Resources – How to Write a Film Analysis
Introduction to the Topic
While most people watch films for entertainment, those who study film focus on the elements of a film that combine to create the ultimate product. Behind the scenes production editing that occurs before, during, and after filming contribute to the images that people see on screen. A formal analysis of a film asks you to break a film down into its different components and discuss how those pieces work together to create an overall experience. Here is a checklist to help you write a film analysis.
Sections of a Film Analysis with Tips
The Introduction to the Paper
Begin by briefly summarizing the film. You should not rehash the entire plot, but instead give the most critical information about the film to the reader. Then, introduce the formal elements that you will be discussing. Finally, your thesis should connect the elements you will discuss to their importance to the film as a whole.
The Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs of a film analysis are similar to those found in other analytical essays. Each paragraph should discuss a different small component of the film and how the component serves the entire film. In these paragraphs, you should give concrete examples to support your claims. These examples can include scenes or quotes from the film itself, but you can also include different editing techniques or other behind the scenes work. Connect your examples to the overall film and try to answer the question, “Why does this element ultimately matter for the viewing audience?”
The Conclusion
Briefly summarize what you have talked about in the essay. Be careful not to make generalizations about the film that are not supported by the effects of the specific elements you discussed. In this section, you can discuss the overall importance of the film its historical context or address any lingering questions the film leaves.
Tips for Film Analysis
- Understand the vocabulary of filmmaking. Knowing how to talk about elements such as lighting, special effects, framing, focus, and screenwriting are critical to writing a film analysis.
- Try to watch the film more than one, if possible. After you decide which element(s) to write about, watch the film again, keeping those ideas in mind.
- A film analysis is not the same of a film review. Avoid making pedestrian judgments about the film’s entertainment factor. If you wish to criticize the film, do so by referencing formal elements.
- Unless the assignment asks you, do not try to cover every single element the film uses. Try to narrow your focus as much as you can to one or two salient elements.
- If you are referring to the actions of a person in the film, refer to the scene using the character’s name. If you are referring the acting itself, use the actor’s real name.
Exercise: Which Sentence Belongs in a Film Analysis?
Sentences and Instructions
When writing a film analysis, many students have to fight the urge to incorporate the components of a film review into their essays. In each of the following exercises, one sentence could be a part of a film analysis, while the other is better suited for a review.
See if you can tell the difference:
1.
(a.) In Winter’s Bone, Jennifer Lawrence gives the performance of the decade.
(b.) For her role in Winter’s Bone, Jennifer Lawrence had to learn a West Virginia accent in order to portray an authentic character.
2.
(a.) The editors of Hocus Pocus use special effects to create magic on screen.
(b.) The editors of Hocus Pocus used a green screen to give the appearance that the witches were flying over the city.
3.
(a.) The lack of shadows in V for Vendetta gives the viewer the impression that the editors forgot to add in some special effects.
(b.) The lack of shadows in V for Vendetta gives the viewer the impression that the scenes are occurring in a futuristic world.
Answer Key
