Film Review
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Learning Target(s):
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The film review is a genre that allows the viewer to provide an analysis on the quality and certain aspects of the film. Often the reviewer focuses on thematics and technical aspects. For our purposes, you will focus on thematics and symbolism.
Preparing to Write the Review
Your film review will be between 350-650 words or recorded as a 3-5 minute presentation and will require you to watch the film/docuseries/doc multiple times. During the first review just watch for enjoyment, get lost in the narrative and the characters. In the second viewing focus on the themes and symbolism present. Read ahead to the Exploring symbolism and the Theme Study to get an idea of what to look for. Take detailed notes during this second viewing in case you have to review certain sections.
You must cite any research using the MLA format, in a separate reference list.
Writing the Film Review
1) Introduction
- In the opening of your review, provide some basic information about the film. Include the film’s name, year, director, screenwriter, and major actors.
-Your introduction, which may be longer than one paragraph, should also begin to evaluate the film and it should allude to the central concept of the review. A film review does not have to contain a thesis or main claim, but it should focus on a central analysis and assessment.
2) Plot Summary
- Remember that many readers of film reviews have not yet seen the film. While you want to provide some plot summary, keep this brief and avoid specific details that would spoil the viewing for others.
3) Description
- While the plot summary will give the reader a general sense of what the film is about, also include a more detailed description of your particular cinematic experience watching the film. This may include your personal impression of what the film looks, feels, and sounds like. In other words, discuss what stands out in your mind when you think about this particular film.
4) Analysis
-In order to explain your impression of the film, consider how well the film utilizes imagery and thematic content. How does the filmmaker's use of imagery affect the way the film looks, feels, and sounds to you? How does the thematic content affect your experience and interpretation? What other connections are you able to make to the real world?
5) Conclusion/Evaluation
- The closing of your film review should remind the reader of your general thoughts and impressions of the film. You may also implicitly or explicitly state whether or not you recommend the film. Make sure to remind the reader of why the film is or is not worth seeing.
Examples of Film Reviews
One of the best ways to learn how to write a film review is simply by reading good film reviews. You can find examples in most major newspapers and magazines. Check out the arts and entertainment sections of The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, or Rolling Stone.
Submit your film review and your reference list below
Source: https://twp.duke.edu/sites/twp.duke.edu/files/file-attachments/film-review-1.original.pdf June 2020
This is where you will upload your assignment to your teacher for marking.
You will upload the file containing your assignment.
Name the file with your name and the title. eg. Sally Brown Infographic Response
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