Film is an amazing medium of art and entertainment. If you scrutinize it more closely, its allure will be even greater. If you're writing a film review, whether it's for a newspaper or a school assignment, you'll need to outline the film's elements and explain what they mean to you. In order to come up with a reasonable, intelligent and thorough analysis, you must watch the film carefully, investigate all aspects, and concentrate on the theme that suits you.
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Part 1 of 3: Watching Movies
Step 1. Know only the basics
If you haven't seen the movie you want to analyze, there's no need to do any in-depth research first. It would be better if you watch the film and let it make an impression on you, not the other way around. It's fine if you want to find out some simple background information, but instead, let the film speak for itself.
- Some basic information you should know includes: the year and location of the filming; the studio that sponsored the film; and director, lead actor, and screenwriter.
- Do not read reviews or spoilers before watching as they may affect your rating. Even watching the trailer also makes you do an assessment before watching it.
Step 2. Watch a movie alone (or with a quiet friend)
You have to concentrate fully on the film in order to write a good analysis afterward. For that, you should do it without interruption. While some people feel intimidated by going to the movies alone, it can be fun for you and help you focus more on the movie.
If you feel like you have to go out with someone, choose a friend who likes to think. Friends who move around a lot or joke around all the time will distract you
Step 3. Watch the movie until it's finished
Unlike TV shows, movies are usually made to be watched all at once. If you cut through the course of the film to grab a snack or run around the complex, you won't have the experience the filmmakers hoped for. Sit quietly and minimize the urge to press the “pause” button.
Step 4. Make some notes
If you're not in a dark movie theater, you can write down some observations while the movie is running. However, you should concentrate on the film, not on the notes. So don't try to do a thorough analysis while sitting in the audience. You can do it later! Make sure you don't stop the movie. Some things you can take note of, especially if they catch your eye, include:
- Important points of the plot.
- Crucial or frequently repeated dialogue.
- A very extraordinary scene.
Step 5. Write down all your thoughts later
At the end of the film, while the credits are showing and your brain is still fresh, jot down everything that impressed you or found important. At this stage, there is no need to organize thoughts according to certain categories. Try to focus on the things that you find interesting or that the filmmaker emphasizes. If you're stuck with ideas, try to remember the following:
- …how color is used.
- …whether the scene flows harmoniously or inconsistently.
- …whether special characters or objects should represent certain things.
Step 6. Take a moment to pause, then re-examine your thoughts
After a day or so, review the notes you took during and after the movie. Think about whether some of the things you focus on seem to be big issues during the film, from the theme of self-sacrifice to the fact that only the bad guys wear hats. Once you've identified the themes that seem most important, you can begin to break down the film to look for evidence on each element.
Part 2 of 3: Unraveling the Movie
Step 1. Investigate the background of the film
Each film contains at least two stories: the narrative presented and the background of its creation. Making movies takes a lot of time, effort, and money. Knowing a little information about how the film you want to analyze is made will give you a lot of insight into the film.
- Are there any myths about the creation of the film? For example, The Wizard of Oz is surrounded by many urban legends. While the legend is untrue, the information could provide clues about the film's mystical elements and fan base.
- Did the producers want the film to express an opinion on contemporary politics or culture? For example, the 2014 film by director Hanung Bramantyo satirized the chaotic world of law and politics in Indonesia.
- Is the film based on a true story, fiction, or a mixture of the two? For example, the TV series Roots (1977) explores the family history of writer Alex Haley. Although it presents real characters and events, the story is expanded with several fictional characters and parallel events.
Step 2. Think about story arcs
Film is a narrative medium and the success of the film depends on the structure of the story. Think about the pace of the story and whether it is consistent or irregular. Also pay attention to any sudden changes to the plot.
- If you want to find out if a movie has a good plot, write down the important events as you remember them. If you can remember them in order, that's a good sign.
- Most of the film's plot follows the same structure: preparation, new situation, progress, higher stakes, final push, resolution.
Step 3. Engage in writing
Film writing supports the story. So films with good plots are often well written. Try to find out if you have all the information you need from film writing. Make a list of important quotes or phrases.
- Do you think the dialogue in the film sounds credible, like conversations in real life? Even in films dealing with events of the past, old grammar shouldn't distract you from following the storyline.
- Identify the jokes in the film and determine if they are delivered well. You can identify this easily in theaters. If the rest of the audience laughs, it means the joke worked.
- Take note of the quiet moments. This atmosphere can express many things as well as words.
Step 4. Rate the acting
Think about the character for a moment. Are they credible? In this case, the judgment is not based on whether you like the characters portrayed or not, but whether their acting helps you believe that the characters are real. On-screen actor charisma is equally important. If the actor grabs your attention so you can't take your eyes off it, it could be that the acting is really good.
- Are dialects and ways of speaking consistently shown throughout the film? Do these factors provide additional information or do they create distractions?
- How do actors use bodies and faces to convey information?
Step 5. Perform analysis for lighting and camera techniques
Horror films may use camera shaking and low light to express authenticity. A blockbuster may rely on bright lighting to make the actors look perfect, and the smooth transition of images from one scene to another. Try to identify the mood that comes with viewing a particular scene, then identify the camera setup and lighting that made you feel that way. The angle of the shot is also important because it shows where the director wants to place you in a scene. Does the shooting angle make you feel like you're belittling other people, or are you stuck in a corner?
Step 6. Consider background music
Movie background music allows all types of people to engage with music, even orchestral music! Think about volume, atmosphere, and the importance of background music to the plot. Good background music will deepen the mood of the movie you're watching and maybe even anticipate the plot. Background music should not distract.
- Horror films are famous for their background music that can create a certain atmosphere and can make a tense atmosphere even more tense. A well-known example is the film Servant of Satan. If the music is turned off, some of the scariest scenes don't look so spooky.
- Some historical films such as A Knight's Tale, or Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette use contemporary music to help audiences more empathize with historical figures.
Step 7. Pay attention to the properties of the film
The inanimate objects used to build the right set can also show a lot. Are film directors known to have a certain aesthetic? Did you feel a certain atmosphere while viewing the set? Is this the kind of film where the plot becomes unimportant because the accessories are so captivating?
- Love the costume. Clothing is an easy way to put the film at a certain time or place, but if it doesn't fit it will distract from the film. Observe the clothes the actors are wearing carefully and try to see if they represent a visual narrative in their own right.
- The film set is also very important. Many films feature extremely realistic sets, while others use more basic backgrounds. Some directors even choose sets that look like theatrical stages on purpose.
Part 3 of 3: Combining Analysis Results
Step 1. Arrange the facts you find
You must gather facts that support your concept of the film's theme, which could be concepts, colors, or even images or dialogue that is repeated throughout the film. Go through your thoughts for different elements of the film and see if you can find support for those thoughts.
- For example, if you want to analyze Disney's 1995 film Aladdin, you might think about how Aladdin's longing for freedom (from hunger, prison, and poverty) as well as power throughout the film, and how the desires of other characters who also crave freedom or power shape them.. You might think how Aladdin and Yasmin each describe themselves as "trapped" at first, despite their different situations, and how Jin is happy to trade physical strength for a vacation at the end of the film.
- Choose a theme that sounds familiar to you. The best writing must be based on enthusiasm. So, channel what excites you into your work.
- Keep in mind that directors don't always place themes on purpose. For example, many critics think that the theme in Transformers is the embodiment of women as objects, but it's unlikely the director chose to do that on purpose.
Step 2. Start with an introduction
Once you've made a complete assessment of the film, it's time to help others do the same. State the background of the film, including the people involved in the making, and write down any expectations you have. At this point, you can provide clues about your theory about the film, but you don't have to keep repeating it to the reader.
In Aladdin's analysis, you should inform the reader that the film's story is based on a cycle of legends called The Story of 1001 Nights and that the images in the film are inspired by the earlier unfinished film entitled The Thief and the Cobbler
Step 3. Summarize the plot
Make one or three sentences to describe the plot preparation and the gist of the main conflict. Keep the summary as short as possible: plot is a minor aspect of the film and there are many other aspects that you should cover.
- To sum up Aladdin, you could say that this story tells of an intelligent young man whose life is changed forever after meeting a Jinn who grants him extraordinary privileges and powers, even though for that he has to go through a lot of hardships.
- It goes without saying that when writing a review, don't give too much away. Do not describe any important plot changes or resolutions.
- If you want to write a more formal analysis for a school assignment, you can explain the entire plot.
- Don't be too sarcastic. A joke or two wouldn't be a problem.
Step 4. Explore the themes you find interesting
After explaining the structure of the film, you can tell the reader about the layers above it. Hypothesize what you think the filmmakers want to convey or even what they really hope will come to your mind. Identify some examples of elements in the film that prove your point.
- In Aladdin's story, you could argue that power is a trap. Yasmin and the Sultan are members of the kingdom, but their lives are controlled by ancient marriage laws and Jafar, the prime minister who is above them both. Both Jafar and Aladdin use the Jinn to gain temporary great powers, but these new powers are fickle. Jafar was defeated by his power: he turned into a genie and was trapped inside the lamp. In the end, Yasmin is free to marry whoever she wants and Aladdin decides to free Jin, according to his promise. Characters who choose their own freedom and prioritize the freedom of others at the expense of their own strength, get rewarded.
- There is no need to relate all your observations to a simple thesis. However, it is important to carry on with your work.
Step 5. Criticize aspects of the film that you don't like
Don't be afraid to criticize. Few films are perfect and nuanced discussions of film weaknesses add strength to the analysis. Just tell me what you would change about the film. Is there any other way that can support the theme better?
Step 6. Draw conclusions
Did the film live up to expectations? What is your general rating? Share your opinion and back it up with analysis and facts. This review is the result of your thinking so cannot be expected to be completely objective. Tell me whether you think the film achieved its goals and whether you enjoyed it.
- In the concluding section of Aladdin's analysis, you might decide that the emphasis on the joy of freedom convinced you and made the film hugely popular, but you're annoyed by how relaxed the protagonists can be by making weaker or unpaid characters (like Monkey, Carpet, and Genie) do his job.
- In general, do you think the film was a success? Can you imagine filmmakers exploring a similar vision later?
- If you're writing a review that's accessible to the general public, make recommendations about what kind of audience will be attracted to the film (costume fans, classical music fans, people who like to see things go wild, and so on…)
Tips
- Write an interesting review, but convey information too.
- Be sure to include the positives and negatives of the film or at least give it a try.
- It's best if you let the film sit in your mind for a while before starting to write the analysis. You may notice something you didn't notice before and it could change your whole perception of movies!
