{"id":4802,"date":"2017-04-24T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-04-25T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/?post_type=essay-writing-blog&p=4802"},"modified":"2020-08-02T07:21:05","modified_gmt":"2020-08-02T14:21:05","slug":"how-to-analyze-a-movie-for-dramatic-effect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-analyze-a-movie-for-dramatic-effect\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Analyze a Movie for Dramatic Effect"},"content":{"rendered":"

You think you\u2019ve lucked out because you\u2019ve just been assigned to write a paper about a movie.<\/p>\n

Finally<\/i>, a topic you can get into. Besides, how hard can it be to write about a movie, right? You\u2019ve been watching movies forever, and you can certainly tell whether they\u2019re good or not. You\u2019ve got this one in the bag.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure you can write an opinion paper<\/a> about a movie in your sleep, but writing a film analysis is not <\/i>an opinion paper. It\u2019s an analysis. Yes, there\u2019s that word again: analysis. You just can\u2019t escape it, can you?<\/p>\n

As I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve figured out by now, writing a film analysis paper means you\u2019ll have to look at the film more objectively and examine its merits. You can\u2019t just write about whether you like it.<\/p>\n

So set aside your personal opinion <\/i>about movies and check out these five simple steps to learn how to analyze <\/i>a movie.<\/p>\n

How to Analyze a Movie for Dramatic Effect<\/h2>\n

Step 1: Brush up on cinematic terminology and decide your focus<\/h3>\n

When you watch a movie, you usually kick back with some popcorn and settle in to be entertained. But before you do anything, even before you pop the popcorn and watch the movie, you need to brush up on all those film terms you were supposed to learn about in class.<\/p>\n

Remember, this time when you watch, your goal will be to analyze. Before you can do that, you need to know the how <\/em>in how to analyze a movie. In other words, you need to know what to look for in the film\u2014elements such as symbols, lighting, points of view, camera angles, etc., that will help you critically examine the movie.<\/p>\n

Not sure what aspect(s) of the film to focus on? Check out 10 Cinematic Techniques You Need to Know for a Better Essay<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also be able to write a stronger analysis if you have a general sense of your paper\u2019s focus (or thesis<\/a>) before you review the film.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t just start watching a movie and hope to figure out something to write about at the end. Instead, make a few decisions about what your paper will be about before you write.<\/p>\n

If, for instance, you want to focus on lighting, take another look at the terminology specifically related to lighting and get ready to look for examples as you watch. Know whether you\u2019re looking for examples of dark shadows in a film noir or bright lighting in a comedy or musical.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Take notes as you watch the film<\/h3>\n

I know, it kind of takes all the fun out of watching a movie if you have to take notes<\/a>, but trust me, you won\u2019t remember everything if you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re really organized, you might want to set up your notes before you start watching.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what I mean. Let\u2019s say you\u2019re going to focus your paper solely on the use of various shots and camera angles. You might divide your page (or screen) into sections for close-up, long range, aerial, or whatever other type of shot you want to include. Then when you notice a specific shot, you can easily list the information in the proper category.<\/p>\n

NOTE-TAKING TIP:<\/b> <\/span>If you have the ability to stop the movie, take advantage of it! Stop the movie at key points to write a few comments. Don\u2019t forget to note the time or location of the scene too, so you can easily find it again if you need to review it.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Step 3: Organize your ideas<\/h3>\n