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How to Write a Critical Film Review Format: i. ii. Your paper must be 3 pages double-spaced, 12 pt.

ft, 1 margins, and the pages should be numbered. Include the following information on the top left of the first page: your name, date, and title of the paper. DO NOT include a cover page!

Preparing to Write the Film Review A critical film review should not simply summarize the content of a film. When writing a film review, you not only report on the content of the film but also, assess its strengths and weaknesses. Your critique should have two goals: first to inform the reader about the content of the film, and second, to provide an evaluation that gives your judgment of the film. A critical film review briefly describes the content of the film and more importantly, provides in-depth analysis and evaluation of its ideas and purpose. The descriptive parts of a review should give the reader an understanding of the filmmakers goals, while the evaluative parts should detail your assessment of the films ideas. Hint: Familiarize yourself with the film before watching it. Note the title and year it was made. What do they lead you to expect about the films ideas? Look up and read at least one review of the film in one of the scholarly databases. Do some research and read any information about the filmmaker as well as the historical period, events, peoples etc. portrayed in the film. Writing a film review often requires multiple viewings of the film. Plan to watch the film two or even three times. During the first viewing, surrender yourself to the cinematic experience; in other words, get lost in the narrative and enjoy the film without worrying about the argument you will eventually cultivate. During your second viewing, try distancing yourself from the plot and instead focus on interesting elements of the film that you can highlight in the review. You may separate these elements into two broad categories: 1) formal techniques such as cinematography, editing, lighting, sound, or genre, and 2) thematic content that resonates with issues such as history, race, gender, sexuality, class, or the environment. Take notes during the second viewing using the planning sheet posted on KATIE. After watching the film a second time, take careful notes on the formal and thematic elements of the film. Then attempt to create a central idea for your review that brings together the films formal and thematic elements. If your second viewing does not yield a strong central claim for the review or if you need to take more notes, you may have to watch the film or parts of the film a third time. To understand your own reaction to the film, you need to watch it carefully and critically. As a critical viewer, you are not passive; you should ask questions of the film and note reactions as you watch.

Writing the Film Review Although there is not a set formula to follow when writing a film review, below are a number of things to include as part of your critique. These should be part of a carefully constructed essay, complete with topic sentences and transitions. 1) Your title should be something catchy and your opening sentence should capture my interest so that I want to read the rest of your critique. 2) Introduction - In the opening of your review, provide some basic information about the film. You may include films name, year, director, screenwriter, and major actors. - Your introduction should include an overview of the film that incorporates an encapsulated summary and a hint of your general judgment. This is equivalent to a thesis statement. Do not spend more than one third or so of the paper summarizing the film. In writing a critique you do not just relate whether or not you liked the film; you also must tell your reader why you liked or disliked it. It is not enough to say This film is interesting you need to explain why it is interesting or disinteresting. Use specific examples to substantiate your argument. This is where additional (re)sources might be helpful. 3) Plot Summary - Remember that your reader (I) has seen the film. While you want to provide some plot summary, keep this brief and include only examples that support your argument. 4) Description - While the plot summary will give the reader a general sense of what the film is about, also include a brief overview of the culture/historical period/events under consideration. 4) Analysis - In order to explain your impression of the film, consider how well the film utilizes formal techniques and thematic content. How do the films formal techniques affect the way the film looks, feels, and sounds to you? How does the thematic content (such as history, race, gender, sexuality, class, or the environment) affect your experience and interpretation? How did what was portrayed in the film relate to what we learned in the class (use specific readings/films)? Also, do the formal techniques work to forward the thematic content? 5) Conclusion/Evaluation - The closing of your film review should remind the reader of your general thoughts and impressions of the film. Are there places/ sections/scenes/ actions in the film that evoke a strong response from you? What are those instances? What is your reaction? Amplify upon and explain your reactions. How did the film help you understand more deeply something about the issue under consideration? Be specific, dont just say they are different!

Grading Criteria: 1. Quality of Writing: introduction, thesis statement, conclusion, clear topic sentences, evidence to support the thesis, clear writing free of grammatical and spelling errors. 2. Content: capacity to relate your argument to the broader picture. Use of class materials to strengthen the evidence of your main argument/thesis. Note: You should use additional readings in a meaningful way, dont just mention them indiscriminately. 3. Proper Citation: You must cite all sources and materials used, including lectures. Use AAA citation format. A full explanation of this style can be found at: http://www.aaanet.org/publications/style_guide.pdf 4. Thought and reflection: I encourage you to include your own voice in your review. Insightfulness and independent thought is what will separate the As from the Bs. Useful Link Internet Movie Database (IMDb): www.imdb.com For quick information about a film, director, actor, producer, or production company, IMDb cant be beat. It is not an ideal place to end your research, but it is a fine place to start.

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