WRITING FILM ANALYSIS

Excellent film analysis will explain how a film has been made:   

1.    which filmmaking techniques have been chosen and

2.    why, how the visual storytelling supports the narrative,

3.     and the effect that filmmaking elements have on the viewer.

 

It brings together the explicit facts of the film – mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, sound – with the implicit or subliminal effects of the film on its audience.

 

Film analysis aims to make visible the qualities of film that usually remain invisible.

 

Questions to Ask

These are questions to help you gather data for analysis.

1.Introduction

The introductory part of a film analysis essay contains some fundamental information about the movie, like the film title, release date, and director’s name. In other words, the reader should get familiar with some background information about the film. It would be good to research the filmmaker because it can reveal significant insights related to the movie which you can use in your analysis.

Also, you should point out the central theme or ideas in the movie, explaining the reason why it was made. Don’t hesitate to say what do you think; it’s quite desirable to express your point of view.

The last thing your introduction should include is your thesis statement and basically, explain what will be your focus.

2.Summary

After presenting the main facts about the film, then go deeper into analysis and summarise it.

The best way to make sure you’ve covered everything in your summary is to answer great five Ws – who, what, when, where, why, and how, as well.

Likewise, you can discuss anything related to your opinion, structure or style.

Analysis

Also, films are complex artwork that include many creative elements which are all connected and have their reason of existence.

• Scenario

A good script has a logical sequence of events, completion of scenes, characters development, and dialogs. So, these are the elements you should analyze when it comes to the scenario.

After watching the film, try to reproduce the plot mentally and see if you understood the logic of events and the motives of the actors. If it’s difficult to explain or find reasons for some scene, then it isn’t such a great scenario.

• Directing

The director is responsible for every aspect of the movie process, such as scenario execution, selection of the plans, and even tasks for actors.

In this part of the analysis, you can focus on the fact how the director realized the script or compare this film to his other films. It will help you understand better his way of directing and come up to some conclusions relevant to your thesis and analysis.

• Acting

Casting is another significant element to take into consideration in your film analysis essay. Actors bring the script and director’s idea into reality.

Therefore, after watching the movie, think if the actors are realistic and if they portray the role of their character effectively? More importantly, consider how their acting corresponds to the main idea of the film and your thesis statement.

• Musical elements

This represents an important element of every movie. It sets the mood and enhances some actions or sceneries of the film.

That’s why you should try to evaluate how music reflects the mood of the film or the impact it has on what is happening on the screen. Is it supportive or distracting?

• Visual elements

Visual elements, like special effects, costumes, and make-up, also have a considerable role in the overall movie impact. They need to reflect the atmosphere of the film. It is especially important for historical movies because visual elements need to evoke a specific era.

Therefore, pay attention to costumes and special effects and analyse their impact on the film.

However, make sure you analyse only the elements that are related to your thesis statement, that can support it or help you make your point. Otherwise, you risk drifting away from the main argument.

Mise-En-Scène

How do props and costumes convey characters and themes?

Are particular colors dominant (or absent)?

Is the setting significant?

 If so, how is it presented?

How does the lighting help convey the setting and the action?

How is character blocking and placement used?

 Are there any motifs introduced in your film?

Where do they occur in the film, and how do they cue the viewer's expectations?

Space

Is the film space deep or shallow?

How is space framed to allow a greater understanding of characters and story?

 How do editing and sound construct the space of the scene, and how does this space relate to the overall narrative action of the film?

Cinematography

Where is the camera placed in relation to the action?

 How do particular compositions draw attention to elements of the settings, characters, or themes?

How does camera movement function in the scene?

Are different focal lengths or depths of field used? How does cinematography reinforce the mise-en-scène?

Editing

What kinds of transitions are there between shots?

Are these always the same?

Do they change?

Does the editing have a particular rhythm, and is it consistent?

Does it conform to rules of continuity, or does it seem disjunctive and discontinuous?

What spatial and temporal relations are articulated through cutting? Graphic relations?

 

Rhythmic relations?

Associative connections?

Sound

What sounds are present?

When does volume or pitch change?

 Is silence used?

Are specific sounds linked to cuts or camera movement?

When and how are onscreen and off-screen sound used?

Are sounds diegetic or non-diegetic?