the movie.

  • Film Analysis | UNC Writing Center
  • Psychological Analysis of Films | Steemit
  • Critical Film Analysis | University of Hawaii
  • Questions to Ask of Any Film | All American High School Film Festival
  • Resources – How to Write a Film Analysis | Northwestern
  • Film Analysis | University of Toronto
  • Film Writing: Sample Analysis | Purdue Online Writing Lab
  • Film Analysis Web Site 2.0 | Yale University
  • Questions for Film Analysis | University of Washington
  • Film & Media Studies Resources: Types of Film Analysis | Bowling Green State University
  • Film & Media Studies Resources: Researching a Film | Bowling Green State University
  • Motion Picture Analysis Worksheet | University of Houston
  • Reviews vs Film Criticism | The University of Vermont Libraries
  • Television and Film Analysis Questions | University of Michigan
  • How to Write About Film: The Movie Review, the Theoretical Essay, and the Critical Essay | University of Colorado

Descriptive Essay Topics: Examples, Outline, & More

371 fun argumentative essay topics for 2024.

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.

Film analysis types.

  • 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.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

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.

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions. Cut 20% off your first order!

  • 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:

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

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
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to LinkedIn
  • Share to email

How to Write a Critique Paper: Format, Tips, & Critique Essay Examples

A critique paper is an academic writing genre that summarizes and gives a critical evaluation of a concept or work. Or, to put it simply, it is no more than a summary and a critical analysis of a specific issue. This type of writing aims to evaluate the impact of...

How to Write a Creative Essay: Tips, Topics, and Techniques

What is a creative essay, if not the way to express yourself? Crafting such a paper is a task that allows you to communicate your opinion and tell a story. However, even using your imagination to a great extent doesn’t free you from following academic writing rules. Don’t even get...

Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips and Examples

A compare and contrast essay — what is it? In this type of paper, you compare two different things or ideas, highlighting what is similar between the two, and you also contrast them, highlighting what is different. The two things might be events, people, books, points of view, lifestyles, or...

How to Write an Expository Essay: Outline, & Example

What is an expository essay? This type of writing aims to inform the reader about the subject clearly, concisely, and objectively. The keyword here is “inform”. You are not trying to persuade your reader to think a certain way or let your own opinions and emotions cloud your work. Just stick to the...

Short Story Analysis: How to Write It Step by Step [New]

Have you ever tried to write a story analysis but ended up being completely confused and lost? Well, the task might be challenging if you don’t know the essential rules for literary analysis creation. But don’t get frustrated! We know how to write a short story analysis, and we are...

How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Step-by-Step Guide + Examples

Have you ever tried to get somebody round to your way of thinking? Then you should know how daunting the task is. Still, if your persuasion is successful, the result is emotionally rewarding. A persuasive essay is a type of writing that uses facts and logic to argument and substantiate...

Common Essay Mistakes—Writing Errors to Avoid [Updated]

One of the most critical skills that students gain during their college years is assignment writing. Composing impressive essays and research papers can be quite challenging, especially for ESL students. Nonetheless, before learning the art of academic writing, you may make numerous common essay mistakes. Such involuntary errors appear in:...

How to Start an Autobiography about Yourself: Full Guide + Autobiography Examples

You’re probably thinking: I’m no Mahatma Gandhi or Steve Jobs—what could I possibly write in my memoir? I don’t even know how to start an autobiography, let alone write the whole thing. But don’t worry: essay writing can be easy, and this autobiography example for students is here to show...

Why I Want to Be a Teacher Essay: Writing Guide [2024]

Some people know which profession to choose from childhood, while others decide much later in life. However, and whenever you come to it, you may have to elaborate on it in your personal statement or cover letter. This is widely known as “Why I Want to Be a Teacher” essay.

Friendship Essay: Writing Guide & Topics on Friendship [New]

Assigned with an essay about friendship? Congrats! It’s one of the best tasks you could get. Digging through your memories and finding strong arguments for this paper can be an enjoyable experience. I bet you will cope with this task effortlessly as we can help you with the assignment. Just...

How to Write an Autobiography: Questions, Principles, & What to Include

When you are assigned an autobiography to write, tens, and even hundreds of questions start buzzing in your head. How to write autobiography essay parts? What to include? How to make your autobiography writing flow? Don’t worry about all this and use the following three simple principles and 15 creative...

Life Experience Essay: How to Write a Brilliant Paper

A life experience essay combines the elements of narration, description, and self-reflection. Such a paper has to focus on a single event that had a significant impact on a person’s worldview and values. Writing an essay about life experience prompts students to do the following: evaluate their behavior in specific...

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.

Custom Writing

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.

Film & Media Studies

  • Film & Pittsburgh
  • Alumni Contact Form
  • Film & Media Studies Critical Studies Track
  • Film and Media Production Track
  • Minor in FMST
  • Television and Broadcast Arts Certificate
  • Internships
  • Required Coursework Categories
  • Upcoming Courses
  • General Education Requirements
  • Student Funding Opportunities
  • Production Resources
  • Study Abroad
  • Academic Communities
  • Undergraduate Alumni
  • Undergraduate FAQs
  • Requirements
  • Terminal MA
  • Master's Certificate
  • PhD Certificate
  • Required Coursework
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Non-U.S. Citizen Graduate FAQs
  • Doctoral Student Placement
  • Student Spotlight
  • Upcoming Events
  • Past Events
  • Prospective Students

Dissertations

Listed by year of graduation

  • Dissertation: " Aluminum Lesbians: Recycling Lesbian Legacy in Classical Hollywood"
  • Chair: Mark Lynn Anderson (English)
  • Readers: Jules Gill-Peterson (English), Nancy Glazener (English), David Pettersen (French & Italian)
  • Dissertation: " Process over Product: Kinesthetic Cinema, Sporting Bodies, and Media Milieux"
  • Readers: Randall Halle (German), Adam Lowenstein (English), Neepa Majumdar (English)
  • Dissertation: White Design: Engineering the Visualization of Race and Racism in Social Media
  • Chair: Jinying Li (English) & Zachary Horton (English)
  • Readers: Mark Lynn Anderson (English), Brenton Malin (Communication), Elizabeth Reich (English)
  • Dissertation: From Women's Cinema to Women's Horror Cinema: Genre and Gender in the Twenty-First Century
  • Chair: Adam Lowenstein (English)
  • Readers: Lucy Fischer (English), Neepa Majumdar (English), David Pettersen (French & Italian)
  • Dissertation: Soviet Tableau: Cinema and History under Late Socialism (1953-1985)
  • Chair:  Nancy Condee  (Slavic)
  • Readers:   David Birnbaum  (Slavic),   Randall Halle  (German),  Neepa Majumdar  (English),  Marcia Landy  (English),  Vladimir Padunov  (Slavic),  Dan Morgan  (Cinema and Media Studies, University of Chicago)
  • Dissertation:  Cinema in Fragments: Transmediating Popular Hindi Cinema on Small Screens
  • Chair: Neepa Majumdar (English)
  • Readers: Nancy Condee (Slavic), Jinying Li (English), Aswin Punathambekar (Communication Studies, University of Michigan), Jennifer Waldron (English)
  • Dissertation:  The Interstate Logic: How Networks Change the Cinematic Representation of Time and Space
  • Chair:   Lucy Fischer  (English)
  • Readers:  Randall Halle  (German),  Mark Lynn Anderson  (English),  Neepa Majumdar  (English)
  • Dissertation:  "Quiet on Set!": Craft Discourse and Below-the-Line Labor in Hollywood, 1919-1985
  • Chair:  Mark Lynn Anderson  (English)
  • Readers:  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Neepa Majumdar  (English),   Randall Halle  (German), Dana Polan (NYU),  Dan Morgan  (Cinema and Media Studies, University of Chicago)
  • Dissertation:  The Matter of Identity: Digital Media, Television, and Embodied Difference
  • Chair:  Jane Feuer  (English)
  • Readers:  Brenton J. Malin  (Communication), Jinying Li (English),  Jennifer Waldron  (English)
  • Dissertation:  The Rehearsal for Terror: Form, Trauma, and Modern Horror
  • Chair:  Marcia Landy  (English)
  • Readers:  Mark Lynn Anderson  (English),  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Dan Morgan  (Cinema and Media Studies, University of Chicago)
  • Dissertation:  FEEL IT ALL AROUND: ART MUSIC VIDEO, ART CINEMA, AND SPECTATORSHIP IN THE STREAMING ERA
  • Chair:  Adam Lowenstein  (English)
  • Readers:  Mark Lynn Anderson  (English),  Neepa Majumdar  (English),   Randall Halle  (German),   Dan Morgan  (Cinema and Media Studies, University of Chicago)
  • Dissertation:  The Cinematic Animal: Animal Life, Technology, and the Moving Image
  • Readers:  Neepa Majumdar  (English),   Adam Lowenstein  (English), Akira Lippit (Cinema & Media Studies, University of Southern California)
  • Dissertation:  Sustaining Life During the AIDS Crisis: New Queer Cinema and the Biopic
  • Readers:  Lucy Fischer  (English),   Randall Halle  (German),   Marcia Landy  (English)
  • Dissertation: Pataphysical Networking: Virtuality, Potentiality and the Experimental Works of the Collège de 'Pataphysique, the Oulipo, and the Mouvement Panique
  • Dissertation: "Everything new is born illegal." Historicisizing Rapid Migration through New Media Projects
  • Chair: Randall Halle (German)
  • Readers: Nancy Condee (Slavic), Sabine von Dirk (German), John B. Lyon (German)
  • Dissertation:  Impasse in Multilingual Spaces: Politics of Language and Identity in Contemporary Francophone Contact Zones
  • Chair:  David Pettersen  (French & Italian)
  • Readers:  Nancy Condee  (Slavic),  Neil Doshi  (French & Italian),  Giuseppina Mecchia  (French & Italian)
  • Dissertation:  Press Play: Video Games and the Ludic Quality of Aesthetic Experiences across Media
  • Readers:   Randall Halle  (German), Jinying Li (English),  Neepa Majumdar  (English),  Dan Morgan  (Cinema and Media Studies, University of Chicago)
  • Dissertation:  Shopping the Look: Hollywood Costume Production and American Fashion Consumption, 1960-1969
  • Chair:  Neepa Majumdar  (English)
  • Readers:  Mark Lynn Anderson  (English),  Jane Feuer  (English),  Brenton J. Malin  (Communication)
  • Dissertation:  Another Habitat for the Muses: The Poetic Investigations of Mexican Film Criticism, 1896-1968
  • Readers:  Neepa Majumdar  (English),  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Joshua Lund  (University of Notre Dame)
  • Dissertation:  Frame and Finitude: The Aporetic Aesthetics of Alain Resnais's Cinematic Modernism
  • Co-Chairs:  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Daniel Morgan  (Cinema and Media Studies, University of Chicago)
  • Readers:  Neepa Majumdar  (English),  Marcia Landy  (English)

Natalie Ryabchikova

  • Dissertation: The Flying Fish: Sergei Eisenstein Abroad, 1929-1932.
  • Chair: Mark Lynn Anderson (Film)
  • Readers: William Chase (History), Nancy Condee (Slavic), Randall Halle  (Film), Vladimir Padunov (Slavic)

Kelly Trimble

  • Dissertation:  The Celebrification of Soviet Culture: State Heroes after Stalin, 2017
  • Chair: Vladimir Padunov (Slavic)
  • Readers: David Birnbaum (Slavic), Nancy Condee (Slavic), Randall Halle (German)
  • Dissertation:  A Hidden Light: Judaism, Contemporary Israeli Film, and the Cinematic Experience
  • ​Chair:   Lucy Fischer  (English)
  • Readers:  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Neepa Majumdar  (English), Adam Shear  (Religious Studies)
  • Dissertation:  Global Russian Cinema in the Digital Age: The Films of Timur Bekmambetov
  • ​Chair:   Nancy Condee  (Slavic)
  • Readers:  Vladimir Padunov  (Slavic),  Randall Halle  (German),  Daniel Morgan  (Cinema and Media Studies, University of Chicago)
  • Dissertation:  The Flying Fish: Sergei Eisenstein Abroad, 1929-1932
  • ​Chair:   Vladimir Padunov  (Slavic)
  • Readers:  Mark Lynn Anderson  (English),  William Chase  (History),  Nancy Condee  (Slavic),  Randall Halle  (German)

Anne Wesserling , Visiting Assistant Professor, University of North Georgia

  • Dissertation: Screening Violence: Meditations on Perception in Recent Argentine Literature and Film of the Post-Dictatorship
  • Chair: Daniel Balderston  (Hispanic Languages & Literature)
  • Readers: John Beverley  (Hispanic Languages & Literature), Gonzalo Lamana  (Hispanic Languages & Literature), Adam Lowenstein  (English)
  • Dissertation:  The British War Film, 1939-1980: Culture, History, and Genre
  • Readers:  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Colin MacCabe  (English),  David Pettersen  (French & Italian)
  • Dissertation:  Unseen Femininity: Women in Japanese New Wave Cinema
  • Readers:  Nancy Condee  (Slavic),  Marcia Landy  (English),  Neepa Majumdar  (English)
  • Dissertation: Visualizing the Past: Perestroika Documentary Memory of Stalin-era
  • Readers: Nancy Condee (Slavic), David J. Birnbaum  (Slavic), Jeremy Hicks  (Languages, Linguistics, Film)

Gavin M. Hicks

  • Disseration: Soccer and Social Identity in Contemporary German Film and Media  
  • Readers: John B. Lyon  (German), Sabine von Dirke (German), Clark Muenzer  (German), Gayle Rogers (English)
  • Dissertation:  Film Dance, Female Stardom, and the Production of Gender in Popular Hindi Cinema
  • Readers:   Lucy Fischer  (English),  Marcia Landy  (English), Ranjani Mazumdar (Cinema Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University)
  • Dissertation:  Overlooking the Evidence: Gender, Genre and the Female Detective in Hollywood Film and Television
  • Readers:  Mark Lynn Anderson  (English),  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Brenton J. Malin  (Communications)

Christopher Nielsen , Educator, Institute for Health and Socioeconomic Policy/National Nurses United

  • Dissertation: Narco Realism in Contemporary Mexican and Transnational Narrative, Film, and Online Media
  • Chair: Juan Duchesen-Winter (Hispanic Languages & Literature)
  • Readers: John Beverley (Hispanic Languages & Literature), Joshua Lund (Hispanic Languages & Literature), Giuseppina Mecchia  (French & Italian)
  • Dissertation:  New Korean Cinema: Mourning to Regeneration
  • Readers: Kyung Hyun Kim (East Asian Languages and Literatures, University of California, Irvine),  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Colin MacCabe  (English)
  • Dissertation:  “Insubordinate” Looking: Consumerism, Power, Identity, and the Art of Popular (Music) Dance Movies
  • Readers:  Mark Lynn Anderson  (English),   Lucy Fischer  (English),  Randall Halle  (German)
  • Dissertation:  Sustaining Feminist Film Cultures: An Institutional History of Women Make Movies
  • Readers:   Mark Lynn Anderson  (English),  Neepa Majumdar  (English),  Randall Halle  (German Language),  David Pettersen  (French & Italian)

Yvonne Franke , Assistant Professor of German, Midwestern State University

  • Dissertation:  The Genres of Europeanization - Moving Towards the "New Heimatfilm"
  • Readers: Lucy Fischer (Film), John B. Lyon (German), Sabine von Dirke (German)

Olga Kilmova ,  Visiting Lecturer, University of Pittsburgh

  • Dissertation: Soviet Youth Films under Brezhnev: Watching Between the Lines
  • Chair: Nancy Condee (Slavic)
  • Readers: Vladimir Padunov  (Slavic), David J. Birnbaum  (Slavic), Lucy Fischer  (Communication), Alexander V. Prokhorov (Slavic)
  • Dissertation:  The Toy Like Nature: On the History and Theory of Animated Motion
  • Chair: Daniel Morgan
  • Readers:  Marcia Landy  (English), Mark Lynn Anderson  (English), Scott Bukatman (Film & Media Studies, Stanford University)
  • Dissertation:  Cinematic Occupation: Intelligibility, Queerness, and Palestine
  • Readers:  Mark Lynn Anderson  (English), Troy Boone  (English), Todd Reeser (French & Italian)

Yahya Laayouni , Assistant Professor of Arabic and French, Bloomsberg University of Pennsylvania

  • Dissertation: Redefining Beur Cinema: Constituting Subjectivity through Film
  • Co-Chairs: Giuseppina Mecchia  (French and Italian) & Randall Halle  (German)
  • Readers: Todd Reeser (French and Italian), Mohammed Bamyeh  (Sociology & Religious Studies), Neil Doshi  (French & Italian)
  • Dissertation:  Image to Infinity: Rethinking Description and Detail in the Cinema
  • Chair:   Marcia Landy  (English)
  • Readers: Troy Boone ,  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Colin MacCabe  (English),  Randall Halle  (German)
  • Link to professional profile >
  • Dissertation:  Screen Combat: Recreating World War II in American Film and Media
  • Readers:   Lucy Fischer  (English),  Marcia Landy  (English),  Randall Halle  (German)
  • Dissertation:  Modern Kinesis: Motion Picture Technology, Embodiment, and Re-Playability in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twenty-First Centuries
  • Readers:   Lucy Fischer  (English),  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Giuseppina Mecchia  (French & Italian)
  • Dissertation:  Research in the Form of a Spectacle: Godard and the Cinematic Essay
  • Readers:   Lucy Fischer  (English),  Marcia Landy  (English)
  • Dissertation:  Immaterial Materiality: Collecting in Live-Action Film, Animation, and Digital Games
  • Readers:  Marcia Landy  (English),  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Randall Halle  (German)
  • Dissertation:  Nation, Nostalgia, and Masculinity: Clinton/Spielberg/Hanks
  • Readers:  Marcia Landy  (English),  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Brent Malin  (Communications)
  • Dissertation:  Body Image: Fashioning the Postwar American
  • Readers:  Jane Feuer  (English), Marianne Novy (English), Carol Stabile (English, University of Oregon)

Natalia Maria Ramirez-Lopez , 

  • Dissertation: MARGINALIDAD Y VIOLENCIA JUVENIL EN MEDELLÍN Y BOGOTÁ: NARRATIVAS LITERARIAS Y FÍMICAS DE LOS AÑOS 80 Y 90 EN COLOMBIA
  • Chair: Hermann Herlinghaus  (Latin American Literature, University of Freiburg)
  • Readers: Aníbal Perez-Linán (Political Science), Bobby J. Chamberlain  (Hispanic Languages & Literature), Gerald Martin (Hispanic Languages & Literature)

Dawn Seckler , Associate Director of Development, Bridgeway Capital

  • Dissertation: Engendering Genre: The Contemporary Russian Buddy Film
  • Readers: David MacFadyen (University of California, Los Angeles), Lucy Fischer  (Film), Nancy Condee (Slavic)
  • Dissertation:  The Ethnic Turn: Studies in Political Cinema from Brazil and the United States, 1960-2002
  • Readers:  Adam Lowenstein  (English), Shalini Puri,  Neepa Majumdar  (English),  John Beverley  (Hispanic)
  • Dissertation:  Acting Social: The Cinema of Mike Nichols
  • Readers:  Mark Anderson  (English),  Marcia Landy  (English),  Colin MacCabe  (English), David Shumway (English, Carnegie Mellon University)
  • Dissertation:  Ruins and Riots: Transnational Currents in Mexican Cinema
  • Readers:   Lucy Fischer  (English),  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  John Beverly  (Hispanic)
  • Dissertation:  The Word Made Cinematic: The Representation of Jesus in Cinema
  • Readers: Troy Boone ,  Adam Lowenstein  (English), Vernell Lillie (Africana Studies)
  • Dissertation:  Fathers of a Still-Born Past: Hindu Empire, Globality, and the Rhetoric of the Trikaal
  • Readers: Paul Bové  (English), Ronald Judy  (English),  Nancy Condee  (Slavic)
  • Dissertation:  Excavating the Ghetto Action Cycle (1991-1996): A Case Study for a Cycle-Based Approach to Genre Theory
  • Readers:  Jane Feuer  (English),  Neepa Majumdar  (English), Paula Massood (Cinema and Media Studies, Brooklyn College, CUNY)
  • Dissertation:  "The World Goes One Way and We Go Another": Movement, Migration, and Myths of Irish Cinema
  • Readers:  Adam Lowenstein  (English),  Colin MacCabe  (English),  Nancy Condee  (Slavic Languages and Literatures)
  • Dissertation:  The Writing on the Screen: Images of Text in the German Cinema from 1920-1949
  • Readers: Paul Bové  (English),  Lucy Fischer  (English), Linda Shulte-Sasse (German, McAllister College)
  • Dissertation:  Mantras of the Metropole: Geo-Televisuality and Contemporary Indian Cinema
  • Readers: Paul Bové  (English); Eric Clarke (English);  Colin MacCabe  (English); M. Prasad (Film Theory, Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages, Hyderabad)
  • Dissertation:  Hollywood Youth Narratives and the Family Values Campaign 1980-1992
  • Readers: Troy Boone  (English),  Marcia Landy  (English), Carol Stabile (Communications)
  • Dissertation:  Reading Scars: Circumcision as Textual Trope
  • Chair: Philip Smith  (English)
  • Readers:   Lucy Fischer  (English), Mariolina Salvatori, Greg Goekjian (Portland State University)
  • Dissertation:  Dreaming in Crisis: Angels and the Allegorical Imagination in Postwar America
  • Chair:  Colin MacCabe  (English)
  • Readers: Ronald Judy  (English), Jonathan Arac ,  Nancy Condee  (Slavic)
  • Dissertation:  Laying Down the Rules: The American Sports Film Genre From 1872 to 1960
  • Readers:  Jane Feuer  (English), Moya Luckett, Carol Stabile (Communications)

Elena Prokhorova

  • Dissertation: Fragmented Mythologies: Soviet TV Series of the 1970s
  • Readers: Carol Stabile (Communications), Jane Feuer (English and Film), Martin Votruba (Slavic), Nancy Condee (Slavic)
  • Dissertation:  Nickels and Dimes: The Movies in a Rampantly American City, 1914-1923
  • Readers: Moya Luckett,  Jane Feuer , Gregory Waller (University of Kentucky)
  • Dissertation:  As Far As Anyone Knows: Fetishism and the Anti-Televisual Paradoxes of Film Noir
  • Readers: Valerie Krips, James Knapp, Henry Krips (Communications)

Alexander Prokhorov , Associate Professor, College of William and Mary

  • Dissertation: Inherited Discourse: Stalinist Tropes in Thaw Culture
  • Chair: Helena Goscilo (Slavic)
  • Readers: Lucy Fischer (Film), Mark Altshuller (Slavic), Nancy Condee (Slavic), Vladimir Padunov (Slavic)
  • Dissertation:  “Dig If You Will The Picture”: The Cinematic, the Black Femme, and the Image of Common Sense
  • Chair:   Marcia Landy  (English)
  • Readers: Paul Bové  (English),  Colin MacCabe  (English), Amy Villarejo (Cornell), Wahneema Lubiano (Duke)
  • Dissertation:   French Film Criticism, Authorship, and National Culture in the Mirror of John Cassavetes’s Body, His Life, His Work
  • Readers:   Marcia Landy  (English), James Knapp
  • Dissertation:  In The Shadow of His Language: Language and Feminine Subjectivity in the Cinema
  • Chair:   Colin MacCabe  (English)
  • Readers:   Lucy Fischer  (English), Lynn Emanuel, Patrizia Lombardo (French and Italian)
  • Dissertation:  Being In Control: The Ending Of The Information Age
  • Chair: Paul Bové  (English)
  • Readers: Jonathan Arac ,  Marcia Landy , Carol Stabile (Communications)
  • Dissertation:  The Emergence of Date Rape: Feminism, Theory, Institutional Discourse, and Popular Culture
  • Readers: Nancy Glazener  (English),   Lucy Fischer  (English), Carol A. Stabile (Communications)
  • Dissertation:  Gender and the Politics and Practices of Representation in Contemporary British Cinema
  • Readers: James Knapp,  Marcia Landy  (English),  Colin MacCabe  (English), Sabine Hake (German)
  • Dissertation:  Telling the Story of AIDS in Popular Culture
  • Chair:   Jane Feuer  (English)
  • Readers: Eric Clarke (English),  Marcia Landy  (English), Danae Clark (Communications)
  • Dissertation:  Technology, the Natural and the Other: The Case of Childbirth Representations in Contemporary Popular Culture
  • Readers:  Marcia Landy  (English), Dana Polan, Iris M. Young (Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh)
  • Dissertation:  Lesbian Rule:  Cultural Criticism and the Value of Desire
  • Readers: Paul Bové  (English),  Colin MacCabe  (English), Gayatri Spivak (Columbia)
  • Dissertation:  Feminism, Postmodernism, and Science Fiction: Gender and Ways of Thinking Otherwise
  • Chair:  Philip Smith
  • Readers:  Marica Landy  (English),  Lucy Fischer  (English), Dana Polan, Tamara Horowitz (Philosophy)
  • Dissertation:  Camp and the Question of Value
  • Readers:   Lucy Fischer  (English),  Marcia Landy  (English), Eric Clarke (English), Janet Staiger (University of Texas–Austin)
  • Dissertation:  Culture in a State of Crisis:  A Historical Construction in Cinematic Ideology in India, 1919-75
  • Readers: Paul Bové  (English),  Colin MacCabe  (English), Keya Ganguly (Carnegie Mellon University)
  • Dissertation:  The Ethics of Transgression: Criticism and Cultural Marginality
  • Chair: Paul Bove  (English)
  • Readers:   Lucy Fischer  (English),  Marcia Landy  (English), Dana Pollan, Danae Clarke
  • Dissertation:  Sally Bowles: Fascism, Female Spectacle, and the Politics of Looking
  • Readers:  Marcia Landy  (English), Dana Polan, Sabine Hake (German)

Film and Media Studies Program

Dissertations, completed dissertations, dissertations in progress.

Film and Theatre Dissertation Topics

The film and theatre industry employs thousands of people and contributes millions to the national economy via tourism and associated marketing and promotions. The Arts, film and theatre, combined with media studies, is a popular area for study for many who wish to be more attuned with political and social events, enjoy looking at the history of the development of the arts and who wish to gain a better understanding of people.

Should you be considering a dissertation on the theme of theatre and film studies then it is important to connect to a topic that is contemporary, engaging and with enough scope for you to engage with the literature available.

The following sections will highlight some of the key issues and debates concurrent within the field of theatre and film studies, including issues related to COVID-19, and digital innovation.

Technological Innovation

Gender and race, connecting to the public, the politics of theatre and film.

Technological innovation has changed the face of film, it seems a different world watching Harold Lloyd cling onto the clock in “Safety Last” (1923). From the pioneering Lumière brothers and their innovation of the illusion of movement, to modern CGI and 3D, the film industry is in a state of constant adaptation, trying to keep ahead and looking to retain cinema audiences. In theatre, Knifedge have controversially introduced computer generated sword fighting to the stage in the show ‘Pippin,’ taking theatre into the avatar computer generated world of the gaming industry. Is this a positive step for theatre?

  • Does the digital nature of Video on Demand make it accessible in a way that cinema can never be? Discuss with reference to Martin Scorsese releasing The Irishman via Netflix.
  • As the rise of VR has changed the face of the gaming industry, to what extent can it be seen to potentially impact film and live theatre/music in 2021?
  • Is computer generated action for the theatre, as seen in ‘Pippin’ a step too far for the stage?
  • 3D on stage, and the wearing of 3D glasses for theatre, has had an uncertain status. Analyse the potential, or otherwise for 3D in theatre and live performance.
  • Does the film audience expect to always have more impressive technology, or is this too often seen as a cover up for a lack of script?

2020, as well as being the year of the pandemic, has been the year of Black Lives Matter and of gender (and race) neutral casting. This is a controversial area, and recent casting decisions such as black actress Jodie Turner Smith playing Anne Boleyn for Channel 5 has opened up a race debate in the media. Does this actually matter, or is it an issue worthy of academic debate? Entering these zones are interesting for debate, and there has been much media attention to both of these areas in the Arts.

  • Is gender and race neutral casting in theatre an issue that is worthy of debate?
  • Is theatre leading or following trends in the current directions of social movements, how does theatre reflect these trends?
  • In 2019 the RSC cast a female actress as King John. Is this following a theatrical tradition of cross gender casting dating back to the all-male Elizabethan theatre, or is it (as one critic said) an “eccentric measure” that adds nothing to the production?
  • Quentin Letts, theatre critic of the Daily Mail, has been critical of the “RSC’s clunking approach to politically correct casting (which) weakened its stage product.” Is this assessment based on valid concerns over recent casting decisions, or a concerning lack of appreciation for modern diversity?
  • To what extent does modern theatre continue to confront gender and racial stereotypes?
  • Applying Mulvey’s (1975) theories of the male gaze, are popular films still made in ways that satisfy masculine scopophilia?
  • Discuss whether there is a direct female equivalent of the male gaze in cinema today.

Theatre sometimes struggles with an elitist brush applied to it, with Panto and West End Musicals seen as more for the masses. Getting the public into theatre became impossible as they were closed during the pandemic and the future is uncertain. Likewise, the closure of cinemas has seen the likes of Amazon and Netflix fill the void with their own productions; further down the chain, fan-made films on outlets such as YouTube have shown new avenues for film, outside of the main cinema and producers. Does this herald a new world of film making and direction? Lastly, both theatre and cinema need to reconnect to its audience again when Covid is over, how difficult will this be? An audience that may have changed its habits, and with an economy in trouble, will people still be prepared to pay for live theatre?

  • To what extent do fan-made films such as ‘Dark Jedi’ (a fan created Star Wars Film, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn1o9lPTSbY ) create a new type of film making made possible through platforms such as YouTube?
  • If cinemas need to engage with the public and turn them away from made for TV drama, has this been derailed by the 2020 Covid Pandemic?
  • An analysis of street theatre and its contribution to theatre for the people.
  • Discuss the adaptation of theatre performance in a mediatized age.
  • Are the performing arts still for the people, or have they become expensive luxuries for the educated middle classes?
  • Has Covid-19 created a new form of film media increasingly produced independently away from the big studios?

Covid-19 has seen the government close theatres and cinemas, the arts have suffered perhaps more than any other sector, and those employed in the sector were told to consider retraining. However, this has meant new innovation from the industry, musicians taking their performances online, and some private performances available as pay per view. Given that some of the leading theatre companies in the UK are partly state funded, and that the theatre and film industries bring in considerable funds to the national coffer via tourism, the role of the arts in representing the national mood is often studied, from propaganda films in the 1940’s onward.

  • How can presenting traditional theatre such as Shakespeare reflect modern political concerns?
  • Does modern film retain the ability to shock, or has become blunted by commercialism and the need for sequels?
  • An analysis over whether star actors now control the modern film industry, to its detriment. With reference to Tom Cruise and The Mummy (2017)
  • Is society still reflected in the modern film, or is the industry more about escapism?
  • An analysis over the impact film has over youth culture today.

You may also like

For and Against Essay Topics

A List Of Interesting Film Essay Topics To Consider

Even if your film teacher provides some guidance for you on the assignment topic, you’ll likely end up having to refine the topic in order to make it specific enough. Most film essay topics fall into the categories of вЂwhy’ and вЂhow’ essays, or analytical essays, in which you’ll need to refer to evidence from the film or the historical or social context in which the film was made in order to support your argument.

Use these film essay topics as a jumping off point for choosing your own:

  • In Gone With the Wind, was Scarlet O’Hara in control of her own destiny, or was she at the mercy of the other characters in the film?
  • Does Apocalypse Now accurately portray troop life during the Vietnam War?
  • How do theme of right and wrong play out in Doctor Zhivago?
  • Give an example of an actor’s personal history influencing their acting of a role.
  • How did McCarthyism influence the films that came out of Hollywood during the era of its influence?
  • How did the Great Depression influence the films that came out of Hollywood during it?
  • What legacy did Abbot and Costello leave in humor in the American film industry?
  • Compare the prevailing subject matter of American films in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
  • Compare and contrast Crash and Do the Right Thing in its portrayal of racism in America?
  • What are the major philosophical themes portrayed in The Matrix?
  • Give an example of a film franchise where the sequel was more successful than the original?
  • How has the relationship between the publishing industry and film industry changed in the past three decades?
  • What are the major barriers to women film directors in the American film industry?
  • Explain the role of suspense in Hitchcock films? What factors earned him the title of the master of suspense?
  • Compare and contrast American Gangster and Scarface?
  • Explore third world film as a vehicle for revolution.
  • Does the Wolf of Wall Street portray the American dream?
  • How did films create myth or lead to public misconceptions about the Vietnam war?
  • How did films created throughout the Cold War portray the USSR and communism? How did this change over the decades of the Cold War?
  • How has film served to break down barriers in society?

Popular Blogs

  • My Essay Geek
  • US Essay Writers
  • Writing Essays

Latest News

  • Choosing topics about US government
  • Fresh ideas for a film essay
  • Writing an argumentative paper on justice
  • Where to find free HRM papers
  • Selecting your writing company
  • Custom writing assistance
  • Free compare & contrast papers
  • Fresh topics on Romeo and Juliet
  • Creating a problem solving essay
  • Counseling paper examples
  • Elementary school persuasive writing
  • How to overcome procrastination
  • Definition paper templates
  • Writing on environmental problems
  • Using English paper samples
  • Ethnographic essay topics
  • How to find a competent writer
  • Choosing cause & effect topics
  • Topics on emotional intelligence
  • Choosing a writing agency

an image, when javascript is unavailable

How ‘The First Omen’ Channels ’70s Horror Imagery and Remixes the Most Terrifying Scares From the 1976 Original, and What a Sequel Might Look Like

By William Earl

William Earl

administrator

  • How ‘The First Omen’ Channels ’70s Horror Imagery and Remixes the Most Terrifying Scares From the 1976 Original, and What a Sequel Might Look Like 16 hours ago
  • Vera Drew Was So Inspired by Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ That She Made an Unauthorized Parody Film About Her Trans Journey: ‘My Community Is Completely Villainized’ 19 hours ago
  • Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Charity to Close After Oscars Slap: Donations Sink; Thousands Spent on Elusive Mental Health Orgs and Overdrawn Bank Fees (EXCLUSIVE) 1 week ago

THE FIRST OMEN, Nell Tiger Free, 2024. © 20th Century Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection

SPOILER ALERT:  This article discusses plot points from “ The First Omen .”

Director Arkasha Stevenson grew up as a fan of “The Omen” franchise, but any anxiety she felt about helming a prequel to the 1976 original was funneled into the potential of shifting the series’ perspective.

“It’s a pretty masculine franchise,” she says. “Exploring it through the point of view of a woman was exciting. It felt like it validated its place because it already had something new to say.”

One key element Stevenson wanted to focus on was recreating an authentic ’70s feel.

“We didn’t want it to feel or look like a modern horror film,” she says. “Something so unique to the ’70s was the pace and the attention to character, both in the overall film, but also in the horror setpieces and the scares. Aesthetically, we loved how the camera in ‘The Omen’ was very elegant. We wanted to start from this place that elicited ’70s nostalgia by having a very reserved camera that eventually, as Margaret’s psyche starts to splinter and her reality starts to shake, starts to take on a life of its own.”

Tim Smith, Stevenson’s creative partner and an executive producer and co-writer on “The First Omen,” says that the genre of religious horror further bridges the gap between modern and classical storytelling.

Stevenson and Smith found a key partner in guiding down the path in Tiger Free, whose roles in series such as “Game of Thrones,” “Too Old To Die Young” and “Servant” dive into darkness.

“It’s the most fun to play at these characters because they get such visceral reactions and it’s just a fun thing to evoke in people,” Tiger Free says. “There’s loads of wiggle room, pushing and finding yourself in situations that no human being should find themselves in at any time. I get great joy out of the macabre and weird and wonderful world of horror.”

The original “Omen” is filled with indelible horror images, and “First Omen” takes the bold step of including scenes that echo two of the original’s biggest moments: The “it’s all for you” suicide and Father Brennan’s death via a metal rod.

“Our love for the original film compelled us,” Stevenson says. “One of the things that we always wanted to keep in mind was like, ‘OK, we’re gonna pay homage. How are we going to come at it from a different angle or do it in a fresh new way?’ I feel like you can smell when homages are coming, so either subvert expectations or bring a different filter to it.

“With the hanging, it’s such a seminal scene, not just in the ‘Omen’ franchise, but also in horror film history,” she continues. “We needed to take a very different tonal response and approach to it. I think it’s so upsetting to humanize that moment because you know it’s coming; the second somebody goes up high, you know it’s going to come, so to have it be more of a tragedy in this moment by seeing how conflicted Sister Anjelica is about her decision to commit suicide in this violent way was what made it more of a drama than a horror moment for me.”

Stevenson also enhanced the drama by drawing in concepts, like bodily autonomy, that could speak to modern audiences — much like films of the ’70s that faced cultural anxieties.

“We wanted to modernize the story by talking about real contemporary issues,” she says. “But you never want to politicize a sacred franchise. You don’t ever want to be pedantic. Something that we were cognizant of was keeping it within the theme of the film. I think the big question that I had as an ‘Omen’ fan growing up was, ‘Where did Damien come from?’ Naturally, you’re already talking about births and possibly forced reproduction. Just the way the story unfolds, we’re also talking about sexual assault. Being able to explore horror through the female perspective naturally lent itself to talking about these issues.”

Ironically, one of the biggest challenges for Stevenson and Smith was MPAA rating woes as a result of how women are depicted onscreen; in this case, it was a realistic scene in a birthing clinic that caused the creative team to have to resubmit the film four times to obtain an R rating.

Stevenson thinks that there is plenty of room for the franchise to keep growing, and she’d love to be a part of it.

“I’d love to keep working in this world,” she says. “There’s so much to play with in religious horror. It’s such a rich subgenre to be working in. We answered a big question with this film, but so many more questions popped up. I am very interested in the Jackal, where he came from. I’m interested in delving into that with the church conspiracy. I’m interested in where Margaret and the children go from here. What’s the future of Layla, Damien’s sister? I could talk about it for hours.”

More From Our Brands

Sia collaborates with labrinth on uplifting single ‘incredible’, this custom 220-foot megayacht features a high-tech hybrid propulsion system, coyotes making one last attempt to build an arena in arizona, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, grey’s recap: raising arizona — plus, dysfunctional family descends on [spoiler], verify it's you, please log in.

Quantcast

an image, when javascript is unavailable

site categories

Michael j. fox says he’d do it again if the right offer was made, ‘godzilla x kong: the new empire’ premiere: director adam wingard on possible third film to complete monsterverse trilogy.

By Armando Tinoco , Natalie Sitek

'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' director Adam Wingard

Adam Wingard , director of Godzilla x Kong : The New Empire , is discussing possibly making a third film to complete the MonsterVerse trilogy.

“Only time will tell,” Wingard told Deadline during the film’s premiere. “I think the seductive thing as a filmmaker when you’ve done two movies is to complete it as this trilogy — that’s always what everybody expects.”

Related Stories

Godzilla x Kong

‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ Review: The Titans Of The Monsterverse Join Forces Against Evil But It Is All Still Just More Of The Same Stomp Fest

Dan Stevens

‘20 Questions On Deadline’ Podcast: Dan Stevens Talks ‘Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire’, A Potential Taylor Swift Collab & His Elvis Dreams

He continued, “We’ll see. It really depends on how the movie does. I think that there’s a lot of really cool ideas we have [about] where we would go with it. I’m open to it and excited for what the future brings.”

“I’m open to it and excited what the future brings”: #GodzillaXKong director Adam Wingard on making a third film to complete his MonsterVerse trilogy pic.twitter.com/tT0JJv7zIX — Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 26, 2024

On the red carpet, Wingard revealed that “ever since I was a little kid, I was obsessed with monster movies.” The filmmaker said that as a child, you perceive things differently than when you’re an adult and recalled that as a kid he tried “to retain all these thoughts and ideas that I had,” which helped when he was creating the sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong .

“I knew that I needed to stylistically do something I’ve never seen before, which was tell a film from that monster POV that I’d always wanted to see,” he added.

Adam Wingard on how fulfilled he feels to continue contributing to the MonsterVerse legacy and making #GodzillaXKong pic.twitter.com/XMTzNfq7wj — Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 26, 2024

Wingard also talked about shooting the film in eight different countries, which he described as a “monster character study.”

Adam Wingard on shooting in eight different countries and his favorite scenes, which include what he describes as “monster character study” | #GodzillaXKong pic.twitter.com/JOt9K4tcj6 — Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 26, 2024

Gene Simmons was on the carpet of the Godzilla x Kong premiere.

Gene Simmons on the carpet for the #GodzillaXKong premiere pic.twitter.com/92ttEapjxB — Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 26, 2024

Wingard also talked about paying homage to Godzilla Minus One .

#GodzillaXKong director Adam Wingard on paying homage to ‘Godzilla Minus One’ pic.twitter.com/NvqNkl7Iaf — Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 26, 2024

Must Read Stories

Denis villeneuve and legendary reteam for ‘nuclear war: a scenario’.

film topics for thesis

‘Legally Blonde’ Spinoff From Witherspoon, Schwartz & Savage In Works At Amazon

Luckychap teaming with olivia wilde on rob liefeld’s ‘avengelyne’, mindy kaling back at hulu with deal for ensemble comedy series ‘murray hill’.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.

Read More About:

Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Quantcast

Olivia Colman finds cursing 'so helpful,' but her kids can't swear until they're 18

film topics for thesis

Olivia Colman can’t stop cursing.

That’s due in large part to the Oscar winner’s new film “Wicked Little Letters” (in theaters Friday), about a prudish spinster (Colman) and her uncouth next-door neighbor ( Jessie Buckley ), who’s accused of sending foul letters to folks in their 1920s-era English town. The cheeky subject matter has lent itself to a potty-mouthed promotional tour.

“I’ve never said (the c-word) as often as I have lately,” Colman, 50, jokes. “Everyone should go and watch the film. They’ll have a really nice time, they’ll giggle and they’ll learn some ridiculous new swears.”

The R-rated comedy is inspired by the shocking true-life story of Edith Swan (Colman) and Rose Gooding (Buckley), with heaps of floridly inventive insults that are unpublishable. “It’s like a kid who’s learned all these naughty words and they’re trying to put them all into one sentence,” director Thea Sharrock says of the profanities, which are pulled directly from the real letters.

Colman and Sharrock caught up with USA TODAY to chat about their favorite obscenities and more.

Question: Rose is vilified for drinking and cursing just like men do. What do you think this film says about the double standards women face?

Olivia Colman : It’s fascinating to look at because many women are still expected to behave in certain ways.

Thea Sharrock: One of the nice things about period pieces is that you’re always reflecting on today. If on one level, this movie makes people think about how we can move positively in certain directions, that would be amazing.

Has a text or email ever gotten you in trouble?

Colman: I’m not terribly good with gadgets. I don’t find it interesting, mainly. But you know on WhatsApp, how you can choose a happy face or a thumbs up (to react to a message)? I only just learned this. But someone said something sad on a group chat, and I was trying to reply with a broken heart but I accidentally replied with a laughing face. I wrote a long message saying, “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to send a smiley face!” And I didn’t get much back.

Sharrock: Is that why you like doing voicemails? So you can say what you really want to say?

Colman: Yeah, they’re much better than my fat, dumb fingers.

As parents, do you have any rules about swearing at home?

Colman: I grew up with parents who were sweary. Not in anger, but just like, “(Expletive) it, let’s have a cup of tea.” It was more descriptive and I knew what it meant and it was never shocking. But now I’ve got kids, and I remember saying to them, “When you’re 18, the morning you wake up, you can say all the words you like! But until then, you’re not allowed to.” It just doesn’t sit nicely. In a kid’s mouth, swearing just makes me feel uncomfortable. But a naughty word can be so helpful sometimes. There can be a real power to it.

Sharrock: Particularly if you restrict it. You’re teaching them when it’s appropriate and when it’s not, and also to own it. You have to pick and choose when you use it.

What do you think is one of the funniest insults?

Colman: I remember one time, somebody was driving so aggressively on the motorway. My husband, Ed (Sinclair), could have been raging about it, but instead, he was like, “Oh, you silly sausage!” It made us all giggle.

Olivia, have you spoken to Emma Stone (Colman's co-star in "The Favourite") since her Oscar win ?

Colman: Yes! I left a screaming voice message for her and she left a screaming message back for me, which was lovely. She was quite hoarse. It was so exciting.

Speaking of Oscar movies, Helen Mirren recently said that you filmed a "Barbie" cameo with her that wound up getting cut. What do you recall about shooting it?

Colman: It was really good fun! I was only there for a couple hours. And then when the film was due to be released, I had a call with David Heyman, the producer, who was just like, "I'm terribly sorry! The film was too long and it didn't add to the story." And he was right! It actually worked out brilliantly because I got paid for it and no one could say that I was bad in the film. So it was kind of perfect. But I didn’t get to meet Ryan (Gosling) and I was really cross about that.

IMAGES

  1. 150 Amazing Film Research Paper Topics for Students

    film topics for thesis

  2. Film review thesis statement

    film topics for thesis

  3. (PDF) Film as part of the thesis and mounting as a method for the

    film topics for thesis

  4. How To Write A Movie Review? The Complete Guide

    film topics for thesis

  5. (PDF) Notes on a Genre to Come: Screenwriting and the 'Thesis-film'

    film topics for thesis

  6. Download mla format template 01 movie review essay, #movie #review #

    film topics for thesis

VIDEO

  1. Mastering Research: Choosing a Winning Dissertation or Thesis Topic

  2. The Pill

  3. Surgery thesis topics || Surgery PG || Thesis topics || Synopsis ||

  4. Thesis (1996) "Tesis"

  5. Exploring the Power of Video Essays in Film Criticism

  6. German Literature Thesis XL by Slidesgo.pptx

COMMENTS

  1. 90 Popular Film Research Paper Topics to Inspire You

    Here are some captivating film research paper topics on music. The Evolution of Film Scores: From Silent Cinema to the Digital Age. The Role of Music in Establishing Film Genres. Iconic Film Composers: The Musical Styles of John Williams and Ennio Morricone. The Impact of Jazz on Film Noir Soundtracks.

  2. 174 Film Research Paper Topics

    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.

  3. 217 Film Research Paper Topics & Ideas

    217 Film Research Paper Topics & Ideas. Film research paper topics provide a rich, multifaceted canvas for critical analysis. One can explore genre theory and its evolution, scrutinizing the symbiotic relationship between society and film genres, such as sci-fi, horror, or romance. Another fruitful area lies in auteur theory, assessing the ...

  4. Film Research Topics: 140+ Interesting Ideas

    The Holocaust as horror in American film; Read Also - Art History Thesis Topics. Film History Research Paper Topics. The history of cinema is so vast that using this as your research topic would open a world of opportunities for students. Using the history of cinema as your research paper topic would be an excellent way to earn bonus points ...

  5. Film Dissertation Topics (28 Examples) For Research Ideas

    List of Film dissertation topics. An analysis and comparison of the most popular genres of cinema in the world today. To compare the commercial cinema and non-commercial cinema - A literature review. Studying the role of marketing in the Chinese and Japanese film industry. Examining the cinema and film culture in the Middle East.

  6. 150 Outstanding Film Research Paper Topics

    Unique Film Thesis Topics. The following are some unique film research topics that will be helpful for you in preparing an excellent thesis. Discuss the portrayal of mental health in contemporary cinema. Analyze the philosophical themes in the Matrix Trilogy. Compare the portrayal of AI and Robotics in films.

  7. 120 Most Interesting Film Research Paper Topics and Ideas

    Most Interesting Film Research Paper Topic Ideas. For writing a film research paper that will interest the readers, you can select any one of the interesting film research topics given below. Animals on Movies: The Ethics of Animal Training. Comics and Superheroes in films. Animation: Giving life to sketches.

  8. 80 Film Studies Research Topics

    These dissertation topics in Film Studies provide ample opportunities to research for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. 44-20-8133-2020. ... presenting a diverse array of Film Studies research topics that can inspire and guide your academic endeavors. Film Studies, often called Cinema Studies or Film Analysis, is an academic ...

  9. Film Research Paper Topics: Tips & Ideas to Use as Inspiration

    Evolution of Horror Film: Universal Monsters to Modern Supernatural Themes; Each of these topics provides a specific angle for exploring the rich history of film, and they can serve as a starting point for in-depth research and analysis. 20 Research Paper Topics on Music in Films. The Evolution of Film Scores: From Silent Movies to Modern ...

  10. Top Film Studies Research Topics for Education and Career Success

    Explore top film studies research topics that can enhance your education and career in the film industry. From the history of film to genre studies, film theory, production, and criticism, this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights. Discover how these research topics can deepen your understanding of filmmaking and prepare you for success.

  11. Film and Theatre Studies Research Topics

    Film and Theatre Dissertation Research Topics. Topic 1: An Exploration of Gender Role in Blockbuster Films and the Perspectives of Assigning Roles. Topic 2: A Comparative Study of Hollywood and Bollywood: An Exploration Research of Movies. Topic 3: A Detailed Analysis of the Principles of Making Films: An Exploration of the Relevant Principles ...

  12. 150 Amazing Film Research Paper Topics for Students

    Discuss the impact of online streaming services on the quality of traditional cinema content. Study the impact of film in a rural area. Explain the role of a short film in making a feature film. Research the cultures of theater and film in the big city of a country. Explain the economics of cinema.

  13. Film Research Paper Topics: Tips & Ideas to Use as Inspiration

    January 11, 2022. Film making has become part and parcel of current human life. This makes Film Research Paper Topics, Tips & Ideas to Use as Inspiration an affluent area of making money and even highly examinable in the schools. As such, as a veteran or aspiring filmmaker, researcher or student in that field, it is commendable to always have ...

  14. Film Analysis

    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.

  15. Film Studies Research Guide: Research Topics

    This section of the Film Studies Research Guide provides assistance in many of the particular subjects in Film Studies. The pages discuss particular issues and list key resources on those topics. You can get to the topical pages from the main navigation bar above or from the links below. The links are listed alphabetically. Animation

  16. Film Analysis: Example, Format, and Outline + Topics & Prompts

    📋 Film Analysis Format Our Experts can deliver a custom essay for a mere 11.00 9.35/page Learn more. The movie analysis format follows a typical essay structure, including a title, introduction, thesis statement, body, conclusion, and references.

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

    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 ...

  18. Film Studies Dissertations

    Film Studies Dissertation Topics. Dissertation Topics. If you prefer your film more 'out of the box' and are not a fan of mainstream cinema, then maybe selecting a dissertation topic relating to a niche film may be best for you! Take a look at some of these topic suggestions.... Last modified: 16th Aug 2021

  19. Dissertations

    Dissertation: The Toy Like Nature: On the History and Theory of Animated Motion. Chair: Daniel Morgan. Readers: Marcia Landy (English), Mark Lynn Anderson (English), Scott Bukatman (Film & Media Studies, Stanford University) Colleen Jankovic , Copyeditor, Grant Writer, and Writing Project Consultant.

  20. Dissertations

    Completed Dissertations. "Manipulations: The Hand as Symbol and Symptom in the Arts and Literature after 1900". "Soviet Cinema Comes in from the Cold: Realism, the Thaw, and the Aesthetic of Sincerity.". with Slavic. "Neocapitalist Realism: ENI's Industrial Films in the Anticolonial Era". "Cinematic Melodrama as Historical Mode ...

  21. PDF MAKING FILM INDEPENDENTLY: CREATING A SHORT FILM

    MAKING FILM INDEPENDENTLY: CREATING A SHORT FILM. by WHITNEY PETERSON. A THESIS. Presented to the Cinema Studies Program and the Robert D. Clark Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts. June 2016.

  22. Film and Theatre Dissertation Topics for FREE

    Film and Theatre Dissertation Topics. The film and theatre industry employs thousands of people and contributes millions to the national economy via tourism and associated marketing and promotions. The Arts, film and theatre, combined with media studies, is a popular area for study for many who wish to be more attuned with political and social ...

  23. Film Essay Topics

    A List Of Interesting Film Essay Topics To Consider. Even if your film teacher provides some guidance for you on the assignment topic, you'll likely end up having to refine the topic in order to make it specific enough. Most film essay topics fall into the categories of 'why' and 'how' essays, or analytical essays, in which you'll ...

  24. 'The First Omen' Director On Remaking Original Scenes ...

    Director Arkasha Stevenson grew up as a fan of "The Omen" franchise, but any anxiety she felt about helming a prequel to the 1976 original was funneled into the potential of shifting the ...

  25. 'Oppenheimer' Draws Praise in Japan After Long-Delayed Release

    TOKYO—A movie about the atomic bomb's creator was always going to be a touchy topic in the only country attacked with the weapon. But after an eight-month delay reflecting those sensitivities ...

  26. 'Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire' Premiere: Director Adam ...

    Adam Wingard, director of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, is discussing possibly making a third film to complete the MonsterVerse trilogy. "Only time will tell," Wingard told Deadline during ...

  27. 'Scoop' movie: Release date, cast, how to watch Prince Andrew film

    Here's who makes up the main cast of "Scoop": Gillian Anderson: Emily Maitlis. Billie Piper: Sam McAlister. Rufus Sewell: Prince Andrew. Keeley Hawes: Amanda Thirsk. Romola Garai: Esme Wren.

  28. Olivia Colman on 'Wicked Little Letters' movie, mortifying text mishap

    1:28. Olivia Colman can't stop cursing. That's due in large part to the Oscar winner's new film "Wicked Little Letters" (in theaters Friday), about a prudish spinster (Colman) and her ...