Extra Credit: Optional Writing Topic Summary

When you analyze and write about a film, remember you aren’t writing a review.  Reviews are mostly subjective.  There are different papers you may be asked to write about in a film studies course.  A formal analysis of a film requires that the viewer breaks the film down into its component parts and discusses how those parts contribute to the whole.  All films are part of our cultures history.  They derive from and contribute to historical events.  They also influence events.  Even films that are made to entertain promote some kind of beliefs.  It is important to remember, when watching a film, that even films whose purpose it is to entertain may be promoting or even manipulating our feelings about certain values.  Films reflect the cultures and nations in which they were produced.  Auteur criticism understands a film as the product of a single person and his vision.  Most of the time, this is the director.  Film is collaborative medium.  It’s important to understand that no one person can control the product. 

Before you can write about a film you must view the film.  The best thing to remember is to be a careful and observant viewer.  Take the time to familiarize yourself with the film terms in the glossary.  Knowing the terms sometimes helps you to see them on the screen.  If you are entirely unfamiliar with the film, talk to your professor.  He/She will be able to help you.  When preparing to write a paper, you should take notes; labeling each shot in sequence.  When researching, don’t rely soling on the internet.  It generally doesn’t provide you with the thoughtful analysis that will be useful. When citing sources make sure you cite any sources that you use.  Film critics cite sources using the citation method of the MLA.

When writing my essay #3 about the movie “Smoke Signals” I will review the movie.  While watching the movie I will take notes and label them in sequence.  I will try and make sure not to summarize the film as it states the “not” to dos.  I tend to want to summarize, so this will be challenging for me.  I will be a careful and an observant viewer.