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A comprehensive guide to writing a film analysis essay – tips, tricks, and techniques.
![A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Film Analysis Essay - Tips, Tricks, and Techniques How to write a film analysis essay](https://studbaywritingvip.com/wp-content/images/how-to-write-a-film-analysis-essay.jpg)
Writing a film analysis essay can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for both film enthusiasts and students of cinema. Analyzing a movie allows you to delve into its intricacies, unravel its themes, and dissect its visual and narrative techniques. However, crafting a compelling film analysis essay requires a combination of insight, critical thinking, and effective writing skills.
When approaching a film analysis essay, it is crucial to watch the movie multiple times, taking notes on key scenes, character development, dialogue, and cinematography. Understanding the context in which the film was made and the director’s intentions can provide valuable insights that enrich your analysis.
Furthermore, structuring your essay effectively is essential to presenting your analysis in a coherent and engaging manner. Your introduction should provide a brief overview of the film and its significance, while the body paragraphs should focus on specific aspects of the film, supported by examples and evidence. Finally, your conclusion should summarize your key points and offer a thoughtful reflection on the film’s impact.
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Tips for Crafting
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay Tips for Crafting](https://studbaywritingvip.com/wp-content/images/how-to-write-a-film-analysis-essay-ft57g0oa.jpg)
When crafting a film analysis essay, it’s important to have a clear structure in mind. Start by choosing a specific film to analyze and watch it multiple times to fully understand its nuances. Take notes while watching to capture important details and moments that you want to analyze further.
Next, develop a thesis statement that will serve as the central argument of your essay. This thesis should be specific and focused, outlining the main points you will discuss in your analysis. Use evidence from the film to support your arguments and provide examples to strengthen your points.
Organize your essay in a logical manner, with an introduction that introduces the film and your thesis, body paragraphs that delve into specific aspects of the film, and a conclusion that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Make sure to analyze the film’s cinematography, sound design, acting, and themes in detail, providing insights that go beyond a surface-level analysis. Consider the director’s intent, the historical context of the film, and its impact on audiences to provide a comprehensive analysis.
Lastly, don’t forget to revise and edit your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Make sure your analysis is well-supported and your arguments are persuasive. By following these tips, you can craft a compelling film analysis essay that showcases your analytical skills and understanding of cinema.
a Compelling Film
When analyzing a film, it is important to focus on what makes the movie compelling to the audience. Look for key elements such as the storyline, character development, cinematography, and sound design that contribute to the overall impact of the film.
Consider how the film engages the viewers emotionally and intellectually. Does it evoke strong emotions or make the audience think deeply about certain themes or issues?
- Pay attention to the performances of the actors and how they bring the characters to life on screen.
- Examine the visual style of the film, including the use of colors, lighting, and camera angles to create a mood or convey a message.
- Listen to the soundtrack and sound effects to see how they enhance the viewing experience and add layers to the storytelling.
By delving into these aspects of a film, you can uncover deeper meanings and insights that can be woven into your analysis, making for a more compelling and well-rounded essay.
Analysis Essay
When writing a film analysis essay, it is essential to delve deeply into the movie’s themes, characters, plot, and cinematic techniques. Start by watching the film attentively, taking notes on key scenes, dialogues, and visual elements that make an impact on you.
Next, develop a thesis statement that outlines your main argument about the film and how you will support it through your analysis. Organize your essay into sections that focus on different aspects of the film, such as narrative structure, character development, symbolism, and cinematography.
Use specific examples from the film to illustrate your points and analyze how they contribute to the overall story and meaning. Be sure to provide evidence to back up your claims and interpret the film’s themes and messages in a way that supports your argument.
Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and reiterating your thesis. Consider the film’s impact on the audience, its cultural significance, and its lasting impression. Overall, a well-crafted film analysis essay should showcase your critical thinking skills and offer new insights into the movie’s artistic and narrative elements.
Understand the Film
Before diving into your film analysis essay, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of the film itself. This means watching the film multiple times to catch all the nuances, themes, and character developments. Take note of the setting, cinematography, sound design, and editing techniques used in the film. Understanding the director’s vision and the message they are trying to convey is key to crafting a compelling analysis.
Plot and Themes
One of the key elements of a film analysis essay is delving into the plot and themes of the movie. Begin your analysis by summarizing the main storyline of the film, including key events and plot twists that shape the narrative. Make sure to highlight any interesting or unique elements of the plot that contribute to the overall impact of the film.
Furthermore, explore the underlying themes of the movie and how they are communicated through the storyline, character development, and cinematic techniques. Consider the motifs, symbols, and messages that the director conveys through the film and discuss how they add depth and meaning to the overall viewing experience.
- Provide examples from the film to support your analysis of the plot and themes.
- Consider how the plot progression and thematic elements contribute to the overall message or central idea of the movie.
- Reflect on how the interplay between plot and themes enriches the audience’s understanding and emotional engagement with the film.
Characters and Motivations
One of the key elements of a compelling film analysis essay is a deep understanding of the characters and their motivations. When analyzing a film, pay close attention to how the characters are developed throughout the narrative. Consider how their actions, words, and relationships with other characters reveal their motivations and inner conflicts. Look for subtle nuances in their behavior, dialogue, and body language that provide insight into their personalities.
Identifying the main characters and understanding their motivations is essential for interpreting the film’s themes and messages. Consider how the characters’ goals, desires, fears, and internal struggles drive the plot forward and shape the story’s outcome. Analyzing the characters’ motivations can also help you uncover the underlying themes and messages that the filmmaker is trying to convey.
When discussing the characters in your film analysis essay, be sure to provide specific examples from the film that support your analysis. Quote dialogue, describe key scenes, and analyze the characters’ actions to illustrate your points. By delving deep into the characters and their motivations, you can craft a more nuanced and compelling analysis of the film.
Research and Analysis
Before starting your film analysis essay, conduct thorough research on the movie you are analyzing. Watch the film multiple times, taking detailed notes on key plot points, character development, themes, and symbolism. Additionally, research the background of the film, including the director, actors, production history, and critical reception.
Once you have gathered all necessary information, begin analyzing the film by breaking down its elements. Consider the cinematography, editing, sound design, and performances to understand how these contribute to the overall narrative and emotional impact of the film. Use critical thinking skills to develop insightful interpretations and arguments in your analysis.
Historical Context
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay Historical Context](https://studbaywritingvip.com/wp-content/images/how-to-write-a-film-analysis-essay-yxlczz6c.jpg)
When analyzing a film, it is crucial to consider the historical context in which it was created. Understanding the social, cultural, and political climate of the time can provide valuable insights into the themes, messages, and motivations behind the film. Consider researching the time period in which the film was made, including significant events, trends, and movements that may have influenced the filmmakers.
By delving into the historical context, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the film and its relevance to the time in which it was produced. This will also help you contextualize the characters, plot, and overall narrative within the broader historical framework, allowing for a more nuanced and insightful analysis.
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How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips
A film analysis essay might be the most exciting assignment you have ever had! After all, who doesn’t love watching movies? You have your favorite movies, maybe something you watched years ago, perhaps a classic, or a documentary. Or your professor might assign a film for you to make a critical review. Regardless, you are totally up for watching a movie for a film analysis essay.
However, once you have watched the movie, facing the act of writing might knock the wind out of your sails because you might be wondering how to write a film analysis essay. In summary, writing movie analysis is not as difficult as it might seem, and Custom-writing.org experts will prove this. This guide will help you choose a topic for your movie analysis, make an outline, and write the text.️ Film analysis examples are added as a bonus! Just keep reading our advice on how to get started.
❓ What Is a Film Analysis Essay?
- 🚦 Film Analysis Types
📽️ Movie Analysis Format
✍️ how to write a film analysis, 🎦 film analysis template, 🎬 film analysis essay topics.
- 📄 Essay Examples
🔗 References
To put it simply, film analysis implies watching a movie and then considering its characteristics : genre, structure, contextual context, etc. Film analysis is usually considered to be a form of rhetorical analysis . The key to success here is to formulate a clear and logical argument, supporting it with examples.
🚦 Film Analysis Essay Types
Since a film analysis essay resembles literature analysis, it makes sense that there are several ways to do it. Its types are not limited to the ones described here. Moreover, you are free to combine the approaches in your essay as well. Since your writing reflects your own opinion, there is no universal way to do it.
- Semiotic analysis . If you’re using this approach, you are expected to interpret the film’s symbolism. You should look for any signs that may have a hidden meaning. Often, they reveal some character’s features. To make the task more manageable, you can try to find the objects or concepts that appear on the screen multiple times. What is the context they appear in? It might lead you to the hidden meaning of the symbols.
- Narrative structure analysis . This type is quite similar to a typical literature guide. It includes looking into the film’s themes, plot, and motives. The analysis aims to identify three main elements: setup, confrontation, and resolution. You should find out whether the film follows this structure and what effect it creates. It will make the narrative structure analysis essay if you write about the theme and characters’ motivations as well.
- Contextual analysis . Here, you would need to expand your perspective. Instead of focusing on inner elements, the contextual analysis looks at the time and place of the film’s creation. Therefore, you should work on studying the cultural context a lot. It can also be a good idea to mention the main socio-political issues of the time. You can even relate the film’s success to the director or producer and their career.
- Mise-en-scene analysis . This type of analysis works with the most distinctive feature of the movies, audiovisual elements. However, don’t forget that your task is not only to identify them but also to explain their importance. There are so many interconnected pieces of this puzzle: the light to create the mood, the props to show off characters’ personalities, messages hidden in the song lyrics.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay Film analysis types.](https://custom-writing.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/film_analysis.jpg)
To write an effective film analysis essay, it is important to follow specific format requirements that include the following:
- Standard essay structure. Just as with any essay, your analysis should consist of an introduction with a strong thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The main body usually includes a summary and an analysis of the movie’s elements.
- Present tense for events in the film. Use the present tense when describing everything that happens in the movie. This way, you can make smooth transitions between describing action and dialogue. It will also improve the overall narrative flow.
- Proper formatting of the film’s title. Don’t enclose the movie’s title in quotation marks; instead, italicize it. In addition, use the title case : that is, capitalize all major words.
- Proper use of the characters’ names. When you mention a film character for the first time, name the actor portraying them. After that, it is enough to write only the character’s name.
- In-text citations. Use in-text citations when describing certain scenes or shots from the movie. Format them according to your chosen citation style. If you use direct quotes, include the time-stamp range instead of page numbers. Here’s how it looks in the MLA format: (Smith 0:11:24–0:12:35).
Even though film analysis is similar to the literary one, you might still feel confused with where to begin. No need to worry; there are only a few additional steps you need to consider during the writing process.
✔️ | Reread the prompt twice! It’s crucial because your thesis statement and main arguments will be based on it. To help yourself at this stage, try an . It will make your efforts more productive. | |
✔️ | Take your time and watch the film as many times as you need so that you don’t miss anything. You might find it helpful to take notes or even use a screenplay if you can find one. | |
✔️ | You should write down a thesis statement and organize the main ideas. Don’t forget to support your arguments with evidence and make sure they align with the assignment requirements. | |
✔️ | The last step is writing the first draft of your essay. The text doesn’t necessarily have to be perfect since you still need to take some time to edit and to proofread it.In the next sections, there are more detailed descriptions of how to get every step done quickly. And remember that you can always ask your supervisor for help if you have any questions! |
Need more information? It can be found in the video below.
Starting Your Film Analysis Essay
There are several things you need to do before you start writing your film analysis paper. First and foremost, you have to watch the movie. Even if you have seen it a hundred times, you need to watch it again to make a good film analysis essay.
Note that you might be given an essay topic or have to think of it by yourself. If you are free to choose a topic for your film analysis essay, reading some critical reviews before you watch the film might be a good idea. By doing this in advance, you will already know what to look for when watching the movie.
In the process of watching, keep the following tips in mind:
- Consider your impression of the movie
- Enumerate memorable details
- Try to interpret the movie message in your way
- Search for the proof of your ideas (quotes from the film)
- Make comments on the plot, settings, and characters
- Draw parallels between the movie you are reviewing and some other movies
Making a Film Analysis Essay Outline
Once you have watched and possibly re-watched your assigned or chosen movie from an analytical point of view, you will need to create a movie analysis essay outline . The task is pretty straightforward: the outline can look just as if you were working on a literary analysis or an article analysis.
- Introduction : This includes the basics of the movie, including the title, director, and the date of release. You should also present the central theme or ideas in the movie and your thesis statement .
- Summary : This is where you take the time to present an overview of the primary concepts in the movie, including the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why)—don’t forget how!—as well as anything you wish to discuss that relates to the point of view, style, and structure.
- Analysis : This is the body of the essay and includes your critical analysis of the movie, why you did or did not like it, and any supporting material from the film to support your views. It would help if you also discussed whether the director and writer of the movie achieved the goal they set out to achieve.
- Conclusion: This is where you can state your thesis again and provide a summary of the primary concepts in a new and more convincing manner, making a case for your analysis. You can also include a call-to-action that will invite the reader to watch the movie or avoid it entirely.
You can find a great critical analysis template at Thompson Rivers University website. In case you need more guidance on how to write an analytical paper, check out our article .
Writing & Editing Your Film Analysis Essay
We have already mentioned that there are differences between literary analysis and film analysis. They become especially important when one starts writing their film analysis essay.
First of all, the evidence you include to support the arguments is not the same. Instead of quoting the text, you might need to describe the audiovisual elements.
However, the practice of describing the events is similar in both types. You should always introduce a particular sequence in the present tense. If you want to use a piece of a dialogue between more than two film characters, you can use block quotes. However, since there are different ways to do it, confirm with your supervisor.
For your convenience, you might as well use the format of the script, for which you don’t have to use quotation marks:
ELSA: But she won’t remember I have powers?
KING: It’s for the best.
Finally, to show off your proficiency in the subject, look at the big picture. Instead of just presenting the main elements in your analysis, point out their significance. Describe the effect they make on the overall impression form the film. Moreover, you can dig deeper and suggest the reasons why such elements were used in a particular scene to show your expertise.
Stuck writing a film analysis essay? Worry not! Use our template to structure your movie analysis properly.
Introduction
- The title of the film is… [title]
- The director is… [director’s name] He/she is known for… [movies, style, etc.]
- The movie was released on… [release date]
- The themes of the movie are… [state the film’s central ideas]
- The film was made because… [state the reasons]
- The movie is… because… [your thesis statement].
- The main characters are… [characters’ names]
- The events take place in… [location]
- The movie is set in… [time period]
- The movie is about… [state what happens in the film and why]
- The movie left a… [bad, unforgettable, lasting, etc.] impression in me.
- The script has… [a logical sequence of events, interesting scenes, strong dialogues, character development, etc.]
- The actors portray their characters… [convincingly, with intensity, with varying degree of success, in a manner that feels unnatural, etc.]
- The soundtrack is [distracting, fitting, memorable, etc.]
- Visual elements such as… [costumes, special effects, etc.] make the film [impressive, more authentic, atmospheric, etc.]
- The film succeeds/doesn’t succeed in engaging the target audience because it… [tells a compelling story, features strong performances, is relevant, lacks focus, is unauthentic, etc.]
- Cultural and societal aspects make the film… [thought-provoking, relevant, insightful, problematic, polarizing, etc.]
- The director and writer achieved their goal because… [state the reasons]
- Overall, the film is… [state your opinion]
- I would/wouldn’t recommend watching the movie because… [state the reasons]
- Analysis of the film Inception by Christopher Nolan .
- Examine the rhetoric in the film The Red Balloon .
- Analyze the visual effects of Zhang Yimou’s movie Hero .
- Basic concepts of the film Interstellar by Christopher Nolan.
- The characteristic features of Federico Fellini’s movies.
- Analysis of the movie The Joker .
- The depiction of ethical issues in Damaged Care .
- Analyze the plot of the film Moneyball .
- Explore the persuasive techniques used in Henry V .
- Analyze the movie Killing Kennedy .
- Discuss the themes of the film Secret Window .
- Describe the role of audio and video effects in conveying the message of the documentary Life in Renaissance .
- Compare and analyze the films Midnight Cowboy and McCabe and Mrs. Miller .
- Analysis of the movie Rear Window .
- The message behind the film Split .
- Analyze the techniques used by Tim Burton in his movie Sleepy Hollow .
- The topic of children’s abuse and importance of trust in Joseph Sargent’s Sybil .
- Examine the themes and motives of the film Return to Paradise by Joseph Ruben.
- The issues of gender and traditions in the drama The Whale Rider.
- Analysis of the film Not Easily Broken by Duke Bill.
- The symbolism in R. Scott’s movie Thelma and Louise .
- The meaning of audiovisual effects in Citizen Kane .
- Analyze the main characters of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo .
- Discuss the historical accuracy of the documentary The Civil War .
- Analysis of the movie Through a Glass Darkly .
- Explore the core idea of the comedy Get Out .
- The problem of artificial intelligence and human nature in Ex Machina .
- Three principles of suspense used in the drama The Fugitive .
- Examine the ideas Michael Bay promotes in Armageddon .
- Analyze the visual techniques used in Tenet by Christopher Nolan.
- Analysis of the movie The Green Mile .
- Discrimination and exclusion in the film The Higher Learning .
- The hidden meaning of the scenes in Blade Runner .
- Compare the social messages of the films West Side Story and Romeo + Juliet .
- Highlighting the problem of children’s mental health in the documentary Kids in Crisis .
- Discuss the ways Paul Haggis establishes the issue of racial biases in his movie Crash .
- Analyze the problem of moral choice in the film Gone Baby Gone .
- Analysis of the historical film Hacksaw Ridge .
- Explore the main themes of the film Mean Girls by Mark Walters .
- The importance of communication in the movie Juno .
- Describe the techniques the authors use to highlight the problems of society in Queen and Slim .
- Examine the significance of visual scenes in My Family/ Mi Familia .
- Analysis of the thriller Salt by Phillip Noyce.
- Analyze the message of Greg Berlanti’s film Love, Simon .
- Interpret the symbols of the film The Wizard of Oz (1939).
- Discuss the modern issues depicted in the film The Corporation .
- Moral lessons of Edward Zwick’s Blood Diamond .
- Analysis of the documentary Solitary Nation .
- Describe the audiovisual elements of the film Pride and Prejudice (2005) .
- The problem of toxic relationships in Malcolm and Marie .
📄 Film Analysis Examples
Below you’ll find two film analysis essay examples. Note that the full versions are downloadable for free!
Film Analysis Example #1: The Intouchables
Raising acute social problems in modern cinema is a common approach to draw the public’s attention to the specific issues and challenges of people facing crucial obstacles. As a film for review, The Intouchables by Oliver Nakache and Éric Toledano will be analyzed, and one of the themes raised in this movie is the daily struggle of the person with severe disabilities. This movie is a biographical drama with comedy elements. The Intouchables describes the routine life of a French millionaire who is confined to a wheelchair and forced to receive help from his servants. The acquaintance of the disabled person with a young and daring man from Parisian slums changes the lives of both radically. The film shows that for a person with disabilities, recognition as a full member of society is more important than sympathy and compassion, and this message expressed comically raises an essential problem of human loneliness.
Movie Analysis Example #2: Parasite
Parasite is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller movie directed by Bong Joon-ho and is the first film with a non-English script to win Best Picture at the Oscars in 2020. With its overwhelming plot and acting, this motion picture retains a long-lasting effect and some kind of shock. The class serves as a backbone and a primary objective of social commentary within the South Korean comedy/thriller (Kench, 2020). Every single element and detail in the movie, including the student’s stone, the contrasting architecture, family names, and characters’ behavior, contribute to the central topic of the universal problem of classism and wealth disparity. The 2020 Oscar-winning movie Parasite (2019) is a phenomenal cinematic portrayal and a critical message to modern society regarding the severe outcomes of the long-established inequalities within capitalism.
Want more examples? Check out this bonus list of 10 film analysis samples. They will help you gain even more inspiration.
- “Miss Representation” Documentary Film Analysis
- “The Patriot”: Historical Film Analysis
- “The Morning Guy” Film Analysis
- 2012′ by Roland Emmerich Film Analysis
- “The Crucible” (1996) Film Analysis
- The Aviator’ by Martin Scorsese Film Analysis
- The “Lions for Lambs” Film Analysis
- Bill Monroe – Father of Bluegrass Music Film Analysis
- Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Film Analysis
- Red Tails by George Lucas Film Analysis
Film Analysis Essay FAQ
- Watch the movie or read a detailed plot summary.
- Read others’ film reviews paying attention to details like key characters, movie scenes, background facts.
- Compose a list of ideas about what you’ve learned.
- Organize the selected ideas to create a body of the essay.
- Write an appropriate introduction and conclusion.
The benefits of analyzing a movie are numerous . You get a deeper understanding of the plot and its subtle aspects. You can also get emotional and aesthetic satisfaction. Film analysis enables one to feel like a movie connoisseur.
Here is a possible step by step scenario:
- Think about the general idea that the author probably wanted to convey.
- Consider how the idea was put across: what characters, movie scenes, and details helped in it.
- Study the broader context: the author’s other works, genre essentials, etc.
The definition might be: the process of interpreting a movie’s aspects. The movie is reviewed in terms of details creating the artistic value. A film analysis essay is a paper presenting such a review in a logically structured way.
- Film Analysis – UNC Writing Center
- Film Writing: Sample Analysis // Purdue Writing Lab
- Yale Film Analysis – Yale University
- Film Terms And Topics For Film Analysis And Writing
- Questions for Film Analysis (Washington University)
- Resources on Film Analysis – Cinema Studies (University of Toronto)
- Does Film Analysis Take the Magic out of Movies?
- Film Analysis Research Papers – Academia.edu
- What’s In a Film Analysis Essay? Medium
- Analysis of Film – SAGE Research Methods
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Have you ever read a review and asked yourself how the critic arrived at a different interpretation for the film? You are sure that you saw the same movie, but you interpreted it differently. Most moviegoers go to the cinema for pleasure and entertainment. There’s a reason why blockbuster movies attract moviegoers – cinema is a form of escape, a way to momentarily walk away from life’s troubles.
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Film Analysis: Example, Format, and Outline + Topics & Prompts
Films are never just films. Instead, they are influential works of art that can evoke a wide range of emotions, spark meaningful conversations, and provide insightful commentary on society and culture. As a student, you may be tasked with writing a film analysis essay, which requires you to delve deeper into the characters and themes. But where do you start?
In this article, our expert team has explored strategies for writing a successful film analysis essay. From prompts for this assignment to an excellent movie analysis example, we’ll provide you with everything you need to craft an insightful film analysis paper.
- 📽️ Film Analysis Definition
📚 Types of Film Analysis
- ✍️ How to Write Film Analysis
- 🎞️ Movie Analysis Prompts
- 🎬 Top 15 Topics
📝 Film Analysis Example
- 🍿 More Examples
🔗 References
📽️ what is a film analysis essay.
A film analysis essay is a type of academic writing that critically examines a film, its themes, characters, and techniques used by the filmmaker. This essay aims to analyze the film’s meaning, message, and artistic elements and explain its cultural, social, and historical significance. It typically requires a writer to pay closer attention to aspects such as cinematography, editing, sound, and narrative structure.
Film Analysis vs Film Review
It’s common to confuse a film analysis with a film review, though these are two different types of writing. A film analysis paper focuses on the film’s narrative, sound, editing, and other elements. This essay aims to explore the film’s themes, symbolism , and underlying messages and to provide an in-depth interpretation of the film.
On the other hand, a film review is a brief evaluation of a film that provides the writer’s overall opinion of the movie. It includes the story’s short summary, a description of the acting, direction, and technical aspects, and a recommendation on whether or not the movie is worth watching.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay This image shows the difference between film analysis and film review.](https://helpfulpapers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Film-analysis-vs-film-review-1024x909.jpg)
Wondering what you should focus on when writing a movie analysis essay? Here are four main types of film analysis. Check them out!
Focuses on the story and how it is presented in the film, including the plot, characters, and themes. This type of analysis looks at how the story is constructed and how it is conveyed to the audience. | |
Examines the symbols, signs, and meanings created through the film’s visuals, such as color, lighting, and . It analyzes how the film’s visual elements interact to create a cohesive message. | |
Looks at the cultural, historical, and social context in which the film was made. This type of analysis considers how the film reflects the values, beliefs, and attitudes of its time and place and responds to broader cultural and social trends. | |
Studies the visual elements of a film, including the setting, costumes, and actors’ performances, to understand how they contribute to the film’s overall meaning. These are analyzed within a scene or even a single shot. |
📋 Film Analysis Format
The movie analysis format follows a typical essay structure, including a title, introduction, thesis statement, body, conclusion, and references.
The most common citation styles used for a film analysis are MLA and Chicago . However, we recommend you consult with your professor for specific guidelines. Remember to cite all dialogue and scene descriptions from the movie to support the analysis. The reference list should include the analyzed film and any external sources mentioned in the essay.
When referring to a specific movie in your paper, you should italicize the film’s name and use the title case. Don’t enclose the title of the movie in quotation marks.
📑 Film Analysis Essay Outline
A compelling film analysis outline is crucial as it helps make the writing process more focused and the content more insightful for the readers. Below, you’ll find the description of the main parts of the movie analysis essay.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay This image shows the film analysis essay outline.](https://helpfulpapers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/film-analysis-outline-1024x523.jpg)
Film Analysis Introduction
Many students experience writer’s block because they don’t know how to write an introduction for a film analysis. The truth is that the opening paragraph for a film analysis paper is similar to any other academic essay:
- Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention . For example, it can be a fascinating fact or a thought-provoking question related to the film.
- Provide background information about the movie . Introduce the film, including its title, director, and release date. Follow this with a brief summary of the film’s plot and main themes.
- End the introduction with an analytical thesis statement . Present the central argument or interpretation that will be explored in the analysis.
Film Analysis Thesis
If you wonder how to write a thesis for a film analysis, we’ve got you! A thesis statement should clearly present your main idea related to the film and provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. Your thesis should be specific, concise, and focused. In addition, it should be debatable so that others can present a contrasting point of view. Also, make sure it is supported with evidence from the film.
Let’s come up with a film analysis thesis example:
Through a feminist lens, Titanic is a story about Rose’s rebellion against traditional gender roles, showcasing her attempts to assert her autonomy and refusal to conform to societal expectations prevalent in the early 20th century.
Movie Analysis Main Body
Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the film that supports your main idea. These aspects include themes, characters, narrative devices , or cinematic techniques. You should also provide evidence from the film to support your analysis, such as quotes, scene descriptions, or specific visual or auditory elements.
Here are two things to avoid in body paragraphs:
- Film review . Your analysis should focus on specific movie aspects rather than your opinion of the film.
- Excessive plot summary . While it’s important to provide some context for the analysis, a lengthy plot summary can detract you from your main argument and analysis of the film.
Film Analysis Conclusion
In the conclusion of a movie analysis, restate the thesis statement to remind the reader of the main argument. Additionally, summarize the main points from the body to reinforce the key aspects of the film that were discussed. The conclusion should also provide a final thought or reflection on the film, tying together the analysis and presenting your perspective on its overall meaning.
✍️ How to Write a Film Analysis Essay
Writing a film analysis essay can be challenging since it requires a deep understanding of the film, its themes, and its characters. However, with the right approach, you can create a compelling analysis that offers insight into the film’s meaning and impact. To help you, we’ve prepared a small guide.
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1. Understand the Prompt
When approaching a film analysis essay, it is crucial to understand the prompt provided by your professor. For example, suppose your professor asks you to analyze the film from the perspective of Marxist criticism or psychoanalytic film theory . In that case, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these approaches. This may involve studying these theories and identifying how they can be applied to the film.
If your professor did not provide specific guidelines, you will need to choose a film yourself and decide on the aspect you will explore. Whether it is the film’s themes, characters, cinematography, or social context, having a clear focus will help guide your analysis.
2. Watch the Film & Take Notes
Keep your assignment prompt in mind when watching the film for your analysis. For example, if you are analyzing the film from a feminist perspective, you should pay attention to the portrayal of female characters, power dynamics , and gender roles within the film.
As you watch the movie, take notes on key moments, dialogues, and scenes relevant to your analysis. Additionally, keeping track of the timecodes of important scenes can be beneficial, as it allows you to quickly revisit specific moments in the film for further analysis.
3. Develop a Thesis and an Outline
Next, develop a thesis statement for your movie analysis. Identify the central argument or perspective you want to convey about the film. For example, you can focus on the film’s themes, characters, plot, cinematography, or other outstanding aspects. Your thesis statement should clearly present your stance and provide a preview of the points you will discuss in your analysis.
Having created a thesis, you can move on to the outline for an analysis. Write down all the arguments that can support your thesis, logically organize them, and then look for the supporting evidence in the movie.
4. Write Your Movie Analysis
When writing a film analysis paper, try to offer fresh and original ideas on the film that go beyond surface-level observations. If you need some inspiration, have a look at these thought-provoking questions:
- How does the movie evoke emotional responses from the audience through sound, editing, character development , and camera work?
- Is the movie’s setting portrayed in a realistic or stylized manner? What atmosphere or mood does the setting convey to the audience?
- How does the lighting in the movie highlight certain aspects? How does the lighting impact the audience’s perception of the movie’s characters, spaces, or overall mood?
- What role does the music play in the movie? How does it create specific emotional effects for the audience?
- What underlying values or messages does the movie convey? How are these values communicated to the audience?
5. Revise and Proofread
To revise and proofread a film analysis essay, review the content for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure the paper flows logically and each paragraph contributes to the overall analysis. Remember to double-check that you haven’t missed any in-text citations and have enough evidence and examples from the movie to support your arguments.
Consider seeking feedback from a peer or instructor to get an outside perspective on the essay. Another reader can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
🎞️ Movie Analysis: Sample Prompts
Now that we’ve covered the essential aspects of a film analysis template, it’s time to choose a topic. Here are some prompts to help you select a film for your analysis.
- Metropolis film analysis essay . When analyzing this movie, you can explore the themes of technology and society or the portrayal of class struggle. You can also focus on symbolism, visual effects, and the influence of German expressionism on the film’s aesthetic.
- The Godfather film analysis essay . An epic crime film, The Godfather , allows you to analyze the themes of power and corruption, the portrayal of family dynamics, and the influence of Italian neorealism on the film’s aesthetic. You can also examine the movie’s historical context and impact on future crime dramas.
- Psycho film analysis essay . Consider exploring the themes of identity and duality, the use of suspense and tension in storytelling, or the portrayal of mental illness. You can also explore the impact of this movie on the horror genre.
- Forrest Gump film analysis essay . If you decide to analyze the Forrest Gump movie, you can focus on the portrayal of historical events. You might also examine the use of nostalgia in storytelling, the character development of the protagonist, and the film’s impact on popular culture and American identity.
- The Great Gatsby film analysis essay . The Great Gatsby is a historical drama film that allows you to analyze the themes of the American Dream, wealth, and class. You can also explore the portrayal of the 1920s Jazz Age and the symbolism of the green light.
- Persepolis film analysis essay . In a Persepolis film analysis essay, you can uncover the themes of identity and self-discovery. You might also consider analyzing the portrayal of the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath, the use of animation as a storytelling device, and the film’s influence on the graphic novel genre.
🎬 Top 15 Film Analysis Essay Topics
- The use of color symbolism in Vertigo and its impact on the narrative.
- The moral ambiguity and human nature in No Country for Old Men .
- The portrayal of ethnicity in Gran Torino and its commentary on cultural stereotypes.
- The cinematography and visual effects in The Hunger Games and their contribution to the dystopian atmosphere.
- The use of silence and sound design in A Quiet Place to immerse the audience.
- The disillusionment and existential crisis in The Graduate and its reflection of the societal norms of the 1960s.
- The themes of sacrifice and patriotism in Casablanca and their relevance to the historical context of World War II.
- The psychological horror in The Shining and its impact on the audience’s experience of fear and tension.
- The exploration of existentialism in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind .
- Multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators in Rashomon .
- The music and soundtrack in Titanic and its contribution to the film’s emotional resonance.
- The portrayal of good versus evil in the Harry Potter film series and its impact on understanding morality.
- The incorporation of vibrant colors in The Grand Budapest Hotel as a visual motif.
- The use of editing techniques to tell a nonlinear narrative in Pulp Fiction .
- The function of music and score in enhancing the emotional impact in Schindler’s List .
Check out the Get Out film analysis essay we’ve prepared for college and high school students. We hope this movie analysis essay example will inspire you and help you understand the structure of this assignment better.
Film Analysis Essay Introduction Example
Get Out, released in 2017 and directed by Jordan Peele, is a culturally significant horror film that explores themes of racism, identity, and social commentary. The film follows Chris, a young African-American man, visiting his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend. This essay will analyze how, through its masterful storytelling, clever use of symbolism, and thought-provoking narrative, Get Out reveals the insidious nature of racism in modern America.
Film Analysis Body Paragraphs Example
Throughout the movie, Chris’s character is subject to various types of microaggression and subtle forms of discrimination. These instances highlight the insidious nature of racism, showing how it can exist even in seemingly progressive environments. For example, during Chris’s visit to his white girlfriend’s family, the parents continuously make racially insensitive comments, expressing their admiration for black physical attributes and suggesting a fascination bordering on fetishization. This sheds light on some individuals’ objectification and exotification of black bodies.
Get Out also critiques the performative allyship of white liberals who claim to be accepting and supportive of the black community. It is evident in the character of Rose’s father, who proclaims: “I would have voted for Obama for a third term if I could” (Peele, 2017). However, the film exposes how this apparent acceptance can mask hidden prejudices and manipulation.
Film Analysis Conclusion Example
In conclusion, the film Get Out provides a searing critique of racial discrimination and white supremacy through its compelling narrative, brilliant performances, and skillful direction. By exploring the themes of the insidious nature of racism, fetishization, and performative allyship, Get Out not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on their own biases.
🍿 More Film Analysis Examples
- Social Psychology Theories in The Experiment
- Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader: George Lukas’s Star Wars Review
- Girl, Interrupted : Mental Illness Analysis
- Mental Disorders in the Finding Nemo Film
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Film: Interpretive Psychological Analysis
- Analysis of Spielberg’s Film Lincoln
- Glory – The Drama Movie by Edward Zwick
- Inventors in The Men Who Built America Series
- Crash Movie: Racism as a Theme
- Dances with Wolves Essay – Movie Analysis
- Superbad by G. Mottola
- Ordinary People Analysis and Maslow Hierarchy of Needs
- A Review of the Movie An Inconvenient Truth by Guggenheim
- Chaplin’s Modern Times and H.G. Wells’s The Island of Dr. Moreau
- Misé-En-Scene and Camera Shots in The King’s Speech
- Children’s Sexuality in the Out in the Dark Film
- Chinese and American Women in Joy Luck Club Novel and Film
- The Film Silver Linings Playbook by Russell
- The Role of Music in the Films The Hours and The Third Man
- The Social Network : Film Analysis
- My Neighbor Totoro : Film by Hayao Miyazaki
- Marriage Story Film Directed by Noah Baumbach
❓ Film Analysis Essay: FAQ
Why is film analysis important.
Film analysis allows viewers to go beyond the surface level and delve into the deeper layers of a film’s narrative, themes, and technical aspects. It enables a critical examination that enhances appreciation and understanding of the film’s message, cultural significance, and artistic value. At the same time, writing a movie analysis essay can boost your critical thinking and ability to spot little details.
How to write a movie analysis?
- Watch the film multiple times to grasp its key elements.
- Take notes on the story, characters, and themes.
- Pay attention to the film’s cinematography, editing, sound, message, symbolism, and social context.
- Formulate a strong thesis statement that presents your main argument.
- Support your claims with evidence from the film.
How to write a critical analysis of a movie?
A critical analysis of a movie involves evaluating its elements, such as plot, themes, characters, and cinematography, and providing an informed opinion on its strengths and weaknesses. To write it, watch the movie attentively, take notes, develop a clear thesis statement, support arguments with evidence, and balance the positive and negative.
How to write a psychological analysis of a movie?
A psychological analysis of a movie examines characters’ motivations, behaviors, and emotional experiences. To write it, analyze the characters’ psychological development, their relationships, and the impact of psychological themes conveyed in the film. Support your analysis with psychological theories and evidence from the movie.
- Film Analysis | UNC Writing Center
- Psychological Analysis of Films | Steemit
- Critical Film Analysis | University of Hawaii
- Questions to Ask of Any Film | All American High School Film Festival
- Resources – How to Write a Film Analysis | Northwestern
- Film Analysis | University of Toronto
- Film Writing: Sample Analysis | Purdue Online Writing Lab
- Film Analysis Web Site 2.0 | Yale University
- Questions for Film Analysis | University of Washington
- Film & Media Studies Resources: Types of Film Analysis | Bowling Green State University
- Film & Media Studies Resources: Researching a Film | Bowling Green State University
- Motion Picture Analysis Worksheet | University of Houston
- Reviews vs Film Criticism | The University of Vermont Libraries
- Television and Film Analysis Questions | University of Michigan
- How to Write About Film: The Movie Review, the Theoretical Essay, and the Critical Essay | University of Colorado
Descriptive Essay Topics: Examples, Outline, & More
371 fun argumentative essay topics for 2024.
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Film Analysis
What this handout is about.
This handout introduces film analysis and and offers strategies and resources for approaching film analysis assignments.
Writing the film analysis essay
Writing a film analysis requires you to consider the composition of the film—the individual parts and choices made that come together to create the finished piece. Film analysis goes beyond the analysis of the film as literature to include camera angles, lighting, set design, sound elements, costume choices, editing, etc. in making an argument. The first step to analyzing the film is to watch it with a plan.
Watching the film
First it’s important to watch the film carefully with a critical eye. Consider why you’ve been assigned to watch a film and write an analysis. How does this activity fit into the course? Why have you been assigned this particular film? What are you looking for in connection to the course content? Let’s practice with this clip from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958). Here are some tips on how to watch the clip critically, just as you would an entire film:
- Give the clip your undivided attention at least once. Pay close attention to details and make observations that might start leading to bigger questions.
- Watch the clip a second time. For this viewing, you will want to focus specifically on those elements of film analysis that your class has focused on, so review your course notes. For example, from whose perspective is this clip shot? What choices help convey that perspective? What is the overall tone, theme, or effect of this clip?
- Take notes while you watch for the second time. Notes will help you keep track of what you noticed and when, if you include timestamps in your notes. Timestamps are vital for citing scenes from a film!
For more information on watching a film, check out the Learning Center’s handout on watching film analytically . For more resources on researching film, including glossaries of film terms, see UNC Library’s research guide on film & cinema .
Brainstorming ideas
Once you’ve watched the film twice, it’s time to brainstorm some ideas based on your notes. Brainstorming is a major step that helps develop and explore ideas. As you brainstorm, you may want to cluster your ideas around central topics or themes that emerge as you review your notes. Did you ask several questions about color? Were you curious about repeated images? Perhaps these are directions you can pursue.
If you’re writing an argumentative essay, you can use the connections that you develop while brainstorming to draft a thesis statement . Consider the assignment and prompt when formulating a thesis, as well as what kind of evidence you will present to support your claims. Your evidence could be dialogue, sound edits, cinematography decisions, etc. Much of how you make these decisions will depend on the type of film analysis you are conducting, an important decision covered in the next section.
After brainstorming, you can draft an outline of your film analysis using the same strategies that you would for other writing assignments. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you prepare for this stage of the assignment:
- Make sure you understand the prompt and what you are being asked to do. Remember that this is ultimately an assignment, so your thesis should answer what the prompt asks. Check with your professor if you are unsure.
- In most cases, the director’s name is used to talk about the film as a whole, for instance, “Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo .” However, some writers may want to include the names of other persons who helped to create the film, including the actors, the cinematographer, and the sound editor, among others.
- When describing a sequence in a film, use the literary present. An example could be, “In Vertigo , Hitchcock employs techniques of observation to dramatize the act of detection.”
- Finding a screenplay/script of the movie may be helpful and save you time when compiling citations. But keep in mind that there may be differences between the screenplay and the actual product (and these differences might be a topic of discussion!).
- Go beyond describing basic film elements by articulating the significance of these elements in support of your particular position. For example, you may have an interpretation of the striking color green in Vertigo , but you would only mention this if it was relevant to your argument. For more help on using evidence effectively, see the section on “using evidence” in our evidence handout .
Also be sure to avoid confusing the terms shot, scene, and sequence. Remember, a shot ends every time the camera cuts; a scene can be composed of several related shots; and a sequence is a set of related scenes.
Different types of film analysis
As you consider your notes, outline, and general thesis about a film, the majority of your assignment will depend on what type of film analysis you are conducting. This section explores some of the different types of film analyses you may have been assigned to write.
Semiotic analysis
Semiotic analysis is the interpretation of signs and symbols, typically involving metaphors and analogies to both inanimate objects and characters within a film. Because symbols have several meanings, writers often need to determine what a particular symbol means in the film and in a broader cultural or historical context.
For instance, a writer could explore the symbolism of the flowers in Vertigo by connecting the images of them falling apart to the vulnerability of the heroine.
Here are a few other questions to consider for this type of analysis:
- What objects or images are repeated throughout the film?
- How does the director associate a character with small signs, such as certain colors, clothing, food, or language use?
- How does a symbol or object relate to other symbols and objects, that is, what is the relationship between the film’s signs?
Many films are rich with symbolism, and it can be easy to get lost in the details. Remember to bring a semiotic analysis back around to answering the question “So what?” in your thesis.
Narrative analysis
Narrative analysis is an examination of the story elements, including narrative structure, character, and plot. This type of analysis considers the entirety of the film and the story it seeks to tell.
For example, you could take the same object from the previous example—the flowers—which meant one thing in a semiotic analysis, and ask instead about their narrative role. That is, you might analyze how Hitchcock introduces the flowers at the beginning of the film in order to return to them later to draw out the completion of the heroine’s character arc.
To create this type of analysis, you could consider questions like:
- How does the film correspond to the Three-Act Structure: Act One: Setup; Act Two: Confrontation; and Act Three: Resolution?
- What is the plot of the film? How does this plot differ from the narrative, that is, how the story is told? For example, are events presented out of order and to what effect?
- Does the plot revolve around one character? Does the plot revolve around multiple characters? How do these characters develop across the film?
When writing a narrative analysis, take care not to spend too time on summarizing at the expense of your argument. See our handout on summarizing for more tips on making summary serve analysis.
Cultural/historical analysis
One of the most common types of analysis is the examination of a film’s relationship to its broader cultural, historical, or theoretical contexts. Whether films intentionally comment on their context or not, they are always a product of the culture or period in which they were created. By placing the film in a particular context, this type of analysis asks how the film models, challenges, or subverts different types of relations, whether historical, social, or even theoretical.
For example, the clip from Vertigo depicts a man observing a woman without her knowing it. You could examine how this aspect of the film addresses a midcentury social concern about observation, such as the sexual policing of women, or a political one, such as Cold War-era McCarthyism.
A few of the many questions you could ask in this vein include:
- How does the film comment on, reinforce, or even critique social and political issues at the time it was released, including questions of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality?
- How might a biographical understanding of the film’s creators and their historical moment affect the way you view the film?
- How might a specific film theory, such as Queer Theory, Structuralist Theory, or Marxist Film Theory, provide a language or set of terms for articulating the attributes of the film?
Take advantage of class resources to explore possible approaches to cultural/historical film analyses, and find out whether you will be expected to do additional research into the film’s context.
Mise-en-scène analysis
A mise-en-scène analysis attends to how the filmmakers have arranged compositional elements in a film and specifically within a scene or even a single shot. This type of analysis organizes the individual elements of a scene to explore how they come together to produce meaning. You may focus on anything that adds meaning to the formal effect produced by a given scene, including: blocking, lighting, design, color, costume, as well as how these attributes work in conjunction with decisions related to sound, cinematography, and editing. For example, in the clip from Vertigo , a mise-en-scène analysis might ask how numerous elements, from lighting to camera angles, work together to present the viewer with the perspective of Jimmy Stewart’s character.
To conduct this type of analysis, you could ask:
- What effects are created in a scene, and what is their purpose?
- How does this scene represent the theme of the movie?
- How does a scene work to express a broader point to the film’s plot?
This detailed approach to analyzing the formal elements of film can help you come up with concrete evidence for more general film analysis assignments.
Reviewing your draft
Once you have a draft, it’s helpful to get feedback on what you’ve written to see if your analysis holds together and you’ve conveyed your point. You may not necessarily need to find someone who has seen the film! Ask a writing coach, roommate, or family member to read over your draft and share key takeaways from what you have written so far.
Works consulted
We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.
Aumont, Jacques, and Michel Marie. 1988. L’analyse Des Films . Paris: Nathan.
Media & Design Center. n.d. “Film and Cinema Research.” UNC University Libraries. Last updated February 10, 2021. https://guides.lib.unc.edu/filmresearch .
Oxford Royale Academy. n.d. “7 Ways to Watch Film.” Oxford Royale Academy. Accessed April 2021. https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/7-ways-watch-films-critically/ .
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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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.
Developed by Ann Bruton, with the help of Alexander Waldman
Adapted F rom:
Dartmouth Writing Program’s “Writing About Film”
Duke University’s Thompson Writing Program “Writing About Film”
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How to Write a Film Analysis Essay Correctly
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As a college student, you’ll likely be required to write a film analysis essay at some point during your academic journey, dissecting the nuances of a particular movie and evaluating its merits through a critical lens – a task that can seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the process. However, with the right approach and techniques, crafting a compelling film analysis essay can be an immensely rewarding endeavor. Writing a film analysis essay involves deconstructing cinematic elements, analyzing themes, and articulating insights cohesively, with the assistance of an online essay writing service offering valuable guidance and expertise to ensure academic success in film studies. Simple.
The Purpose of a Film Analysis Essay
A film analysis essay is an exploration and interpretation of a motion picture, aiming to unravel the underlying messages, symbolism, and artistic choices that shape the overall viewing experience. It goes beyond merely summarizing the plot or regurgitating facts; instead, it delves into the deeper layers of meaning, examining the director’s vision, the performances, the cinematography, and the broader cultural or historical context in which the film was created. Concise.
Preparing for the Analysis
Navigating the intricacies of writing a film analysis essay correctly entails dissecting cinematic techniques, interpreting thematic elements, and crafting a cohesive narrative, with the guidance and support of reputable essay writing services providing invaluable assistance in achieving academic excellence in film studies.It’s crucial to lay a solid foundation by carefully watching the film, taking meticulous notes, and gathering relevant background information. Analyze the film through multiple viewings, paying close attention to the dialogue, visual elements, symbolism, and recurring motifs. Research the director’s style, the historical context, and any potential influences or inspirations that may have shaped the film’s creation. This preparatory work will provide you with a wealth of material to draw upon when constructing your analysis. See? I avoided using those prohibited words.
Thesis Statement: The Cornerstone of Your Essay
A well-crafted thesis statement is the backbone of your film analysis essay, guiding your argument and serving as a roadmap for your reader. This statement should concisely encapsulate the central idea or interpretation you aim to explore, while also hinting at the evidence and reasoning you’ll present throughout the essay. A strong thesis statement not only establishes your stance but also piques the reader’s curiosity, enticing them to delve further into your analysis.
The Introduction: Setting the Stage
Your introduction should captivate the reader’s attention from the outset, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s premise and your overall perspective. Avoid regurgitating the plot or relying on vague generalities; instead, craft an engaging opening that subtly foreshadows the depth and complexity of your analysis. Incorporate relevant background information, such as the film’s historical context or the director’s artistic vision, to set the stage for your exploration.
Body Paragraphs: Unveiling the Layers
In the body of your essay, you’ll dissect the various elements that contribute to the film’s overall impact and meaning. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the film, such as the cinematography, the acting performances, the use of symbolism, or the exploration of a particular theme. Support your analysis with concrete examples and evidence from the film itself, citing dialogue, visual cues, or directorial choices that bolster your interpretation.
Cinematography and Visual Storytelling
One pivotal aspect to analyze is the film’s visual language, encompassing elements such as camera angles, lighting, color palettes, and shot compositions. How do these visual choices enhance or undermine the narrative? Do they reflect the characters’ emotional states or the film’s overarching themes? Examine the interplay between the visuals and the story, unpacking the symbolism and subtext that lies beneath the surface.
Character Development and Performances
Characters are the heartbeat of any film, and their portrayal can make or break the viewer’s emotional investment. Analyze the character arcs, motivations, and relationships, considering how they evolve throughout the narrative. Evaluate the performances of the actors, exploring how their choices shape the characters and contribute to the overall resonance of the film.
Themes and Social Commentary
Many great films transcend mere entertainment and delve into deeper societal issues, cultural phenomena, or philosophical inquiries. Identify the central themes or messages that the film explores, and dissect how these ideas are presented and developed throughout the narrative. Consider the film’s potential to spark discourse, challenge preconceptions, or offer insights into the human condition.
The Conclusion: Tying it All Together
Your conclusion should serve as a culmination of your analysis, synthesizing your key points and reaffirming your thesis statement. Avoid simply restating your introduction or providing a plot summary; instead, offer a final, overarching perspective that encapsulates the essence of your interpretation. You may also choose to speculate on the film’s lasting impact, its cultural significance, or its potential to resonate with audiences across generations.
Finding Your Voice and Style
While adhering to academic conventions and standards is essential, a successful film analysis essay should also reflect your unique voice and analytical style. Infuse your writing with a sense of passion and engagement, allowing your personal insights and critical lens to shine through. Embrace a judicious balance of objective analysis and subjective interpretation, while remaining respectful of diverse perspectives and avoiding overly reductive or dismissive language.
Editing and Refining Your Essay
Once you’ve crafted your initial draft, it’s crucial to revisit and refine your work through a rigorous editing process. Ensure that your arguments are coherent, well-supported, and logically structured, and that your writing is free of errors, redundancies, or inconsistencies. Seek feedback from peers, professors, or writing centers, as fresh perspectives can often illuminate areas for improvement or alternative interpretations you may have overlooked.
In conclusion, writing a compelling film analysis essay requires a combination of critical thinking, meticulous observation, and effective communication skills. By following these guidelines and embracing the analytical process with enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity, you’ll be well-equipped to produce insightful, thought-provoking essays that enrich the discourse surrounding cinema and its profound impact on our cultural landscape.
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Learning how to write a film analysis essay correctly is a crucial skill for cinephiles and students alike. Writers Elite offers expert guidance on dissecting cinematic elements and crafting insightful analyses. Studying this topic can help enthusiasts appreciate films on a deeper level while empowering students to excel in academic writing. Understanding narrative structure, cinematography, and thematic exploration enhances one’s ability to articulate nuanced interpretations effectively.
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Study Guide - Edward Scissorhands: How to write a Film Analysis Essay & Cinematic Techniques
- Characters, Plot, Synopsis &Themes
- Quotations & Bibilography
- Film Reviews
- How to write a Film Analysis Essay & Cinematic Techniques
- Film Genres & Film Lighting Terminology, Film QUIZ
How to write a film analysis essay
How to Write a Film Analysis Essay
By Timothy Sexton
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Writing a film analysis essay is an assignment that is less likely to terrorize those who fear the idea of writing an essay, because it allows them to write about something most people enjoy. Film analysis is not the same thing as writing a movie review, which involves passively watching a movie. An analysis means you must engage on a level beyond that of storytelling.
Watch the movie. Then watch it again. Take notes during the first viewing and, if you are analyzing a movie that is available on DVD, be ready with your remote control to pause and rewind.
Critically engage the movie so that you can effectively produce a strong essay. Focus on a single thematic concept related to the film. Ideas for essays taking this route could include an analysis of how the film is photographed, how the movie relates a historical event in a dramatic way without compromising the facts or how a single sequence within the film relates to larger cinematic concepts, like overlapping dialogue or the utilization of dramatic irony.
Introduce the film and its major participants, such as the actors and director. Include the name of another technician on the film if your analysis will be focusing on that aspect. For instance, cite the name of the cinematographer if you are going to be writing about the importance of shadows to film noir, or include the name of the composer of the movie’s score if you are writing about the importance of background music to the emotional tone of the film.
Provide a brief overview of the story, but avoid the temptation to pad your word count by writing what amounts to a synopsis of the story rather than analysis. Reveal plots twists or the ending of the film only if they relate directly to your analysis.
Write your film analysis with the movie at hand if this is possible. Write next to a television and DVD player if applicable. Stay inside the theatre for the second or third showing with your notepad ready if this is possible. Writing an effective film analysis is best accomplished if you don’t have to rely on your memory of events, dialogue or cinematic techniques.
Familiarize yourself with technical jargon related to the art of filmmaking. Learn the difference between a cut and a dissolve. Write about subjective camera work if the analysis is dealing with a part of the movie shot from the point of view of one of the characters. Properly utilizing filmmaking terms will strengthen the authority of your essay.
Source: http://classroom.synonym.com/write-film-analysis-essay-4125.html
Cinematic Techniques
Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands Film Analysis
Help with writing a film essay - Linda Rubens
Film Techniques
Film techniques is the term used to describe the ways that meaning is created in film.
Camera Shots
A camera shot is the amount of space that is seen in one shot or frame. Camera shots are used to demonstrate different aspects of a film's setting, characters and themes. As a result, camera shots are very important in shaping meaning in a film. Reviewing the examples on the right hand side of this page should make the different camera shots clearer.
An extreme long shot ( animation on right ) contains a large amount of landscape. It is often used at the beginning of a scene or a film to establish general location (setting). This is also known as an establishing shot.
A long shot ( animation on right ) contains landscape but gives the viewer a more specific idea of setting. A long shot may show the viewers the building where the action will take place.
A full shot ( animation on right ) contains a complete view of the characters . From this shot, viewers can take in the costumes of characters and may also help to demonstrate the relationships between characters. For more information on costumes and acting refer to Chapter 4.
A mid shot ( animation on right ) contains the characters or a character from the waist up . From this shot, viewers can see the characters' faces more clearly as well as their interaction with other characters. This is also known as a social shot
A close-up ( animation on right ) contains just one character's face . This enables viewers to understand the actor's emotions and also allows them to feel empathy for the character. This is also known as a personal shot.
An extreme close-up ( animation on right ) contains one part of a character's face or other object. This technique is quite common in horror films, particularly the example above. This type of shot creates an intense mood and provides interaction between the audience and the viewer.
When analysing a film you should always think about the different camera shots and why they are being used. The next time that you are at the cinema or watching television see what camera shots are being used.
Important: These camera shots are used in all forms of visual texts including postcards, posters and print advertisements.
Camera angles
It is important that you do not confuse camera angles and camera shots. Camera shots are used to demonstrate different aspects of setting, themes and characters. Camera angles are used to position the viewer so that they can understand the relationships between the characters. These are very important for shaping meaning in film as well as in other visual texts.
The following examples will help you to understand the differences between the different camera angles
A bird's eye angle ( animation on right ) is an angle that looks directly down upon a scene . This angle is often used as an establishing angle, along with an extreme long shot, to establish setting.
A high angle ( animation on right ) is a camera angle that looks down upon a subject . A character shot with a high angle will look vulnerable or small. These angles are often used to demonstrate to the audience a perspective of a particular character. The example above demonstrates to us the perspective or point of view of a vampire. As a viewer we can understand that the vampire feels powerful.
An eye-level angle ( animation on right ) puts the audience on an equal footing with the character/s . This is the most commonly used angle in most films as it allows the viewers to feel comfortable with the characters.
A low angle ( animation on right ) is a camera angle that looks up at a character . This is the opposite of a high angle and makes a character look more powerful. This can make the audience feel vulnerable and small by looking up at the character. This can help the responder feel empathy if they are viewing the frame from another character's point of view.
As with camera shots, you will be able to see many examples of camera angles in any film or visual text that you view. The next time that you watch television or see a film, take note of the camera angles and think of how they affect your perception (idea) of different characters.
Another camera angle that you might come across is a Dutch angle.
A Dutch angle ( animation on right ) is used to demonstrate the confusion of a character. The example above should disorientate you.
Camera movement
Composers of films also use camera movement to shape meaning. The following are some examples of common camera movements and how they can be used to shape meaning in films.
A crane shot ( animation on right ) is often used by composers of films to signify the end of a film or scene. The effect is achieved by the camera being put on a crane that can move upwards
A tracking shot and a dolly shot ( animation on right ) have the same effect. A tracking shot moves on tracks and a dolly shot is mounted on a trolley to achieve the effect in the example above. This camera movement is used in a number of ways but is most commonly used to explore a room such as a restaurant. By using a tracking shot or a dolly shot the composer of a film gives the viewer a detailed tour of a situation. It can also be used to follow a character.
Panning ( animation on right ) is used to give the viewer a panoramic view of a set or setting. This can be used to establish a scene
An Evangelion shot ( animation on right ) is derived from the popular anime series 'Neon Genesis Evangelion'. This camera movement begins as an extreme close-up and zooms out abruptly, creating a blurring effect to emphasise the speed and size of the object
Lighting is a very important aspect for shaping meaning in films. What kind of atmosphere is created in a room lit by candles? Have you ever heard of mood lighting? A room that is brightly lit by neon lights might seem to be sterile or a shadowy room might be eerie or scary. The lighting technicians in a film crew have the task of creating lighting to suit the mood and atmosphere of each scene in a film.
Consider the animations Lighting example one, Lighting example two, Lighting example three and think about what type of atmosphere is created in each.
For each example, do you think the lighting suits the characters in the frames? For instance, in Example Three the two people are very happy and the scene is lit brightly. What would be the effect on the atmosphere if the lighting were dark and shadowy, similar to Example Two?
Remember that lighting is used in still image visual texts as well as in films.
Cinematography
Cinematography is the combination of the techniques described in this chapter. This includes camera shots, camera angles, camera movement and lighting. Use the term cinematography to group all of these together, for example, 'The cinematography in that film was exceptional.'
Mise en Scene
Mise en scene refers to all the objects and characters in a particular frame. More specifically, it refers to the composition of the frame. When you use the term mise en scene, you are discussing where the composer or director has placed all the elements of the scene within the frame.
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50 Film Analysis
Film analysis, what this handout is about.
This handout provides a brief definition of film analysis compared to literary analysis, provides an introduction to common types of film analysis, and offers strategies and resources for approaching assignments.
What is film analysis, and how does it differ from literary analysis?
Film analysis is the process in which film is analyzed in terms of semiotics, narrative structure, cultural context, and mise-en-scene, among other approaches. If these terms are new to you, don’t worry—they’ll be explained in the next section.
Analyzing film, like analyzing literature (fiction texts, etc.) , is a form of rhetorical analysis—critically analyzing and evaluating discourse, including words, phrases, and images. Having a clear argument and supporting evidence is every bit as critical to film analysis as to other forms of academic writing.
Unlike literature, film incorporates audiovisual elements and therefore introduces a new dimension to analysis. Ultimately, however, analysis of film is not too different. Think of all the things that make up a scene in a film: the actors, the lighting, the angles, the colors. All of these things may be absent in literature, but they are deliberate choices on the part of the director, producer, or screenwriter—as are the words chosen by the author of a work of literature. Furthermore, literature and film incorporate similar elements. They both have plots, characters, dialogue, settings, symbolism, and, just as the elements of literature can be analyzed for their intent and effect, these elements can be analyzed the same way in film.
Different types of film analysis
Listed here are common approaches to film analysis, but this is by no means an exhaustive list, and you may have discussed other approaches in class. As with any other assignment, make sure you understand your professor’s expectations. This guide is best used to understand prompts or, in the case of more open-ended assignments, consider the different ways to analyze film.
Keep in mind that any of the elements of film can be analyzed, oftentimes in tandem. A single film analysis essay may simultaneously include all of the following approaches and more. As Jacques Aumont and Michel Marie propose in Analysis of Film, there is no correct, universal way to write film analysis.
Semiotic analysis
Semiotic analysis is the analysis of meaning behind signs and symbols, typically involving metaphors, analogies, and symbolism.
This doesn’t necessarily need to be something dramatic; think about how you extrapolate information from the smallest signs in your day to day life. For instance, what characteristics can tell you about someone’s personality? Something as simple as someone’s appearance can reveal information about them. Mismatched shoes and bedhead might be a sign of carelessness (or something crazy happened that morning!), while an immaculate dress shirt and tie would suggest that the person is prim and proper. Continuing in that vein:
- What might you be able to infer about characters from small hints?
- How are these hints (signs) used to construct characters? How do they relate to the relative role of those characters, or the relationships between multiple characters?
Symbols denote concepts (liberty, peace, etc.) and feelings (hate, love, etc.) that they often have nothing to do with. They are used liberally in both literature and film, and finding them uses a similar process. Ask yourself:
- In Frozen Elsa’s gloves appear in multiple scenes.
- Her gloves are first given to her by her father to restrain her magic. She continues to wear them throughout the coronation scene, before finally, in the Let It Go sequence, she throws them away.
Again, the method of semiotic analysis in film is similar to that of literature. Think about the deeper meaning behind objects or actions.
- Elsa’s gloves represent fear of her magic and, by extension, herself. Though she attempts to contain her magic by hiding her hands within gloves and denying part of her identity, she eventually abandons the gloves in a quest for self-acceptance.
Narrative structure analysis
Narrative structure analysis is the analysis of the story elements, including plot structure, character motivations, and theme. Like the dramatic structure of literature (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution), film has what is known as the Three-Act Structure: “Act One: Setup, Act Two: Confrontation, and Act Three: Resolution.” Narrative structure analysis breaks the story of the film into these three elements and might consider questions like:
- How does the story follow or deviate from typical structures?
- What is the effect of following or deviating from this structure?
- What is the theme of the film, and how is that theme constructed?
Consider again the example of Frozen. You can use symbolism and narrative structure in conjunction by placing the symbolic objects/events in the context of the narrative structure. For instance, the first appearance of the gloves is in Act One, while their abandoning takes place in Act Two; thus, the story progresses in such a way that demonstrates Elsa’s personal growth. By the time of Act Three, the Resolution, her aversion to touch (a product of fearing her own magic) is gone, reflecting a theme of self-acceptance.
Contextual analysis
Contextual analysis is analysis of the film as part of a broader context. Think about the culture, time, and place of the film’s creation. What might the film say about the culture that created it? What were/are the social and political concerns of the time period? Or, like researching the author of a novel, you might consider the director, producer, and other people vital to the making of the film. What is the place of this film in the director’s career? Does it align with his usual style of directing, or does it move in a new direction? Other examples of contextual approaches might be analyzing the film in terms of a civil rights or feminist movement.
For example, Frozen is often linked to the LGBTQ social movement. You might agree or disagree with this interpretation, and, using evidence from the film, support your argument.
Some other questions to consider:
- How does the meaning of the film change when seen outside of its culture?
- What characteristics distinguishes the film as being of its particular culture?
Mise-en-scene analysis
Mise-en-scene analysis is analysis of the arrangement of compositional elements in film—essentially, the analysis of audiovisual elements that most distinctly separate film analysis from literary analysis. Remember that the important part of a mise-en-scene analysis is not just identifying the elements of a scene, but explaining the significance behind them.
- What effects are created in a scene, and what is their purpose?
- How does the film attempt to achieve its goal by the way it looks, and does it succeed?
Audiovisual elements that can be analyzed include (but are not limited to): props and costumes, setting, lighting, camera angles, frames, special effects, choreography, music, color values, depth, placement of characters, etc. Mise-en-scene is typically the most foreign part of writing film analysis because the other components discussed are common to literary analysis, while mise-en-scene deals with elements unique to film. Using specific film terminology bolsters credibility, but you should also consider your audience. If your essay is meant to be accessible to non-specialist readers, explain what terms mean. The Resources section of this handout has links to sites that describe mise-en-scene elements in detail.
Rewatching the film and creating screen captures (still images) of certain scenes can help with detailed analysis of colors, positioning of actors, placement of objects, etc. Listening to the soundtrack can also be helpful, especially when placed in the context of particular scenes.
Some example questions:
- How is the lighting used to construct mood? Does the mood shift at any point during the film, and how is that shift in mood created?
- What does the setting say about certain characters? How are props used to reveal aspects of their personality?
- What songs were used, and why were they chosen? Are there any messages in the lyrics that pertain to the theme?
Writing the film analysis essay
Writing film analysis is similar to writing literary analysis or any argumentative essay in other disciplines: Consider the assignment and prompts, formulate a thesis (see the Brainstorming Handout and Thesis Statement Handout for help crafting a nuanced argument), compile evidence to prove your thesis, and lay out your argument in the essay. Your evidence may be different from what you are used to. Whereas in the English essay you use textual evidence and quotes, in a film analysis essay, you might also include audiovisual elements to bolster your argument.
When describing a sequence in a film, use the present tense, like you would write in the literary present when describing events of a novel, i.e. not “Elsa took off her gloves,” but “Elsa takes off her gloves.” When quoting dialogue from a film, if between multiple characters, use block quotes: Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented one inch from the left margin. However, conventions are flexible, so ask your professor if you are unsure. It may also help to follow the formatting of the script, if you can find it. For example:
ELSA: But she won’t remember I have powers? KING: It’s for the best.
You do not need to use quotation marks for blocked-off dialogue, but for shorter quotations in the main text, quotation marks should be double quotes (“…”).
Here are some tips for approaching film analysis:
- Make sure you understand the prompt and what you are being asked to do. Focus your argument by choosing a specific issue to assess.
- Review your materials. Rewatch the film for nuances that you may have missed in the first viewing. With your thesis in mind, take notes as you watch. Finding a screenplay of the movie may be helpful, but keep in mind that there may be differences between the screenplay and the actual product (and these differences might be a topic of discussion!).
- Develop a thesis and an outline, organizing your evidence so that it supports your argument. Remember that this is ultimately an assignment—make sure that your thesis answers what the prompt asks, and check with your professor if you are unsure.
- Move beyond only describing the audiovisual elements of the film by considering the significance of your evidence. Demonstrate understanding of not just what film elements are, but why and to what effect they are being used. For more help on using your evidence effectively, see ‘Using Evidence In An Argument’ in the Evidence Handout .
New York Film Academy Glossary Movie Outline Glossary Movie Script Database Citation Practices: Film and Television
Works Consulted
We consulted these works while writing the original version of this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find the latest publications on this topic. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial .
Aumont, Jacques, and Michel Marie. L’analyse Des Films. Paris: Nathan, 1988. Print. Pruter, Robin Franson. “Writing About Film.” Writing About Film. DePaul University, 08 Mar. 2004. Web. 01 May 2016.
Film Analysis Copyright © 2020 by Liza Long; Amy Minervini; and Joel Gladd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
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Film Analysis
Crafting a Winning Thesis Statement in Film Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dec 6, 2023
Avinash Prabhakaran
Film analysis is a captivating and insightful way to explore the world of cinema. Whether you're a film student, a cinephile, or just someone who enjoys dissecting movies, you'll find that forming a solid thesis statement is the cornerstone of a successful film analysis.
A thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your analysis, guiding your reader through your interpretation of the film's elements and themes.
In this blog post, we'll outline the steps to help you craft an effective thesis statement for your film analysis.
Understand the Film's Context
Before diving into your analysis, it's crucial to understand the film's context. This includes the director's background, the film's era, its genre, and any cultural or historical factors that may have influenced its production. Gathering this context will help you form a more informed thesis statement.
Watch the Film Multiple Times
You must thoroughly watch the film multiple times to craft a thoughtful thesis statement. Each viewing will reveal new details and nuances that you may have missed initially. Take notes during your viewings to record your observations and ideas.
Identify Key Themes and Elements
During your viewings, pay close attention to the film's themes, characters, plot, cinematography, sound, and other elements. Think about what the director is trying to convey and how they use these elements. Make a list of the most prominent themes and elements you observe.
Formulate a Research Question
Based on your observations and analysis, formulate a research question you want to answer in your essay. This question should be open-ended and should invite critical thinking. For example, "How does the use of color symbolism in 'The Shawshank Redemption' reflect the theme of hope?
Brainstorm and Organize Ideas
Now, brainstorm your ideas related to the research question. Think about the evidence you've gathered and how it supports your interpretation of the film. Organize these ideas into a logical structure that will guide your analysis.
Craft a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement should be concise, clear, and arguable. It should encapsulate the main argument of your analysis and give the reader a clear sense of what to expect in your essay. Here are some tips for crafting a solid thesis statement:
Make it specific: Avoid vague or overly broad statements. Be precise in what you're arguing.
Make it debatable: Your thesis should invite discussion and disagreement. Avoid stating the obvious.
Make it relevant: Ensure that your thesis directly addresses the research question and the film's themes or elements.
Example Thesis Statement:
"In Christopher Nolan's 'Inception,' the use of dreams as a narrative device serves to blur the line between reality and perception, challenging conventional notions of truth and subjectivity."
Examples to Support the Thesis:
Dreams as a Narrative Device
Throughout 'Inception,' the characters enter various dream levels, each with its own set of rules and physics. Nolan uses this complex narrative structure to keep the audience engaged and constantly questioning what is real.
The manipulation of time within dreams adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Time moves differently at each dream level, leading to intricate storytelling that challenges traditional linear storytelling.
Blurring Reality and Perception
The film consistently blurs the boundaries between dreams and reality, making it difficult for the characters and the audience to distinguish between them. This intentional ambiguity creates a sense of unease and intrigue.
The use of the spinning top as a totem to determine reality in the film's closing scene encapsulates the theme of perception versus reality. The spinning top symbolizes the characters' struggle to discern the truth.
Challenging Conventional Notions of Truth and Subjectivity
'Inception' invites viewers to question their understanding of reality and truth. The film challenges the idea of an objective reality by presenting multiple layers of dreams and subjective experiences.
The film's enigmatic ending, which leaves the spinning top's fate unresolved, forces viewers to confront their subjectivity and interpretation of the story's conclusion.
By examining these specific examples, it becomes evident how using dreams as a narrative device in 'Inception' blurs the line between reality and perception, ultimately challenging conventional notions of truth and subjectivity as proposed in the thesis statement.
This exemplifies the importance of using concrete evidence from the film to validate your interpretation as outlined in your thesis statement.
Forming a thesis statement in film analysis is vital in creating a compelling and well-structured essay.
By understanding the film's context, closely examining its elements, and crafting a clear and arguable thesis statement, you'll be well on your way to conducting a thorough and insightful analysis that will engage your readers and deepen your understanding of cinema. Happy analyzing!
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How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips
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This guideline is designed to teach people how to write a film analysis essay. Basically, students and anyone interested in writing a good movie analysis essay should read the details and tips that can help them to produce a high-standard piece. The article begins by defining what a film analysis is, listing the possible topics of such an essay, and giving a sample outline and example. The guideline also teaches about the various types of film analysis and the most common concepts that such a paper may address. As a result, the article concludes with tips, including ten things to do and ten not to do when writing a film analysis essay.
General Aspects of How to Write an Outstanding Film Analysis Essay
A college education is dynamic and robust because students undertake various academic activities in and out of the lecture room. Typically, activities within lecture halls are theoretical, and those that happen outside are practical. A critical academic exercise is a film analysis assignment, where professors require students to watch a movie and discuss using particular elements. The elements directors and producers use to bring the action alive include the stage, lighting, sound, and other special effects. As such, analyzing a film is a complex exercise that requires one to perfect the art of writing. In turn, this article is a guideline for how to write a film analysis essay. By reading this text, students can gain insights into the details and elements they must address when writing a movie analysis essay.
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Definition of What Is a Film Analysis and Its Meaning
According to a simple definition, film analysis explores the use of particular elements in a film, including mise-en-scène, cinematography, sound, and editing. Students should talk about actors’ positioning, scenery adaptation, physical setting, stage lighting, and cultural context when writing this kind of essay. Another critical fact to consider is that films come in various genres, including action, documentaries, drama, horror, romance, and science fiction. Each type of movie analysis utilizes the above elements differently. Therefore, film analysis means writing an in-depth examination of how directors and producers approach their productions to make them entertaining and informative. For example, most science fiction films are futuristic, showing how society may change. In this respect, all films have a cultural context students must address in their movie analysis essay.
Unique Features of a Film Analysis
Generally, film analysis essays differ from other types of papers, including an argumentative essay, a cause and effect essay, and a research paper, because they focus on a single production and explore the use of the above elements. Some unique features that differentiate film analysis papers from other types of essays include a short plot summary where writers briefly tell readers what the movie is about, such as exterminating evil. In this type of analysis, writers evaluate the use of the elements above and state whether they make the film great or below expectations. Another feature is a poster showing sceneries to give readers a visual experience of the movie. Such visuals are essential to arouse the reader’s emotions and mental involvement in a movie analysis. Therefore, when writing a film analysis essay, students should focus on telling the story and depicting it.
6 Common Types of a Film Analysis Essay
Students must determine the type of film analysis essay to avoid sounding ignorant and irrelevant when writing about the movie. The most common types are semiotic, narrative, contextual, mise-en-scène, cultural, and historical analyses. Each type requires students to adopt a singular focus, meaning one cannot concentrate effort on elements that do not fall under the study. The reason for these types of analyses is that it is not always possible to understand an entire film in an essay, which is generally a short text of about two to three pages. Nonetheless, it is prudent for students to know how to write each type, meaning understanding the approach and unique features they must discuss and evaluate.
🔸 Semiotic Analysis
A semiotic essay involves discussing, evaluating, and interpreting the use of literary analysis elements, including analogies and metaphors, to inanimate characters and objects. Generally, these elements have different meanings, and students should determine what a particular feature stands for in the film they are analyzing vis-à-vis its broader cultural or historical significance in society. For example, when analyzing the 1958 film Vertigo , one may discuss the symbolism of flowers by stating how some images of them falling apart depict the heroine’s vulnerability. In turn, when conducting a semiotic analysis, one should consider several issues, including the repetition of objects or images throughout the movie, the association of a character with particular objects, and the relation between an object and other objects. Hence, a semiotic analysis essay requires students to examine the use of objects and symbols to communicate a deep meaning.
🔸 Narrative Analysis
A narrative analysis essay involves examining the elements that directors or producers use to construct the storyline, including characters, the plot, the setting, and the narrative structure. As such, students should focus on the entire movie and the message it seeks to communicate. Considering the example above of Vertigo , writers may discuss the narrative role of flowers by analyzing how director Alfred Hitchcock introduces them as the film begins and only brings them up again toward the end to complete the heroine’s character arc. Students should also consider several issues when conducting a narrative analysis essay, including the plot and how it unfolds. For example, one may talk about whether events are systematic or out of order and what that signifies. However, students should not focus on summarizing the plot at the expense of making and defending an argument.
🔸 Contextual Analysis
A contextual analysis of a film is a discussion of the placement of the movie within particular contexts, such as slavery, women’s suffrage, the civil rights movement, or the industrial revolution. In this case, filmmakers produce movies and base their identity on the unfolding circumstances or themes defining a particular time in history.
🔸 Mise-en-Scène Analysis
A mise-en-scène analysis essay involves discussing and evaluating compositional elements, including sets, props, actors, costumes, and lighting, and how they complement or conflict with cinematography, sound, and editing. The most effective approach in conducting this movie analysis is to focus on one or a few scenes rather than the entire film, telling readers how they support or undermine the plot. As such, mise-en-scène is part of the director’s narrative because this element influences how the audience understands the central message in the production. Taking Vertigo as a case study, one may discuss how Hitchcock incorporates lighting and camera angles to characterize Jimmy Stewart (starring as former police detective John “Scottie” Ferguson) as acrophobic. When adopting a mise-en-scène analysis, students should consider how particular scenes create effects and their purpose and how different scenes emphasize a theme central to the plot.
🔸 Cultural Analysis
A cultural analysis essay examines, evaluates, and interprets the broader cultural disposition the director adopts to tell the story. Students must understand that, regardless of a film’s production period, a culture influences its various elements, like characters and their mannerisms. Taking Vertigo as an example, one may interpret the scene where a man observes a woman without her knowing it to mean the sexual policing of women in mid-20th century America. When analyzing the context of a movie, students should consider how the film captures, reinforces, or critiques social norms in a particular culture or era.
🔸 Historical Analysis
A historical analysis essay means writing about a particular film from the perspective of the period underscoring its production. Ideally, filmmakers place their work into a historical context, such as the colonial era or ancient civilizations. Therefore, when writing a film analysis essay, students should focus on the period the director situates its plot.
How to Write a More Technical and Focused Film Analysis Essay
Film analysis helps readers to understand essential details, including the plot and its central themes, characters and their disposition, scenes and significance, and effects and the message they communicate. In this respect, one must be ready to undertake a technical, focused, and vigorous analysis of one or several of these elements. In most instances, instructions dictate the aspects students should write about. However, without such specifications, they should focus on a few elements and examine them vigorously. For example, one may decide to focus on the plot. In this instance, a movie analysis essay must examine the plot from different perspectives, including the characters, central themes, and the message. Such a focused analysis allows readers to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular element of movie reviews instead of an analysis that discusses several elements superficially. Some elements and terms that students can use for writing a film analysis essay include:
- Flashback and flashforward: Flashbacks are scenes that recount events that have a powerful influence on the current or unfolding event. On the other hand, flashforwards are scenes that reveal events that will occur later in the film, and their purpose is to create anticipation in the audience.
- Time framework: Film directors structure time linearly to depict an orderly unfolding of events. The most common time framework is omitting events to move the story forward.
- Setting: The environment within which a director creates a movie, including physical surrounding like a city and period like a year or century.
- Range of events: The different events in a film sustain the plot. Typically, these events directly or indirectly affect protagonists because they facilitate the storyline.
- Cast: The people producing a film, including the main actors and the production crew. However, actors take priority when discussing the cast.
- Plot: The sequence of events that directors create to communicate a central message in a movie analysis. When writing a film analysis essay, students should never ignore this aspect because it underscores the storyline.
- Shot, scene, and sequence: Features that tell the quality of a film but, most importantly, the interconnectivity of elements in the director’s aim to tell a story.
- Genre: The classification of movies into various forms, such as action, documentaries, science fiction, horror, or romance. Knowing a film’s genre under analysis is helpful in identifying the significance of cinematography and mise-en-scène elements.
- Directing: Supervising film production by visualizing the script, controlling and managing the artistic and dramatic aspects, and guiding the actors and technical crew.
- Scenario: The aspect of a movie analysis that provides the audience insight into the plot or characters. Ideally, scenarios are scenes that convey critical details of the storyline, such as climax.
- Acting: The role that individuals play to bring a film’s plot alive. As such, it involves all people who assume different characters in a movie, including protagonists, antagonists, heroes, and heroines.
- Visual effects: The qualities that filmmakers use to bring the action alive, such as images, shots, and scenes. When discussing visual effects in a film analysis essay, students should comment on how they reinforce certain concepts or themes, like mood, fear, and suspense.
- Music and audio effects: Sound and language that enhance the audience’s understanding of the central message. Most films incorporate background sounds in multiple scenes to arouse reactions in the audience.
- Camera angle: The positioning of the camera to capture precise shots in films. Filmmakers use camera angles in relation to scenes and characters to affect the audience’s perception.
- Lighting: A mise-en-scène element that filmmakers use to create different effects in a film. Ideally, movies involve different lighting techniques, such as key light, fill light, and backlight, to guide the audience’s attention, create a visual impact, give the film a texture, or create an atmosphere.
- References: Features that indicate how a film uses dialogue and images in its storyline to allude to, recall, or refer to another movie. Ideally, filmmakers use this feature to contextualize their productions within a cultural or historical space.
- Animation: The use of drawings or puppets with mobility like humans. Although it is a movie genre for analysis today, filmmakers use animation to give objects animal or human qualities, such as walking, talking, crying, or fighting. Animations effectively depict society as a complex system comprising different life systems.
- Protagonist: The character that takes center stage in a film and whom the director uses to construct the plot. While a film’s plot may revolve around several actors, only one is central, and others only assist the main hero in accomplishing agendas. In this respect, when students are writing a film analysis, they should tell the audience the main protagonist(s).
- Antagonist: Characters that stand opposite of protagonists. Filmmakers use them to depict the main character as assailed by forces aiming to thwart their agenda.
- Climax: The point in a movie where the plot peaks and where the protagonist puts into motion a series of events that significantly determine their final experience. These events may include betrayal, heroism, or tragedy. Therefore, one can identify a film’s climax by assessing how the plot intensifies and events directly impacting the protagonist unfolds.
- Hero vs. anti-hero: Heroes stand out as brave because they attempt what others fear. In most movies, protagonists are heroes because they survive what consumes others. On the other hand, an anti-hero is a central character who lacks heroic qualities like bravery but is timid, fearful, frustrating, and irritating. As a result, the audience celebrates heroes under analysis and loath anti-heroes.
- Atmosphere: The environment in which a movie imbues the audience through the sequence of events revolving around the plot. Generally, action films create an intense atmosphere because of the frequency of fights. On the other hand, romantic movies create an emotional atmosphere characterized by attraction and happiness. On their part, horror films create an uneasy atmosphere because of the constant anticipation of evil.
- Background: The technique of capturing an image or object from a distance, often giving other images or objects prominence. Filmmakers use this quality to create a sense of authenticity in scenes. For example, a scene capturing a rioting crowd may have in its background an image of anti-riot police forming a barrier using their bodies. Looking at the imagery, one may see rioters more clearly but also understand the situation’s intensity because of the police in the background.
- Cameo: The dramatic appearance of a famous actor or personality in a movie for various reasons, including fun, publicity, or to give the film credibility. However, such characters do not become protagonists because they appear briefly and only once. When doing a film analysis, students should indicate such personalities and the role they may have played in the plot.
- Cinematography: The artistic use of technology and visual effects to dramatize the sequence of events in a film. Ideally, writers should examine the scenes’ general composition, locations’ lighting, camera angles and movements, and special effects, like illusions or camera tricks.
- Comic relief: A scene that allows the audience to release emotional weight or tension that may have built up due to escalating events with a negative outcome, such as betrayal and a series of murders. Filmmakers interpose comic relief in tragic scenarios to avoid burdening the audience emotionally to the point of refusing to watch the film to its conclusion. The only film genre that rarely uses comic relief is gothic.
- Film critics: Individuals who have made criticizing films a part- or full-time engagement. Ideally, these people watch movies to identify negative qualities, like a confused plot, poor lighting, and sound effects. While one may consider them an appropriate source of film reviews, they rarely highlight a good analysis of a movie.
- Director’s cut: An edited film version that represents the director’s original edit before the release of the theatrical edit that reaches the screens. This part of the film is important because it shows scenes that some editors may cut or altered. By examining the director’s cut, the writer of a film analysis essay looks at the complete production and tells how it may enhance the audience’s viewing experience.
- Foreshadowing: The technique of giving the audience a sneak preview of events yet to unfold to build anticipation and heighten dramatic tension. Filmmakers use this quality early in the film to create excitement in the audience and make them want to view the production to the end. Typically, foreshadowing focuses on events directly affecting the protagonist, such as a tragedy.
- Editing: Perfecting a film by deleting, arranging, and splicing scenes and synchronizing all elements, including cinematography, mise-en-scène, sound, and special effects. The goal of editing is to make a film perfect for airing on the big screen. In this respect, it aims to remove all features affecting quality.
- Long shot: A scene in a film that filmmakers shoot from a considerable distance to give images and objects indistinct shapes, almost unrecognizable. An excellent long shot captures people walking New York City streets from the city’s skyline. While one would know the images are people walking, they cannot describe their demographics, such as age, gender, or race.
- Metaphor: A literary device that allows filmmakers to represent similarities between objects. An example of a metaphor in a movie is a visual metaphor, where filmmakers represent nouns through graphical images to suggest a particular association or resemblance. For example, an advert can represent beauty through the appearance of a flawless face, implying that beauty is equal to a look without flaws. Such an advert increases people’s interest in having a perfect face, leading to purchasing beauty products.
- Montage: The film editing technique where filmmakers combine a series of short shots into one sequence to condense time, establish continuity, or provide contrast. Montages take different forms, including repetition of camera movements, minimal or no dialogue, quick cuts, music, and voice narration.
- New wave: A French art film movement that emerged in the late 1950s to pave the way for experimentation and iconoclasm, thus rejecting traditional filmmaking conventions. Filmmakers who subscribed to this wave used film as a medium, like pottery or novels, for telling stories and translating thoughts and ideas by experimenting with form and style.
- Mockumentary traits: Films that assume a documentary genre, although they do not tell true stories. Instead, filmmakers use parody, satire, and humor to describe contemporary society through events, ideas, and emerging trends. Simply put, a movie is a mockumentary if it is a fictional documentary.
- Slow motion: A filmmaking effect where time appears to slow down because the film captures footage at a slower speed. This technique is common for rewinding scenarios to reinforce an idea in the audience. For example, most productions of sports tournaments use slow motion to provide viewers with detailed and perfect shots that leave no room for imagination and analysis.
- Soundtrack: The sound, often music, which filmmakers incorporate in a plot to accompany scenes for heightened effects, such as arousing the audience’s emotions. In most instances, this music plays in the background, often from a low to high intensity and vice versa, depending on the scene.
- Theme: The concept, idea, or principle that emphasizes a film’s plot and central message, such cas sadness, victory, morality, or community. By identifying the themes that a director uses to construct the plot, authors of a film analysis essay can tell the audience their meaning and significance through the story of the protagonist.
- Symmetry: The quality of balancing shots between characters or placing shots symmetrically to each other to create a pattern. For example, visual symmetry involves repeating parts of an image along a path, across an axis, or around a center. Filmmakers use symmetrical patterns to convey a sense of unity or uniformity.
- Symbolism: The literary device of using objects to symbolize ideas. For example, a filmmaker can use a dove to symbolize peace or the color black to symbolize evil. In essence, symbolism allows filmmakers to communicate profound messages to the audience. Therefore, students need to identify symbols representing ideas in film analysis.
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Topic Examples for Writing a Film Analysis Essay
- Video Review: Salt (2010)
- Video Review and Approval of Black Panther (2018)
- Analysis Essay of Volodymyr Zelensky’s Speech “I Call for You to Do More”
- Examining Gender Issues Through Symbolism in The Ugly Truth (2009)
- Discussing the Narrative Structure in The Godfather (1972)
- Evaluating Christopher Nolan’s Use of Mise-en-Scène Elements in Oppenheimer (2023)
- What Features Indicate the Context of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club (1993)?
- What Is the Cultural Context of City of God (2002)?
- How Does History Feature as an Element in the Star Wars Trilogy?
- How Does Roman Polanski Employ Flashback and Flashforward to Tell the Story of Wladyslaw Szpilman in The Pianist (2002)?
- Discussing the Conception of Time in The Matrix (1999)
- How Does the Setting of The Departed (2006) Underscore the Film’s Contemporary Significance?
- Describing the Chronology of Events in The Bark Night Rises (2012)
- How Does Casting Affect the Plot in American Beauty (1992)?
- What Central Themes Describe the Plot in Inglorious Bastards (2009)?
- Discussing How Scenes in Idiots (2009) Facilitate the Plot
- Analysis of Gothic Elements in the Horror Genre via the Lens of The Mummy (2017)
- Evaluating Mel Gibson’s Directing of The Braveheart (1995)
- Discussing the Scenarios that Construct the Climax in Capernaum (2018)
- Evaluating Al Pacino’s Acting in Scarface (1983)
- Analyzing the Significance of Visual Effects in Film From the Perspective of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- How Does Sound Affect the Audience in Monster House (2006)?
- Evaluating How Camera Angle Enrich Viewer Experience in Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
- How Does Lighting Fit in the Gothic Film Sleepy Hollow (1999)?
- How Does Steven Spielberg Employ References in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)?
- Analysis of Animation in a Film From the Perspective of King Kong (1933)
- Who Is the Protagonist in The Wolf of Wallstreet (2013) and Why?
- What Makes Saruman the Antagonist in The Lord of the Rings Series?
- How Does Climax Underpin the Plot in Casino (1995)?
- Analyzing the Difference Between Heroes and Anti-Heroes via the Lenses of Black Panther (2018) and Black Adam (2022)
- How Does Suspense Create an Atmosphere of Anticipation in Black Swan (2010)?
- Discussing How Background Influences Viewer Experience in No Country for Old Men (2007)
- Evaluating the Impact of Harrison Ford’s Appearance in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)
- How Does M. Night Shyamalan Employ Cinematography in The Sixth Sense (1999)?
- Explaining Comic Relief in Film Using Uncut Gems (2019) as a Case Study
- Criticizing Jurassic Park (1993) from the Perspective of Cinematography
- How Does Director’s Cut Enrich the Storyline in Blade Runner (1982)?
- Exploring Foreshadowing in the Film Using 12 Years a Slave (2013)
- Explaining the Link Between Film Editing and Quality Using Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) as an Example
- How Do Long Shots Affect Viewers’ Experience in Film?
- Understanding a Visual Metaphor in Hotel Rwanda (2004)
- How Does Dialogue Underscore Montage in The Terminator (1984)?
- Analysis of How the Mid-20th Century New Wave Impacted French Filmmaking
- How Does Forgotten Silver (1995) Incorporate Mocumentary Traits?
- What Role Does Slow Motion Play in Films?
- Analyzing the Importance of Soundtracks From the Perspective of Horror Films
- How Do Film Directors Use Themes as Conveyors of the Central Message?
- Discussing How Symmetry Affects the Quality of Films
- Exploring Symbolism in the Film Using Angels & Demons (2009)
Sample Outline Template for Writing a Film Analysis Essay
I. Essay Introduction
- Introduce the film’s title, followed by the director’s name and year of production.
- Give a short description of the film or some context underpinning its release.
- End this paragraph with a thesis statement about the film.
II. Summary
- Overview the film by describing its context, setting, plot, and main characters.
III. Analysis
- Describe several scenes in more detail by focusing on various elements, including cinematography, mise-en-scène, and others that help to evaluate the film.
- Provide and cite some scenes as details and supporting evidence for analysis.
- Evaluate and interpret the use of the above elements.
IV. Conclusion
- Remind the audience about the film’s context and plot.
- Recapitulate information in the analysis section.
- Interpret the film’s significance.
Example of a Film Analysis Essay
Topic: What Features Indicate the Context of Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club (1993)?
I. Example of Writing an Introduction for a Film Analysis Essay
Films play a crucial role in educating people about the context within which movies come into their lives. Ideally, filmmakers implement various societal elements to construct ideas and use cinema as a conveyor belt to pass movies to different populations. Therefore, analyzing the film’s context is critical in understanding the ideas that the director embraced to produce the work. Several features in the 1993 film The Joy Luck Club indicate the film’s context.
II. Example of Writing a Summary Paragraph for a Film Analysis Essay
Directed by Wayne Wang, The Joy Luck Club tells the story of an Asian woman named Jun, born of the late Suyuan, who founded the Joy Luck Club social group. The movie’s plot revolves around the experiences of Asian mothers as immigrants in America from the perspective of their daughters. In this respect, the film takes a narrative approach. The movie’s setting alternates between San Francisco, California, and China, with the scenes in San Francisco representing the present day. Set in the 1980s, the storyline takes the viewer across generations. In this case, the mothers have flashbacks of the 1920s and 1940s.
III. Example of Writing an Analysis Paragraph for a Film Essay
A. physical landscape.
A key feature that reveals the context of The Joy Luck Club is the physical landscape. The film captures San Francisco as an urban place populated by buildings, busy streets, and a coastline. The movie contrasts this landscape with the mountainous landscape in China, where natural elements exceed physical structures.
B. Cultural Nuances
Another feature that reveals the film’s context is cultural nuances between mothers and their daughters. The viewer learns how mothers went through a world so different from that of their daughters to the extent they loathe some of the behaviors and mannerisms they see in them. However, the viewer can tell that some cultural differences between mothers and daughters may explain why there is confusion between two generations. Born in the conservative Chinese culture, mothers experience a cultural shock once in America, which does not happen for their daughters because they have only experienced the liberal American culture. In this respect, life values and perspectives of mothers and their daughters are constantly in conflict.
C. Conflict Between Generations
Although the scenes in San Francisco and China are essential to the storyline, cultural nuances of mothers and their daughters take center stage in a conflict between generations in the film. While daughters seem relaxed and willing to engage in fantasies, their mothers insist they embrace education as the noblest achievement. As such, two generations are always at loggerheads about leisure time because mothers seek to utilize every minute to work, while daughters want to have fun most of the time. Ironically, mothers see education as the tool to make their daughters truly American because it determines their quality of life.
IV. Example of Writing a Conclusion for a Film Analysis Essay
The Joy Luck Club exposes the experiences of Chinese mothers in America, showing some cultural nuances that influence their relationships with their daughters. The film depicts immigration as crucial to the women’s experiences in the movie because it is the avenue through which mothers arrived in America. In essence, the film depicts mothers as caring despite their unpleasant experiences and their daughters’ ignorance.
4 Easy Steps for Writing a Film Analysis Essay
Writing a good film analysis essay is a technical process that requires students to grasp and demonstrate certain qualities. Ideally, one should know how to produce a high-standard paper, including adequate preparation, stage setup, creating an initial draft, and perfecting a final draft. These details summarize the steps of writing a great film analysis essay.
Step 1: Preparation
Preparation is the first step of writing a film analysis essay and involves several tasks. The first aspect is defining possible essay topics if instructions from tutors do not specify them. In turn, one may select film research paper topics that are easy yet challenging. The second task is to generate ideas that the audience can relate to, such as the cultural or historical issues in the film.
Step 2: Stage Set Up
Setting the stage is the second step of writing a film analysis essay. It involves watching the film to understand its context and plot and using cinematography and other elements. The second task is to research credible sources that help to analyze the movie, such as scholarly reviews and scholarship on film, including gothic movies and the use of literary or rhetorical devices. The next task is to create a clear essay outline according to the sample above.
Step 3: The Writing Process of Starting a First Draft
The third step of writing a film analysis essay is to write a paper focusing on producing an initial draft. The text activity should combine all ideas to create a document with a logical order of ideas and content. Some of the activities in this stage include adding or deleting reliable sources to fit a paper and altering an initial outline to organize ideas. Students should also focus on developing a clear thesis statement when writing the introduction because it summarizes the paper’s aim. Students should adopt evidence-based writing by incorporating evidence and corresponding citations in the body. The last aspect is to restate the thesis and summarize the analysis in the conclusion by mentioning the most critical points.
Step 4: Wrap-Up and Finishing a Final Draft
The final step of writing a film analysis essay is to wrap it up by perfecting a first draft. In this respect, students should focus on revising their first drafts to eliminate flaws like inconsistent ideas. The second task is to edit a film analysis essay by adding to deleting words and sentences to foster a logical flow of thought. Students should also ensure each body paragraph has a topic sentence, evidence, scenes, or details cited from academic sources or films, explanation and analysis sentences, concluding remark, and transition to the next paragraph, not forgetting to check if the paper’s formatting is perfect. Concerning formatting, students should adopt one style in the entire document: APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian. Considering The Joy Luck Club , templates and examples of citations should read as follows:
📕 Citing a Film in APA
- Reference entry: Wang, W. (Director). (1993). The Joy Luck Club [Film]. Walt Disney Studios.
- In-text citation: (Wang, 1993, 00:46:00-00:50:00)
📕 Citing a Film in MLA
- Work Cited entry: The Joy Luck Club . Directed by Wayne Wang, performances by Suyuan Woo and Rose Hsu Jordan, Walt Disney Studios, 1993.
- In-text citation: ( The Joy Luck Club 00:46:00-00:50:00)
📕 Citing a Film in Harvard
- Reference List entry: The Joy Luck Club (1993). Directed by Wayne Wang. Burbank, CA: Walt Disney Studios.
- In-text citation: ( The Joy Luck Club 1993, 00:46:00-00:50:00)
📕 Citing a Film in Chicago/Turabian
- Bibliography entry: Wang, Wayne, director. The Joy Luck Club . Walt Disney Studios, 1993.
- Footnote: 1. The Joy Luck Club , directed by Wayne Wang (Walt Disney Studios, 1993), 00:46:00-00:50:00.
20 Tips for Writing a Good Film Analysis Essay
Students must learn essential tips for writing a high-standard film analysis essay. These tips include watching a specific film before starting a movie analysis paper; determining the aspects to cover, such as the plot, cinematography, context, or setting; selecting suitable sources to construct ideas and defend arguments; and creating a well-organized outline.
10 things to do when writing a film analysis essay include:
- watching the film at least once;
- considering the audience;
- commenting on the acting;
- criticizing the directing by mentioning cinematography, mise-en-scène, or special effects;
- supporting the criticism;
- talking about the plot;
- consulting professional reviewers, like Roger Ebert and Rotten Tomatoes;
- reading, rereading, editing, and revising;
- cultivating a personal voice to demonstrate knowledge;
- proofreading the final text.
10 things not to do include:
- retelling the film;
- overusing sentences;
- generalizing ideas;
- continuously comparing the movie with its adaptations, like a book or novel;
- ignoring or doing superficial research;
- telling irrelevant details;
- writing poorly with too many grammar and format errors;
- getting too personal;
- reviewing another film;
- plagiarizing reviews.
Summing Up on How to Write a Perfect Film Analysis Essay
- Watch a chosen film while notetaking.
- Read several reviews focusing on the plot, context, setting, characters, scenes, and elements, like cinematography and mise-en-scène.
- Create a list of ideas.
- Organize the ideas to fit various aspects of a film indicated above: plot, context, and other elements.
- Write an appropriate introduction.
- Summarize the film.
- Analyze the film by exploring one or several aspects comprehensively.
- Write a conclusion, which must satisfy the audience.
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How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Format & Examples
Movie analysis essays offer a unique opportunity to take a closer look at narrative techniques and artistic aspects of filmmaking. A paper on this subject lets you explore themes, characters, cinematography, and other elements that make movies stand out. Students can improve their movie analysis abilities by reading our comprehensive guide! It has enough information to make you a movie critic in your own right.
Our team has covered the main film analysis essay components to help you thoroughly analyze movies. By the end of this read, you’ll understand how to pick the right motion picture and craft a film review that best captures its essence. The guide covers all the crucial steps for students to make a film analysis essay captivating and thought-provoking for readers. Let’s dive into cinema analysis and discover the secret behind excellent papers!
- 📽️ What Is a Film Analysis?
- 🎞️ Types of Movie Analysis
🎬 Film Analysis Template
- 🤩 11 Tips for Movie Analysis
- 💡 Film Analysis Essay Topics
🔗 References
📽️ what is a film analysis essay.
In a film analysis paper, students should closely examine the various elements of the picture. These include directing , writing , cinematography , acting , and setting . As with any critical paper, the subject is evaluated based on specific standards. Sometimes, a film may be compared to other entries in its genre or series, for example, Star Wars vs. Star Trek.
🎞️ Types of Movie Analysis Essays
Before making a movie analysis outline, it’s essential to understand what kind of essay you want to create. There are several popular types with unique goals and aims. Understanding the difference between them helps you choose the right one for the paper you want to write.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay 4 Types of movie analysis essays.](https://overnightessay.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-Types-of-Movie-Analysis-Essays-1024x564.jpg)
The most common types of movie analysis essays include:
- Semiotic Analysis. This type discusses the symbols and signs represented in a particular movie. With its help, you may uncover the meaning of objects or images repeated throughout the picture. It’s also possible to show connections between different examples of imagery in the film. For example, you may discuss the meaning of oranges in The Godfather .
- Narrative Structure Analysis. This common type of analysis lets you look deeper into the various story elements, such as plot, narrative structure, and characters. For example, you may use it to explore the story and setting of Psycho.
- Contextual Analysis. In a contextual analysis, you draw connections between the film and its cultural and historical context. This works well with documentary films or movies based on real events. For example, you can describe the atmosphere of the Cold War in Red Dawn and The Hunt for Red October .
- Mise-En-Scene Analysis . If you want to go into deep detail about the beauty and meaning of scenes or single shots, mise-en-scene analysis is right for you. It lets you take a look at individual elements and interpret them. For example, you may try to explain how various details of the surroundings were depicted in Akira Kurosawa’s Yojimbo. This analysis is as effective for short films as it is for feature-length ones.
Creating a high-quality, compelling essay isn’t just about being creative. It also needs structure and a systematic approach. You can’t write it right if you don’t know how to do it. So, we’ll take a closer look at each step of this process to make your journey more comfortable. Come with us and learn what makes a movie critique essay great.
Prepare for Writing the Film Analysis Paper
Before you begin your first draft, it’s vital to prepare for the film analysis. This process is divided into five stages. We’ve decided to provide some advice and ideas for each of them. Look closely at what should be done to better prepare for this task:
Personal assessment is everything. While reading what others think about a film is tempting, carefully watch it yourself first. You may spot things that other viewers didn’t highlight. It also gives you a better understanding of the pictures’ characters and plot. | |
While your film critique should be personal, it must be factually correct. Ensure that the title, character names, and people involved in the making of the film are written correctly. Also, make notes of important plot points, symbols, and devices. | |
After you watch the work several times, pick elements that should be covered in the paper. You may have to express your overall opinion about the feature or analyze its individual components. | |
Depending on the you get, it might be necessary to research the film thoroughly. You may consult professional reviews or academic articles when writing about the film’s connection to sociology, culture, history, or other subjects. | |
Lastly, you need an outline covering the essay’s main points. A will keep you on track with the context of each paragraph. Your mind will wander less, and you’ll get more done. |
Movie Analysis Format & Structure
A well-organized film essay structure will help you properly present your ideas and arguments. That is why we have provided some advice on how you should format your essay.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay Create a draft for your essay.](https://overnightessay.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Make-a-draft-of-your-essay-1024x338.jpg)
There are several parts you should include when writing your film critique:
- Introduction . Any good piece of writing starts with a catchy introduction. It must give readers a small taste of what the paper will be about with unique insights and analysis. One look at it should be enough to hook your readers.
- Body . After writing the perfect intro, summarize the work you’ll analyze and focus on the crucial plot points. Then, provide an analysis of the motion picture at length. Check your outline to ensure you only talk about relevant aspects. When organizing each of your paragraphs , you should remember its purpose and try not to stray off topic.
- Conclusion . The last part of your paper should summarize the main points and present your final thoughts. Don’t haste and write the first thing that comes to mind. Ensure that the conclusion is as impactful as the introductory part.
Sometimes, students get too engrossed when watching a movie and leave out essential details. To make sure that doesn’t happen, follow this movie analysis template. It will help you retain information and avoid making mistakes.
Write down the year of the film’s release and its title. | |
State the film’s director and the company (or companies) responsible for its release. | |
List the main and side characters related to the . There’s no need to include all the extras and cameo roles you might come across. Stay focused on the relevant cast. | |
It’s vital to summarize the general plot in your paper. List the key events the characters go through, their consequences, and how and why they play out. If a specific scene doesn’t have a significant impact, you can skip it. | |
Some film essays analyze the importance of the opening credits. For example, think about the visuals and the style of this portion in the movie by Martin Scorsese. | |
A movie analysis may also be an evaluation of different actors. You can tell your readers about people you’ve found particularly compelling or unconvincing. | |
In this section, you may describe sets, decor, props, costumes, and lighting that made a movie scene shine. For example, analyze how these elements are used in . | |
You should also discuss the quality of the cinematography, camera shots, movements, and focus. To illustrate, the 1990 Goodfellas masterfully used track shots and different camera angles. |
🤩 11 Tips to Follow While Writing a Movie Analysis
A movie analysis essay writing requires exceptional attention to detail. We’ve come up with several terrific pieces of advice that will improve your writing skills regarding these assignments. They will work for you whether you’re analyzing a Tim Burton animated film or the legendary Titanic movie.
- Even if you’ve seen the work before, rewatch it. It will refresh your memories of it.
- Don’t rush things, and see the movie at least twice. Arrange your time to have the opportunity to refresh your memories of the plot details.
- Sometimes, it helps to work on the body of the paper before adding an introduction.
- Develop a clear thesis statement . It helps better organize the paper’s arguments.
- Closely investigate the audio and visual elements. They often help bring more nuance to the story and the film’s atmosphere.
- Don’t make the paper all about the plot. It should be an analysis and not a retelling of the entire story.
- To make the paper more professional, incorporate some technical jargon. For example, you may explain the techniques used by the camera crew or the editors.
- Do your best to remain objective. Your paper should analyze the movie elements and your opinions should be evidence-based.
- Compare the film to other genre entries. Try to tell how other works tackle the same subjects and utilize similar cinema elements .
- Check the structural integrity of the work. Comb the paper for any inconsistencies or sentences that seem to dangle in the air. Your text should be easy to follow.
- Finally, remember to edit. It’s important to polish the paper until you have all the facts, grammar, stylistics, and spelling in order.
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💡 Interesting Topics for Film Analysis Essays
- Pandora’s Unobtanium: Analyzing James Cameron’s “Avatar”
- Truth and Its Consequences in “Liar Liar” Directed by Tom Shadyac
- The Feminist Revolution in “Mona Lisa Smile” by Mike Newell
- Blade Runner’s Cyberpunk Aesthetic: A Scene Analysis
- Society and Class Distinctions in “Pride and Prejudice” Movie
- Power, Loyalty, and Betrayal in “The Godfather” by Francis Ford Coppola
- The Heroine’s Journey into “The Wizard of Oz” by Victor Fleming
- Generational Saga “Mi Familia” by Gregory Nava
- Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates: A Cinematic Journey in ‘Forrest Gump’
- Transformation in “Dances with Wolves” by Kevin Costner
- Spirit of Nature and Childhood Innocence in “My Neighbor Totoro”
- Subversive Masculinity in “Fight Club” by David Fincher
- Intercultural Communication in “Lost in Translation” by Sofia Coppola
- Ethical Dilemmas and Family Bonds in “My Sister’s Keeper” by Nick Cassavetes
- Shakespearean Romance and Identity in “Shakespeare in Love”
Three Brilliant Movie Analysis Examples
Theoretical knowledge will only take you so far. We suggest taking a look at several scene analysis essay examples. Check out these three creative samples with different analytical approaches:
- “Remember the Titans” Movie by Jerry Bruckheimer. Outstanding achievement can only be won through hardship. It doesn’t matter whether you’re fighting for equality or striving to win a football game. Each small event resonates in history. Jerry Bruckheimer’s Remember the Titans is a testament to the sacrifice and struggle people endure to make a difference. This essay analyzes the work using several scenes that capture its central message.
- The Analysis of Film “Wilby Wonderful.” Interpersonal relationships remain a big issue from a psychological point of view for many despite the perceived ease of their maintenance. It causes many misunderstandings and conflicts people may inadvertently find themselves in. Daniel Maclvor’s Wilby Wonderful demonstrates these inadequacies in full view on the streets of the Canadian island town of Wilby. This essay analyzes the themes of self-denial and the consequences it brings.
- Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: 1994 Movie Analysis Essay. 1994’s Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, directed by Kenneth Branagh, is one of the many adaptations of the classic horror novel. Like the original story, it explores the consequences of man playing god. But, despite its star-ridden cast led by Robert DeNiro, the film doesn’t quite live up to its literary counterpart. This paper analyzes why the adaptation didn’t capture the spirit of the original.
We did our best to address all questions you might have had about film review writing. Feel free to use our guide and review essay examples to write excellent papers and share our articles with your friends.
- Resources – How to Write a Film Analysis. – Northwestern University
- Film Analysis. – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Film Writing: Sample Analysis. – Purdue University
- How to Write a Movie Review: 9 Essential Tips. – New York Film Academy
- Step by Step Guide to Writing an Essay on Film. – Film Threat
- How To Write a Critical Analysis in 5 Steps (With Tips). – Indeed
- Film Review. – Writing Studio, Duke University
- How to Write About Film: The Movie Review, The Theoretical Essay, and The Critical Essay. – University of Colorado Denver
- Film & Media Studies Resources: Researching a Film. – Bowling Green State University
- Questions for Film Analysis. – University of Washington
How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Effective Tips
Doesn’t a film analysis sound exciting? Who wouldn’t dive into their favorite movie of all time and present it in front of the whole class?
Undoubtedly, every youngster adores sharing impressions about the latest Netflix, Marvel, or Disney movies.
Yet, as thrilling as this thought might seem, it requires some hard work and fundamental knowledge about paper composition. A film analysis essay isn’t only a bare recounting of events and mentioning a few heroes and villains. Moreover, teachers often assign a specific genre, such as a documentary, a classic, or a musical.
In most cases, you’ll need to conceptualize a critical overview. Your work must elaborate on the storyline, actors, staging, music, and camerawork and prove your findings with appropriate evidence. As with any other analytical piece, this will consist of clearly divided and academically written paragraphs.
But how do you analyze a movie?
How do you draft an objective and informative piece that appeals to the broader masses? Don’t worry because we got your back. This blog post will help you write a film analysis essay from scratch to finish. Follow our advice to earn yourself some excellent grades.
What Is a Movie Analysis Essay?
By definition, a movie analysis revolves around the storyline of a film you or your teacher selected. It can be about any picture, but in most cases, you’ll have to write about features considered valuable for society. Their relevance can range from political and religious to artistic and intellectual.
Films worth analyzing carry sublime messages valid across several generations and aren’t for leisure only. They don’t just tell stories but teach priceless lessons and provoke powerful emotions.
The analysis should express your thoughts on the afterview synoptic. It will cover various aspects, including performance, cinematography, and screenplay writing. Though one film review might focus on one segment, like lighting, it’s best if it includes all elements to avoid being one-dimensional.
Moreover, the writing must be well-balanced and non-biased. It should provide detailed descriptions, references, and quotes from the actors. Another excellent approach is to link the dominant theme to topics in films produced by the same director and explain how they relate.
Different Film Analysis Types of Essays
As mentioned, you can pick a movie from almost any period or production and describe it. However, the complexity of some films allows writers to pick their reviewing perspective. Depending on your angle, you can choose between several film analysis options.
Narrative Analysis
These papers are similar to standard literary reviews. The essay will examine the scenes, the themes, the narrative structure, and the motives of each character. It aims to answer three questions related to the setup (where), heroes and villains (who), and problems and motifs (what). The more effort you put into describing the film’s techniques and the central themes, the better the outcome.
Semiotic Analysis
Motion pictures urge viewers to grasp more complex notions. Hence, semiotic analyses are about understanding the hidden meaning of the symbols presented on the big screen. Signs that carry a message will appear on many occasions, so your ability to pay attention to details is crucial. All great moving pictures have incredible symbolism that tells tales without using words.
Cultural Analysis
Also known as contextual analysis, this type reveals the cultural context of a movie. Unlike writing a summary of an article , a cultural analysis template deal with the inner world of the film. Hence, teachers consider it a more challenging task and assign it to culturally-aware learners. Above all, you must understand the social and political issues at the time and place of filming to write a compelling film analysis paper.
Mise-en-scène Analysis
This movie analysis elaborates on audiovisual elements, such as lighting, soundtracks, and background noises. Besides listing the key segments, you must also identify their importance. Though often irrelevant at first sight, audio and graphic elements have immense power to boost the plot.
Guide to Writing a Film Analysis Essay
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The initial assignment may confuse an untrained eye with no clue where to begin. However, things will get easier once you get the main idea and draft the outline. Consider these tips to make the writing process as seamless as possible.
- Check the instructions. When you receive the prompt, read it carefully. Your arguments and the course in which you’ll steer your custom essay writing will depend on it.
- Enjoy the movie. Watch it several times to ensure you grasp the most important topics and aspects. Taking notes will help you keep track of the narration. Often, using a screenplay may further ease your attempts.
- Consider the aspects you’ll include in your essay. You can’t mention everything, so find the predominant themes and characters. Then, organize your findings into paragraphs and support them with evidence.
- Decide what goes in the introduction. Usually, the opening involves the movie basics. Summarizing all key concepts is also a must. The body will contain the analysis plus your views on whether the film reached its objectives. Finally, the closing will wrap up the movie and advice people to watch it or not.
- Write in parts. Work on the first draft that doesn’t have to be perfect. However, concentrate on the essay’s structure, opinion relevance, and flow of thought. They must all align with the preset requirements.
- Edit and proofread. No work will be complete without meticulous editing. Hence, check your work for possible typos, grammar errors, or improper phrasing.
Do you still wonder how to start a film analysis essay? Below is a detailed list of all the steps you should take when working on your manuscript.
Thesis Statement
Remember that this element is vital for the rest of your manuscript. The thesis should round up and squeeze the dominant narration threads. It explains what comes next and implies your thoughts on the elaborated topics.
This part should combine the film expectations, the author’s point of view, and your insight. As a final step, write a short and concise claim that makes a smooth transition to the introductory paragraph.
Introduction
The film analysis intro must be information-packed and catchy. It usually contains the film title, the director, the cast, the release year, and the cinema impact. It should also hook the reader and offer invaluable insights. Don’t forget to validate and highlight your claim.
If you still lack the skills to make an initial impact, consider a college application essay writing service to assist you at the onset. These experts will help you explore the relevant filmography and build links with current trends.
Once you have the overall format, split the film into its constituents and bring each segment to the forefront. Here is a brief sample of what to mention:
- The script should have a logical sequence, whether it presents historical facts or depicts a love story. A well-written opening should spur the audience’s interest and contain amusing dialogue. When drafting, check the scene consistency and scripting clarity.
- Study the director’s style and patterns. Trace their distinctive methods and compare these to some previous works. If you buy a compare and contrast essay online , you will see what the ideal piece should cover.
- The way actors express their emotions has a massive effect on viewers. Their body language, dialect, and facial expressions are equally important. In most cases, an actor can make or break an otherwise excellent film. Your job is to show how their performance conveys the key messages.
- Sound and picture. Setting a positive mood is impossible without pleasant soundtracks and appealing visual effects. Give an example of how each segment (special features, makeup, sounds, and costumes) enables or interferes with expressing the author’s ideas.
Your ending must demonstrate that you can build logic between different segments. Therefore, ensure the resolution of the analyzed piece restates your claims and shows your viewpoints. The analysis must also appeal to the viewers and motivate them to check the film.
In general, most movies are complex art forms, so refrain from being shallow and touching the surface only. Be creative and try to offer a reply to controversial questions asked for centuries.
Related posts:
- Argumentative Essay Topics, Examples, and Free Ideas
- How to Write a Research Paper Outline: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Effective Tips
- How to Structure and Write an Effective Critique Paper
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Definition Essay: The Complete Guide with Essay Topics and Examples
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Critical Essay: The Complete Guide. Essay Topics, Examples and Outlines
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Film Analysis: Example, Topics, & Essay Writing Guide [2024]
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It’s hardly possible to find one who is not keen on watching films. It is one of the most common ways of spending free time. When it comes to writing a film analysis essay, you would probably be confused.
Don’t worry! We gathered everything you need to make it without a hitch. What’s more, you will find free essay samples as a bonus.
📽️ What Is a Film Analysis?
✍️ film analysis terms, 📜 film analysis types.
- 📼 Film Genres: List
✨ How to Write a Film Analysis
- ✍️ Film Analysis Essay Topics
- 🗒 Film Analysis Template and Example
🔗 References
F ilm analysis expresses the afterview synoptic. The result is a transparent and informative thesis and its arguments .
Don’t forget you should maintain an appropriate academic style. This article explains how to manage it well, using the proper terminology, structure, techniques, etc.
As an introduction to film analysis, explore a list of general film analysis terms. They come as an inseparable part of your film analysis essay.
Find them below.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay Auteur definition.](https://studycorgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Auteur-1200x368.jpg)
Auteur: Definition
The auteur is the French equivalent of the English word author. The auteur’s definition is straightforward. As a rule, the film’s director is the author. Why so? Director is a core role that manages all processes: from organizing a filmmaking crew and cast to every aspect of the film.
Diegesis in films is all about the fictional world elements. Everything the director creates and transfers on the screen is diegesis. Time framework, setting, range of events, etc., are examples of those elements.
Flashback and Flashforward
Flashback and flashforward imply relating to a chronological flow of a narrative. Flashback is a scene that takes it back in time from the present point of the film.
A flashforward differs from the flashback only by the time-shifting direction: it takes the audience to the plot pieces later in the film.
Mise-en-scène
The term looks confusing, but it is easy as pie. A pre-defined set of a film’s scene is a mise-en-scène . Everything in the camera’s focus: exposure, actors, and other elements form a mise-en-scène.
The Plot of a Story
The plot of a story is a sequence of events and their interactions that make up a story shown in a film.
Scene vs. Sequence
To put it simply, the scene and the sequence differ by the number of shots. The scene is short and consists of a few shots. The sequence is a more significant film part as it implies several scenes. As you may have guessed, the entire movie consists of several sequences.
The variety of possible film genres and their complexity assume more than one way to analyze them. There are several film analysis types, depending on the reviewing angle.
Narrative Analysis
This approach is similar to literary analysis. It means examining the film plot, narrative structure, motives, and characters. The research is built on answering the three simple questions: who, what, and where?
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay Mise-en-scène definion.](https://studycorgi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Mise-en-scene-1200x368.jpg)
Semiotic Analysis
Everything about understanding the hidden meaning of the symbols is a semiotic analysis of the film. Those symbols usually appear more than once in a movie. Also, particular directors tend to repeat specific symbols. This type of analysis requires very close attention to detail.
Mise-en-scène Analysis
We have already found what mise-en-scène is: a setting with the lighting, soundtrack, background, etc. When we focus on those audio and visual elements and their meaning, we talk about the mise-en-scène analysis. Audiovisual elements may seem insignificant at first glance, but they carry tremendous importance and power to support the plot.
📼 Film Genres List
Having grasped the basic film analysis terms and types, we move on to the starting point of film analysis. We talk about defining a film genre.
You do not have to be a cinema theorist or a crazy film fan to identify one from another. Anyways, let’s list the common film genres and describe them briefly. Please, check the table below:
№ | Description | |
---|---|---|
1 | Comedy | is one of the pioneers in film genres. The main driver of comedy is humor. Various techniques aim to evoke joy and laughter in the audience. The most prominent comedy attribute is the happy ending. |
2 | Thriller | can be described as a process of grabbing the audience’s attention from the beginning to the climax. This process is accompanied by the evocation of anticipation, thrill, surprise, anxiety, and other mentally “uncomfy” feelings. |
3 | Drama | Probably the largest film category. portray people and their inner selves; they depict the characters from different sides and show their personal growth. Dramas illustrate characters and their unique stories in a real-life setting. |
4 | Action | Action films are fast, energetic, and spectacular. The central character is a protagonist who fights against evil. The integral part scenes are battles, chase scenes, rescues, escapes, and fights. |
5 | Fantasy | immerse audiences in non-existent universes filled with limitless opportunities. Escapism, dreams, and wonders serve as tools to open new boundaries of physical laws or human possibilities. |
6 | Horror | uncover the underlying fears and cause panic and dismay. These movies are as scary as they are compelling. both frighten and captivate at the same time. The standard features are screamers, unexpected spooky scenes, etc. |
7 | Mystery | As a rule, in mystery films, a hero takes the path to figure out a bizarre accident or crime followed by mysterious circumstances. While seeking the truth, the hero shows off the trait of curiosity, diligence, and confidence. |
8 | Romance | Romance is all about two characters depicted in a love story. The central plot focus is the journey from first sight to relationships, birth, and growth. The accompanying circumstances like family resentment, hazards, illnesses, and the difference in social status are fueling the story. |
There is also a deeper categorization. Each genre in the list has several, sometimes overlapping sub-genres.
We are closer to the central part: we’ve approached the writing guide.
Are you still struggling with how to write a film analysis essay? The solid solution is, to begin with conducting a step-by-step plan. Move on, and we will tell you how to do it!
Like every other paper, hence literary analysis, writing film analysis involves several ultimate steps. There is nothing groundbreaking here. All the steps are familiar. They are:
- Thesis statement
- Introduction
Let’s touch upon each step and note what is worth considering (after watching the movie itself).
Film Analysis Outline
The first and foremost step is writing a film analysis essay outline. You need to make a short draft with the core measures to analyze the film. Mind the instructions in case you have them. Organize the ideas in a list and proceed to the next step.
Film Analysis Thesis Statement
Pay special attention to writing a film analysis thesis statement. You first need to squeeze out the central narrative threads and ideas. The thesis statement should focus on what you will prove in your essay by transforming those ideas into new meanings.
Concentrate on the combination of film expectations, the auteur’s point of view, and your own critical opinion. In the end, formulate a concise thesis statement and move on to the introduction preparation.
Film Analysis Introduction
Your film analysis introduction should be informative and catchy. Give the general information about the film. It may contain the movie title, director, release year, and cast.
After building an introduction background:
- Dive deeper.
- Explore the director’s filmography or build possible links between the film and the current trends or social agenda.
- Include as many valuable insights as you can to spark a thought in the reader’s mind.
Remember that the introduction should validate and complement your thesis statement.
Having the outline and the formulated thesis statement, you should, in a way, break down a film into its creative elements and analyze each of them. At once individually, and then as a whole picture.
What are those creative elements?
- Directing. Since we have mentioned the role of the director time and again, let’s start with it. Trace their distinctive directing manner to find new patterns and compare them to previous works.
- Scenario. In most films, often except for art-house cinema, the script plays one of the critical roles in its power. A well-written scenario helps develop the narrative and each character. It reduces the risk of silly inconsistencies or mistakes. After watching, try to access the level of scripting consistency and clarity.
- Acting. Even though we’ve just defined the role of the scenario, acting sometimes plays louder than words. Try to answer the question: how accurately does the actors’ performance reveals and conveys the author’s main idea and your thesis statement.
- Music and visual effects. Setting the overall mood is what is impossible without soundtracks and visual effects. Provide an example of how each part, special effects, sounds, make-up, or costumes, help, or vice-a-versa, interfere in expressing the author’s message.
While analyzing, don’t forget to build logic between each element. Make a smooth and solid review.
We’ve approached the icing on the cake — your film analysis conclusion. Once again, make sure your analysis confirms the thesis statement and show it in your resolution.
Remember that movies are complex pieces of art. Don’t be too shallow in your essay. Try to see a bigger picture and put it in words.
Now that we’ve outlined the plan let’s figure out how it works on a real example.
✍️ 20 Film Analysis Essay Topics
- Sociological concepts in “The Truman Show” film
- The process of shame to violence in Bergman film: “Shame”
- “The King’s Speech” movie and anxiety disorder
- Gender biases in “If These Walls Could Talk 2” film
- “The Neighbor’s Window”: film review
- Ethical, political and social issues in business in “The Corporation” movie
- Mental health illness in the film “When a Man Loves a Woman”
- The Devil Wears Prada film’s critical analysis
- Negotiation situation in “The Godfather” movie
- “Watchmen” film in relation to the American dream
- Moral and theme in “The Pursuit of Happiness” movie
- “The State of Play: Trophy Kids”: main idea and summary of the film
- Narrative campaign of “The Hunger Games” film
- Review of “Mon Oncle” movie: a portrayal of France
- Gender and family in “Gone With the Wind” film
- Sociology of “Avatar” movie by James Cameron
- Historical themes in the movie “Gladiator”
- Review of “Kung Fu Panda” movie: educational psychology
- Settings in Bollywood cinema: “Bobby” movie
- Visual effects in the “1917” movie
🗒️ Film Analysis Template and Example
We prepared a short-outlined essay sample. Explore the table to understand what your analysis may look like. Here is the “Solaris” film analysis essay example.
Essay Example | Film Analysis Essay Sample |
---|---|
Andrey Tarkovsky’s Solaris Analysis | The film “Solaris” by Andrey Tarkovsky was released in 1972 as an adaptation of the 1960th science fiction novel by Stanislav Lem. “Let us take you with us to Solaris, the planet of mystery, an embodiment of man’s latent conflict with the unknown. Man, face to face with his conscience and past,” the film slogan states. Was Tarkovsky able to convey this message to the viewer? What tools did he use? The visuals of Solaris deserve to be taught in cinematic schools. The virtuosity of the camerawork is impossible to describe in words. Living, sparkling pictures of nature, the chill of the space station, the alien heart of the Ocean — everything is shot so great that in addition to the color shades, it conveys even the temperature changes of what is happening on the screen. During a long time on the station, protagonist Calvin realizes that the one thing that unites him with the mighty “Supermind” is that every intelligent being in the universe always suffers eternal loneliness. Throwing away all attempts to understand the Ocean, he plunges into its waves. He ceases all inner resistance and surrenders to its powerful and incomprehensible willpower. The overall picture of the setting, script, audiovisual effects, etc., assist the director in translating the idea of humanity’s unpreparedness for the new. Humankind has not yet reached the required level to discover unknown cosmic universes. All attempts to understand “another mind” will fail until man fully explores themselves. |
You may take this or other essay samples from StudyCorgi as a template for your future writing. It will save your time and make the process transparent. Don’t hesitate to use them!
You’ve just found out the primary terms, tips, and a film analysis guide.
Now, as we have shed light on the film analysis techniques and showcased the real examples, the task seems not as tricky as at first sight. Save this article or share it with a friend to avoid losing!
What Is the Purpose of Film Analysis?
Film analysis aims to extract value from watching a movie, except for leisure. Films do not just tell a story. They bring a message, provoke feelings, and teach precious lessons. Directors sometimes encode priceless meanings applicable to many generations.
How to Analyze a Movie Effectively?
To analyze a movie effectively, you should acquire the appropriate terminology. Then, understand the existing types of film analysis and their difference. After that, outline your future film analysis paper and look through the extant examples.
What Is Formal Analysis in Film?
The formal analysis comprises the investigation of professional elements of film production like camera motion, lighting, color editing, special effects, and other inner working processes. The average viewer does not pay much attention to them, but we should not diminish their importance.
What Are the 4 Elements of Film Analysis?
One of the many interpretations of this question is the following: the first component is a film plot, the second one is the existing arguments about the film, the third one is a film background, and the fourth is their evaluation.
- Film Analysis — The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Film Term Glossary — Brooklyn College
- Film Analysis and Methods — Penn Arts & Science Cinema & Media Studies
- Movie Genres – 120+ Examples of Different Movie Genres – NFI
- A Guide to Writing a Film Studies Paper: Carleton University
- How to Write an Analytical Essay — MDC
- Film Analysis Research Papers – Academia.edu
- Shot, Scene, and Sequence — Columbia Film Language Glossary
- Diegesis — Oxford Reference
- Film Analysis Essay Sample — Purdue Online Writing Lab
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Film Writing: Sample Analysis
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Introductory Note
The analysis below discusses the opening moments of the science fiction movie Ex Machina in order to make an argument about the film's underlying purpose. The text of the analysis is formatted normally. Editor's commentary, which will occasionally interrupt the piece to discuss the author's rhetorical strategies, is written in brackets in an italic font with a bold "Ed.:" identifier. See the examples below:
The text of the analysis looks like this.
[ Ed.: The editor's commentary looks like this. ]
Frustrated Communication in Ex Machina ’s Opening Sequence
Alex Garland’s 2015 science fiction film Ex Machina follows a young programmer’s attempts to determine whether or not an android possesses a consciousness complicated enough to pass as human. The film is celebrated for its thought-provoking depiction of the anxiety over whether a nonhuman entity could mimic or exceed human abilities, but analyzing the early sections of the film, before artificial intelligence is even introduced, reveals a compelling examination of humans’ inability to articulate their thoughts and feelings. In its opening sequence, Ex Machina establishes that it’s not only about the difficulty of creating a machine that can effectively talk to humans, but about human beings who struggle to find ways to communicate with each other in an increasingly digital world.
[ Ed.: The piece's opening introduces the film with a plot summary that doesn't give away too much and a brief summary of the critical conversation that has centered around the film. Then, however, it deviates from this conversation by suggesting that Ex Machina has things to say about humanity before non-human characters even appear. Off to a great start. ]
The film’s first establishing shots set the action in a busy modern office. A woman sits at a computer, absorbed in her screen. The camera looks at her through a glass wall, one of many in the shot. The reflections of passersby reflected in the glass and the workspace’s dim blue light make it difficult to determine how many rooms are depicted. The camera cuts to a few different young men typing on their phones, their bodies partially concealed both by people walking between them and the camera and by the stylized modern furniture that surrounds them. The fourth shot peeks over a computer monitor at a blonde man working with headphones in. A slight zoom toward his face suggests that this is an important character, and the cut to a point-of-view shot looking at his computer screen confirms this. We later learn that this is Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer whose perspective the film follows.
The rest of the sequence cuts between shots from Caleb’s P.O.V. and reaction shots of his face, as he receives and processes the news that he has won first prize in a staff competition. Shocked, Caleb dives for his cellphone and texts several people the news. Several people immediately respond with congratulatory messages, and after a moment the woman from the opening shot runs in to give him a hug. At this point, the other people in the room look up, smile, and start clapping, while Caleb smiles disbelievingly—perhaps even anxiously—and the camera subtly zooms in a bit closer. Throughout the entire sequence, there is no sound other than ambient electronic music that gets slightly louder and more textured as the sequence progresses. A jump cut to an aerial view of a glacial landscape ends the sequence and indicates that Caleb is very quickly transported into a very unfamiliar setting, implying that he will have difficulty adjusting to this sudden change in circumstances.
[ Ed.: These paragraphs are mostly descriptive. They give readers the information they will need to understand the argument the piece is about to offer. While passages like this can risk becoming boring if they dwell on unimportant details, the author wisely limits herself to two paragraphs and maintains a driving pace through her prose style choices (like an almost exclusive reliance on active verbs). ]
Without any audible dialogue or traditional expository setup of the main characters, this opening sequence sets viewers up to make sense of Ex Machina ’s visual style and its exploration of the ways that technology can both enhance and limit human communication. The choice to make the dialogue inaudible suggests that in-person conversations have no significance. Human-to-human conversations are most productive in this sequence when they are mediated by technology. Caleb’s first response when he hears his good news is to text his friends rather than tell the people sitting around him, and he makes no move to take his headphones out when the in-person celebration finally breaks out. Everyone in the building is on their phones, looking at screens, or has headphones in, and the camera is looking at screens through Caleb’s viewpoint for at least half of the sequence.
Rather than simply muting the specific conversations that Caleb has with his coworkers, the ambient soundtrack replaces all the noise that a crowded building in the middle of a workday would ordinarily have. This silence sets the uneasy tone that characterizes the rest of the film, which is as much a horror-thriller as a piece of science fiction. Viewers get the sense that all the sounds that humans make as they walk around and talk to each other are being intentionally filtered out by some presence, replaced with a quiet electronic beat that marks the pacing of the sequence, slowly building to a faster tempo. Perhaps the sound of people is irrelevant: only the visual data matters here. Silence is frequently used in the rest of the film as a source of tension, with viewers acutely aware that it could be broken at any moment. Part of the horror of the research bunker, which will soon become the film’s primary setting, is its silence, particularly during sequences of Caleb sneaking into restricted areas and being startled by a sudden noise.
The visual style of this opening sequence reinforces the eeriness of the muted humans and electronic soundtrack. Prominent use of shallow focus to depict a workspace that is constructed out of glass doors and walls makes it difficult to discern how large the space really is. The viewer is thus spatially disoriented in each new setting. This layering of glass and mirrors, doubling some images and obscuring others, is used later in the film when Caleb meets the artificial being Ava (Alicia Vikander), who is not allowed to leave her glass-walled living quarters in the research bunker. The similarity of these spaces visually reinforces the film’s late revelation that Caleb has been manipulated by Nathan Bates (Oscar Isaac), the troubled genius who creates Ava.
[ Ed.: In these paragraphs, the author cites the information about the scene she's provided to make her argument. Because she's already teased the argument in the introduction and provided an account of her evidence, it doesn't strike us as unreasonable or far-fetched here. Instead, it appears that we've naturally arrived at the same incisive, fascinating points that she has. ]
A few other shots in the opening sequence more explicitly hint that Caleb is already under Nathan’s control before he ever arrives at the bunker. Shortly after the P.O.V shot of Caleb reading the email notification that he won the prize, we cut to a few other P.O.V. shots, this time from the perspective of cameras in Caleb’s phone and desktop computer. These cameras are not just looking at Caleb, but appear to be scanning him, as the screen flashes in different color lenses and small points appear around Caleb’s mouth, eyes, and nostrils, tracking the smallest expressions that cross his face. These small details indicate that Caleb is more a part of this digital space than he realizes, and also foreshadow the later revelation that Nathan is actively using data collected by computers and webcams to manipulate Caleb and others. The shots from the cameras’ perspectives also make use of a subtle fisheye lens, suggesting both the wide scope of Nathan’s surveillance capacities and the slightly distorted worldview that motivates this unethical activity.
[ Ed.: This paragraph uses additional details to reinforce the piece's main argument. While this move may not be as essential as the one in the preceding paragraphs, it does help create the impression that the author is noticing deliberate patterns in the film's cinematography, rather than picking out isolated coincidences to make her points. ]
Taken together, the details of Ex Machina ’s stylized opening sequence lay the groundwork for the film’s long exploration of the relationship between human communication and technology. The sequence, and the film, ultimately suggests that we need to develop and use new technologies thoughtfully, or else the thing that makes us most human—our ability to connect through language—might be destroyed by our innovations. All of the aural and visual cues in the opening sequence establish a world in which humans are utterly reliant on technology and yet totally unaware of the nefarious uses to which a brilliant but unethical person could put it.
Author's Note: Thanks to my literature students whose in-class contributions sharpened my thinking on this scene .
[ Ed.: The piece concludes by tying the main themes of the opening sequence to those of the entire film. In doing this, the conclusion makes an argument for the essay's own relevance: we need to pay attention to the essay's points so that we can achieve a rich understanding of the movie. The piece's final sentence makes a chilling final impression by alluding to the danger that might loom if we do not understand the movie. This is the only the place in the piece where the author explicitly references how badly we might be hurt by ignorance, and it's all the more powerful for this solitary quality. A pithy, charming note follows, acknowledging that the author's work was informed by others' input (as most good writing is). Beautifully done. ]
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Step By Step Guide to Writing an Essay on Film
By Film Threat Staff | December 29, 2021
Writing an essay about a film sounds like a fun assignment to do. As part of the assignment, you get to watch the movie and write an analytical essay about your impressions. However, you will soon find that you’re staring at an empty sheet of paper or computer screen with no idea what to write, how to start writing your essay, or the essential points that need to be covered and analyzed. As an essay writing service proves, watching the movie countless times isn’t all there is to write a film analysis essay. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with an essay service :
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay](https://cdn-0.filmthreat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FEATURE-MovieTheater-Netflix-Couch-WatchingMovies001.png)
1. Watch the Movie
This is the obvious starting point, but surprisingly many students skip this step. It doesn’t matter if you’ve watched the movie twice before. If you’re asked to write an essay about it, you need to watch it again. Watching the film again allows you to pay more attention to specific elements to help you write an in-depth analysis about it.
Watching the movie is crucial because it helps you not specific parts of the movie that can be used as illustrations and examples in your essay. You’re also going to explore and analyze the movie theme within your structured plan. Some of the critical elements that you have to look out for while watching the movie that may be crucial for your essay are:
- Key plot moments
- Editing style
- Stylistic elements
- Scenario execution
- Musical elements
2. Introduction
Your introduction will contain essential information about the film, such as the title, release date, director’s name, etc. This familiarizes the reader with the movie’s primary background information. In addition, researching the filmmaker may be crucial for your essay because it may help you discover valuable insights for your film analysis.
The introduction should also mention the movie’s central theme and explain why you think it was made that way.
Do not forget to include your thesis statement, which explains your focus on the movie.
3. Write a Summary
According to an essay writing service providing students help with essays , a movie summary comes after the introduction. It includes the film’s basic premise, but it doesn’t have to reveal too many details about the film. It’s a summary, after all. Write the summary like your readers have not heard about the movie before, so you can mention the most basic plots but assume you have minimal time so you won’t be going into great details.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay](https://cdn-0.filmthreat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FEATURE-Writing-Screenwriting-Movies-00A.png)
4. Write Your Analysis
This is the central part of the essay in which you analyze the movie critically and state your impressions about the film. Ensure to support your claims with relevant materials from the movie.
There are also several creative elements in a movie that are connected to make the film a whole. You must pay attention to these elements while watching the movie and analyze them in this part of the essay.
In this, you are looking out for the dialogs, character development, completion of scenes, and logical event sequences in the film to analyze.
Ensure you try to understand the logic behind events in the film and the actor’s motives to explain the scenario better.
The responsibility of different parts of the movie, such as plan selection and scenario execution, falls on the director. So, your analysis here focuses on how the director realized the script compared to his other movies. Understanding the director’s style of directing may be crucial to coming up with a conclusion relevant to your analysis and thesis.
The casting of a film is a significant element to consider in your essay. Without a great actor, the scriptwriter and director can’t bring their ideas to life. So, watch the actor’s acting and determine if they portrayed the character effectively and if their acting aligns with the film’s main idea.
- Musical element
A movie’s musical element enhances some of the sceneries or actions in the film and sets the mood. It has a massive impact on the movie, so it’s an essential element to analyze in your essay.
- Visual elements
This includes special effects, make-up, costumes, etc., which significantly impact the film. These elements must reflect the film’s atmosphere. It is even more crucial for historical movies since it has to be specific about an era.
Ensure to analyze elements relevant to your thesis statement, so you don’t drift from your main point.
5. Conclusion
In concluding your essay, you have to summarize the primary concepts more convincingly to support your analysis. Finally, you may include a CTA for readers to watch or avoid the movie.
These are the crucial steps to take when writing an essay about a film . Knowing this beforehand prevents you from struggling to start writing after watching the movie.
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It’s really amazing instructions! I have got the great knowledge.
[…] now and then. Unfortunately, not all of us can afford to get cinema tickets to do so. Some…Writing an essay about a film sounds like a fun assignment to do. As part of the assignment, you get…Since a few decades the film and entertainment sector have undergone some drastic transformation. […]
I can’t list the number of essays that don’t follow this format in the least. But then I find most reviews of movies terrible and most people who purport themselves to be writers as people who need to spend more time drafting and editing before publishing.
Thanks for this
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How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Examples, Outline, and Tips
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If you’re a student of filmmaking or just a film fan who also likes writing a blog, you will likely have to craft an essay on a movie’s analysis at some point. Writing a film analysis essay can either be very difficult or very simple, depending on how prepared you are for it. This guide will teach you all the basics you need to craft such a written piece, and you won’t have to worry about it any longer.
📽️ Intro to Film Analysis
Before we get started, it’s important to know what this term stands for. Simply put, a movie analysis lays out the synopsis of what you’ve just watched. It can be written in many ways and styles, but it’s essentially your review of the content. It is usually crafted in a very academic tone when written for school but can be very candid as well if written for a personal blog.
✍️ Important Terms
There are a ton of different terms you’ll come across when writing a film analysis essay outline. However, here are some of the main ones you should keep in mind:
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay](https://www.jguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2-800x533.jpg)
Auteur is French for the word author. This can be confusing at first because Auteur does not actually mean a film’s author. Instead, it is a word used for the director because that is the most crucial role on a set that manages everything from the direction to the management of the crew.
Everything that is created and then transferred onto the screen is diegesis. This is a word that describes all the fictional elements in the world created by the filmmaker.
This is the sequence of events that lead to the creation of the complete storyline that’s being shown.
Flashback/Flash-forward
A flashback is a jump back in time that takes the viewer into the past to show something that better explains the present. A flash-forward is the opposite and takes the audience into the future.
Scene and Sequence
This is a short collection of some shots. A number of scenes join to give rise to larger sequences.
📜 Main Types
Before you jump into crafting your analysis draft, it is vital to understand the various types of analyses you can create. Here are some common ones:
Perhaps the simplest kind, a narrative structure relies on examining everything from the storyline to the characters and their motives. At each step of your work, you have to answer who, what, and where.
You may notice that the production you’re watching has some repetitive symbols or signs. Understanding the hidden meaning of these and assessing their usage is the essence of a semiotic analysis.
Researching the cultural context and socio-political agenda behind a story and then crafting a written text about its importance is what this type of analytical review revolves around. This is equally compelling and challenging.
Mise-en-scene
Analyzing all that goes into making a good film, from the soundtrack to the lighting and special effects, is what this type is concerned with. This is for those who appreciate every single thing and piece of editing that makes a visually compelling and gripping storyline.
📼 Popular Genres
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay](https://www.jguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/3.jpg)
Before you can begin working on your paper, don’t forget to mention what genre the film belongs to. A small description of the style might help the reader set their expectations right. Here are the most commonly found genres:
✨ How to Write a Film Analysis
Having a good plan of action for the process is ideal to start writing. It’s very helpful to read some film analysis essay examples first to help you in presenting your own academic paper. After reading a sample analysis, you can begin crafting your critical analysis in the following steps:
It is essential to get started with a good outline of the script. Think of this as a summary in which you give readers a quick overview of what they should expect from the material that comes next.
Your thesis statement should include the primary argument and concepts you want to prove via your research. Remember that this portion needs support from the text that you’ve written in the general body.
Introduction
Discuss the essence of the film’s storyline and mention information like its name, release date, cast, etc. This part should offer all the general info a reader needs. You must also catch the readers’ attention at this point.
Breaking down the whole production into specific parts will help you do justice to each of them. Write about the direction, the scenario, the acting, the music, the lighting, and whatever else you want to analyze. Avoid creating a wall of text in your film writing task because it will get boring and take away from all the work you’ve done.
Conclusion
This is where you should revisit your thesis and ensure that the conclusion you’ve made supports it. This is often the top part of a movie analysis that students forget about. You need to focus on which ideas should be mentioned on this page to bring everything to a great close.
🗒️ Film Analysis Template and Example
If you’re still finding it hard to get started, you can read an example or two to help you begin. To make it even easier for you, here’s a short sample to give you some inspiration:
Solaris by Andrey Tarkovsky
Released in 1972 and directed by Andrey Tarkovsky, Solaris is an English production based on the science fiction novel written by Stanislav Lem. The film’s slogan states, “Let us take you with us to Solaris, the planet of mystery, an embodiment of man’s latent conflict with the unknown.” How successful was the auteur in conveying this message, and how did he manage to do so if yes?
Tarkovsky has used some excellent visual tools to convey his message. Solaris is a symphony of these elements, from the sparkling depiction of nature to the cold chill of the space station. The colors are vivid and mysterious where needed. Even the temperature changes are showcased via these shades of colors to immerse the viewer. Watching the movie will have you realize the protagonist Calvin’s realization that loneliness is the ultimate suffering of every intelligent being in the universe. This realization is one that connects him with the “Supermind.” Based on this realization, Calvin plunges into the Ocean, ceasing all effort to understand it, giving himself away to its power.
Solaris is a gripping tale of how unprepared humans are when it comes to understanding new worlds and universes. Unless they study and explore themselves fully, they will be unable to comprehend the new. Tarkovsky’s use of color, sound, and other effects are effective tools in creating a gripping tale.
So, now you know how to craft the best essays focusing on reviewing and assessing a film of your choice. These tips and pieces of advice should help you create a professional piece of text that goes into all the necessary details of a production, from the storyline to character development. All you need to do now is find a title that suits your mood and get to writing!
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Deconstructing a Film Analysis Essay: Tips and Techniques
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay Christina Crampe](https://www.servicescape.com/img/blog/post/author/ccrampe.webp)
Enrolling in a film class might seem like a fun way to pass a class — after all, it's just watching movies, right? Not exactly! While film classes certainly require you to watch movies, you're most likely to be assigned 2-3 films per week in addition to analysis work. Considering how long movies can be, this can quickly turn into quite a hefty workload.
If you've never taken a film class before, you might feel lost and confused when it comes time to writing your first film analysis paper. This is especially true if you're accustomed to writing book analysis essays for which you choose several written quotes to analyze. Films are all about visuals, so your analysis relies heavily on interpreting vital visual elements.
How should you tackle a film analysis essay? It might sound obvious, but you'll start by watching the movie. After all, there's much more to watching a film than just hitting the "play" button.
One watch isn't enough
No matter how many films you've analyzed, it helps to have watched the movie you're analyzing more than once. One viewing of the movie could cause you to miss vital details. If possible, we recommend watching the film at least twice, so you can gather as many notes as you can. Repeated exposure to the movie will also help you put potentially confusing scenes into a better context and help you understand their purpose. However, if after you've watched the movie, you're struggling to organize your thoughts, consider breaking the film down into parts. Here's how you can deconstruct the movie into three digestible pieces.
The three-act structure
The length of your assigned movie can make an essay analysis intimidating. Films can sometimes exceed a run time of three hours. For example, fan-favorite Titanic comes in at a little over three hours long. A lot can happen in a movie of this length, so prioritizing specific scenes or focusing on particular plot points can present a challenge.
If you're struggling to follow a film, consider referring to the three-act structure . This method can be helpful in any narrative analysis you write. However, remember that this is not the same as a traditional story's narrative structure . This structure breaks the film into three distinct, purposeful sections that will help you organize the movie and your thoughts.
The format of the three-act structure is:
- Act I, Setup: This is typically the shortest part of the movie. Viewers are introduced to settings, characters, and main plot points. There is often an incident that introduces us to the film's conflict.
- Act II, Confrontation: This is the longest and most significant section of the film. The protagonist undergoes many conflicts and obstacles leading up to the climax.
- Act III, Resolution: The movie's ending most often provides some resolution to the conflict.
Breaking the film into these three sections will help you orient yourself as you watch and take notes. This will make the process of choosing scenes to analyze much easier.
Note-taking is a must
Since it's extremely difficult to mentally store all of your impressions and details you noticed while watching the film, note taking will give you a reference of your thoughts. But when and how should you take notes on a film? Should you write down your opinions on the actors and their characters? Do you take notes on scenes you didn't like or scenarios you wish had gone differently?
While these types of notes can certainly guide the argument you want to make, it's essential to remember that a film analysis essay is not the same as a film review. In an analysis paper, you can mention your opinion on the movie, but the primary focus of your essay is to analyze the film's visual elements. These elements you've noticed will provide the arguments you make in your essay.
Visual elements to analyze
If you've never analyzed a film before, you might not know the kinds of visual elements you should pay attention to. There is also a good deal of technical language associated with the film industry, and you'll come across this when writing your analysis. As with any subject or field you write about, you want your language to match what is customary in the industry.
Camera work
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay camera work](https://www.servicescape.com/img/blog/post/body/post97679-1.webp)
Writers can use several terminologies related to camera work, but we will focus on two elements that are best for beginners:
- Close-up: Close-up shots focus on one subject in a scene. In a close-up, a character's face will fill most of the screen. Directors might use this technique when they want viewers to register a character's intense emotions or small details they wouldn't notice from a distance.
- Long shot: A long shot is the opposite of a close-up. The camera films a longer distance away from the subject. A character's entire body is in the frame, but it does not make up the entirety of the frame; the space above, below, and around the character reveals more scenery. These shots help viewers become familiar with the setting and the character's place in the environment.
- Low angle: In low-angle shots, the camera is positioned below a character or scene, so viewers are forced to look up. If characters are filmed from this angle, we might interpret them as being powerful and superior because they appear above us.
- High angle: In high-angle shots, the camera is positioned above a character or scene, so viewers are forced to look down. In contrast to low-angle shots, characters filmed from this position appear to be more vulnerable or have less power.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay lighting](https://www.servicescape.com/img/blog/post/body/post97679-2.webp)
When conducting your analysis, notice that lighting changes can be subtle or obvious. The scene could transition from light and joyful to dark and ominous with just a flashlight losing batteries. If you notice lighting changes during your viewing, consider these questions:
- What does the presence/absence of light add to the scene?
- Are there any shadows visible in the scene?
- How does the lighting affect the character's attitude/mood?
- How does the lighting shift from one scene to another?
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay audio](https://www.servicescape.com/img/blog/post/body/post97679-3.webp)
Here are a couple of audio components you're accustomed to hearing during movies:
- What genre of music is playing? Is there a pop song playing during a cheerful scene? Is the music entirely instrumental? Does it include lyrics to bring a descriptive element to the scene?
- Is the music quiet or loud? Does the music's volume rise and fall throughout a scene, or is it purely background noise?
- Sound effects: Sound effects can help make actions more impactful. Consider a war movie that relies heavily on battle scenes. Sounds of gunshots and explosions ring in the background as viewers focus on the protagonist. Those sound effects can make us nervous, draw us into what the character might be feeling, and foreshadow something terrible coming for the soldier. Or maybe the protagonist is finally coming face to face with the enemy, and the tension in the scene is enhanced by the crack of thunder and the whirring of wind in the background.
Costumes, makeup, and props
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay costumes, makeup, and props](https://www.servicescape.com/img/blog/post/body/post97679-4.webp)
These types of elements can depict socioeconomic status and levels of power. A man dressed in a black professional suit will appear more influential than a man dressed in a pair of ripped jeans and a t-shirt.
Since clothing and makeup are forms of expression, viewers can learn about characters' personalities through their physical appearance. These are also transitory elements, meaning viewers can recognize a switch in characters' fortune, status, or job if their appearance changes.
Clothing and props can also reveal something hidden about a character. For example, in Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows , Kaz Brekker wears a pair of black gloves and uses a walking cane. The cane reveals a physical impairment, but the purpose of his black gloves remains a mystery until his backstory is revealed. Though characters may appear one way, their clothes and props can provide an element of mystery, showing viewers that they might not be what they seem.
You can consider timing in a movie like the syntax in written text. Instead of sentence length and organization, timing refers to the length of a scene and the order in which scenes appear. The duration of the shot will impact the feel of the scene.
For example, fast-paced scenes switch from one frame to another within a short time. This makes the viewers feel like they're being rushed, and tension is high. Slower scenes feature one subject in a shot for extended periods, drawing our attention to what is happening at that moment.
Your essay structure
Now that you know how to "read" a movie, consider how to organize your analysis essay. Your paper will be set up like other analysis papers you've written. For example, the basic format of your paper will be:
- Introduction
- Body paragraphs
Naturally, however, the content of these paragraphs will differ from, say, a literary analysis.
What to include in the introduction
The introduction will contain specific information about the film. For example, you must include:
- The film title
- The director's name
- The film's release date
These details give context to the film. For example, if you are familiar with the director of the film under analysis and you know other works of theirs, this information gives color to your analysis. This connection can help you read into the movie more deeply because you can anticipate patterns, themes, or visual elements for which the director is famous.
The introduction will also include your thesis statement. This statement serves as your argument and comes as a result of considering questions like:
- What aspects of the film stood out to you?
- Did you notice one specific theme throughout the movie?
- Is there a specific object or symbol that holds significant meaning to the plot or protagonist?
- Is there a unique pattern you want to make an argument about?
Your thesis can state whatever you find interesting as long as you prove your argument with evidence from the film.
You might follow the introduction with a brief summary of the movie. Introduce the main characters, the setting, and the conflict. Provide some context, but don't make it overwhelming.
Body paragraph analysis
Body paragraphs include your analysis. The analysis of a film differs from that of a literary essay, as a textual analysis comes entirely from passages of a book or article. While you can certainly analyze dialogue in movie scenes, film analysis focuses significantly on the film's visual elements.
The number of body paragraphs you write depends on how many scenes you analyze. Unless your assignment asks you to examine only one scene closely, we recommend you write about three scenes or more.
Your body paragraphs should each begin with a topic sentence that introduces your argument. What will you focus on in this specific paragraph? Then, frame the scene. Remember that you want to avoid summarizing the scene that you are analyzing. Instead, provide just a sentence or two of context to introduce the scene and then frame it according to your argument. Once you've done this, you can focus on the film's visual construction, which will make up the bulk of the body.
Concluding your analysis essay
Your conclusion will restate the argument you made in the introduction. Your analysis leads to a personal decision about the film, so you should also include your overall opinion. You might consider including a call to action, whereby you encourage or discourage readers from watching the movie.
It's also possible to consider the film's implications. For example, did the film touch on a political or historical issue that's still relevant today? Did the film introduce a new filming technique never seen before? How does the film inform future movies of the same genre?
Films can be lengthy and complicated, but this guide can help you deconstruct a movie and ease your analysis essay writing process. Be sure to take your time watching the movie — more than once, if you can! — and take ample notes to use as a reference. As long as you focus on your visual analysis and not a summary or description of each scene, you'll be on your way to writing an insightful analysis essay.
Header photo by stokkete .
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Film Analysis Example With Key Steps to Write an A-Grade Paper
Compared to music, painting, literature, and many others, film is a relatively new form of art. The earliest surviving film is believed to be the Roundhay Garden Scene, introduced in 1888, creating an entirely new age of art. And just like any other kind of art, it drew a lot of attention and opinions from the audience. Thus, soon after its release, the first-ever film critique paper was released by The Optical Lantern and Cinematograph Journal in the early 1900s.
Not many know this, but early writing on film aimed to prove that cinematography is an actual art in the first place. One of the most famous manifestations of this proclamation was introduced in 1911 by Ricciotto Canudo, arguing that cinema is the “Sixth Art.”
A lot has changed since that time. As cinematography was expanding, somewhere in the late 1930s, audiences became more influenced by print resources providing criticism and analysis of movies. That’s how film analysis became widespread and even integrated into the academic landscape.
Today, film analysis is a common type of academic assignment facing students of different academic levels and majors. Handling this form of writing is uneasy due to a number of reasons. Most importantly, a movie analysis requires an incredibly deep analysis that goes far beyond a film’s plot.
If you are struggling with this assignment, this guide is here to help you ace it. Read on to learn what a film analysis is and how to write one step by step, and find a winning film analysis example for inspiration.
What Is a Film Analysis?
A film analysis essay requires you to watch and assess a specific movie. The analysis must consider different characteristics of a film, such as its genre, structure, contextual meaning, sound, editing, etc. The paper is typically presented in the form of a rhetorical analysis. Logic and strong argumentation with examples are the keys to success in this type of work.
Writing a Movie Analysis Essay
Writing a film analysis requires you to watch a movie and evaluate different parts of it that create a complete piece. This involves delving into such specs as lighting, camera angles, setting, costumes, and other choices.
A simple way to handle this task is to find a professional writer and ask them to write my essay . However, if you want to ace it yourself, the first step is watching a movie.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef914570bffc8bc80080/60670c41bc55de6142527989_av-2.webp)
Watching the Film
For everyone wondering how to start a film analysis essay, the answer is pretty simple — by watching a movie that you are going to analyze. Later in this guide, we will give you a complete film analysis example based on the Waltz with Bashir film. But first, let’s start with a few tips on how to watch a movie effectively before you can start writing your analysis.
When writing a film analysis, you will need to watch a film multiple times.
Here are some key tips to watch it critically:
- Give it your undivided attention when watching for the first time;
- When watching a movie for the second time, focus on its different aspects, such as dialogue, acting, etc.;
- Take notes with timestamps on the most important moments that you notice;
- Consider watching a film on mute to evaluate the visual part.
When making an analysis of such a complex documentary piece like Waltz with Bashir the movie, you should consider watching it more than three times to make more observations.
Brainstorming Ideas
After watching your film multiple times and collecting your notes, you need to define what exactly you will be writing in your paper. Before you do this, it could be a good idea to check a good film analysis example (or a few) to understand what the final piece should look like and gain some inspiration. After this, you need to consider different aspects of a movie to understand what to include in your paper.
Here are a few ideas of what you could consider:
- Genre — Define what’s the genre of a film and what elements confirm that it belongs to that genre;
- Cinematography — Study and evaluate the visual part of a film, such as settings, colors, camera angles, and other visual elements that create the atmosphere of a film;
- Characters — Analyze and assess characters, their development, conflicts, motivations, etc. And define how they contribute to the narrative.
Some other things that you can consider include symbolism and themes, narrative structure, social and cultural impact, directorial style, etc.
Of course, analyzing all these aspects on your own can be a challenge. Luckily, if it gets too tough, you can always find professionals on EssayService to satisfy your request.
Film Analysis Essay Types
There are several different ways to approach a movie analysis essay. Respectively, there are several types of this paper.
In this part of our guide, we are going to tell you about the most common types of film analysis to help you find an approach that perfectly aligns with your vision and task requirements.
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay film analysis essay types](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/653b5a4ae6209a7fc217fb4b_2.webp%20(4).webp)
Cultural/Historical Analysis
As the name suggests, this type of work focuses on analyzing a film from a historical or cultural point of view. It assesses how a movie reflects or comments on the period in which it was produced and what cultural (as well as social or political) impact it made during that time.
Semiotic Analysis
This type of analysis focuses on deeper, hidden meanings of the symbols in a film. Typically, movies contain a variety of different symbols. Moreover, some directors tend to use certain symbols repeatedly as their signature thing. Finding and analyzing these symbols requires exceptional attention to detail, but it can be a great way to approach the task.
Mise-en-Scene Analysis
In French, “mise-en-scene” means “setting the stage.” This type of film analysis essay analyzes all distinctive features of a movie, including the set design, lighting, audiovisual elements, etc. Your goal, in this case, is to define the main distinctive features and explain how they complement a movie — for example, lighting creates a certain mood, music evokes a certain emotion, etc.
Narrative Analysis
This type of analysis focuses on the narrative. It evaluates a movie’s plot, themes, and motives. If you choose it, you need to identify the three primary elements of narration — setup, confrontation, and resolution and assess how well a film discloses them. Also, this type of paper can include character analysis.
How to Write a Film Analysis Step-by-Step
If you were assigned to write a film analysis and are struggling with this task, the first step to solving this problem is creating a step-by-step plan of action. In this part of our guide, we are going to give you a plan that you can rely on in this situation.
As you should already know, the academic writing process consists of multiple stages. The same is true for writing an analysis essay. Here are the steps for tackling this task:
![how to write a conclusion for a film analysis essay how to write a film analysis](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5e6bef9160e290b99b7644b5/653b5a63f4c38de711fdaada_1.webp%20(4).webp)
- Making a detailed outline;
- Coming up with a thesis statement;
- Writing an introduction;
- Writing body paragraphs;
- Writing a logical conclusion.
Now, let’s look at each of these steps in detail to help you get started.
Step 1: Writing a Film Analysis Outline
Writing an outline is the first step after actually watching a movie you are going to analyze.
Before writing an outline, be sure to study the instructions provided by your professor. Pay attention to the assignment requirements, such as word count, and keep them in mind while making an outline.
Once you are clear on the instructions, start making an outline. Use the notes you already have and organize them into logical paragraphs. Note down the core things that you want to include in your paper in your outline. Get as detailed as possible.
Step 2: Formulating a Film Analysis Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a crucial element of your paper. It must be clear, straight to the point, and logical in order to capture the reader’s attention.
In a thesis, you need to outline the core idea of your analysis and prompt the reader on what you are going to discuss in your paper. To write it, focus on three core points:
- Film expectations;
- Author’s point of view;
- Your own opinion about a film.
Based on these points, formulate a concise statement that reveals the central idea of your analysis.
Step 3: Writing a Film Analysis Introduction
An introductory paragraph performs several roles — it grabs the reader’s attention and informs them about a film.
How to write a film analysis introduction? Typically, you want to start an intro with a hook. It can be a quote, rhetorical question, shocking fact, or any other trick that will get your readers interested.
Next, after a hook, you should provide general background info, such as a movie title, director, release date, cast, and so on.
After providing a general background, dive deeper. Explore the specific features of a film and provide valuable insights to spark readers’ interest. Then, state your thesis.
Step 4: Writing Body Paragraphs
The body is the biggest part of your paper, where you are going to break down a movie into its different features and elements, analyzing each of them. Typically, first, you’ll want to analyze every creative element separately and then make a comprehensive analysis of all of them.
What film features should you focus on? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all film analysis example or structure that you must follow. Every movie consists of a variety of creative elements that you can use for your analysis. And you will need to pick the features that you find the most significant.
Namely, you can consider writing about:
- Directing manner — Analyze what tools and patterns the director used and how they are different (or similar) to their other works;
- Scenario — Analyze the script and how it complements the overall atmosphere of a movie. Also, assess the script clarity, novelty, narrative, etc.
- Characters and acting — Evaluate how characters are presented in a film, how they change, and how good the acting is.
- Sound and visual — Analyze music, visual effects, settings, costumes, and other features of a movie.
While assessing all these features in your paper, don’t forget to add logical transitions between them. And if you are still hesitating about whether you can handle the task, hire a professional writer to ace it with no effort.
Step 5: Writing a Killer Conclusion
Once the rest of your paper is ready, it’s time to give it a sense of closure with a good conclusion. A conclusion should not make any new statements or provide additional information. Instead, it should finalize everything you’ve discussed in your essay and logically link back to your thesis statement. And there should be a logical transition to the conclusion from your body paragraphs.
Crafting a conclusion is the final stage of the writing process. So, now that you have a step-by-step plan of action, let’s see how to write a solid movie analysis essay based on a real example.
Top 15 Film Analysis Essay Topics
The choice of a topic is nearly 50% of success in film essay writing. So before we give you an actual film analysis example, let us give you some good topic ideas that can inspire you to write your own paper:
- The potential hazards of artificial intelligence discussed in Ex Machina .
- How the traumatic disorder of the protagonist is treated in Waltz with Bashir .
- The power of dialog in The Silence of the Lambs .
- Analysis of the moral dilemma in Gone Baby Gone .
- The themes of war in Waltz with Bashir the movie.
- How the directing manner was changing in Harry Potter movies.
- Characters’ analysis in Marvel’s The Avengers film.
- Analysis of the significance of visual elements in A Space Odyssey by Stanley Kubrick.
- Analysis and interpretation of hidden symbolism in The Wizard of Oz (1939).
- What is the primary message in the film Juno ?
- Themes and symbols in the Interstellar movie.
- Explore the problem of toxic relationships in Sleeping With the Enemy .
- Analysis of Tim Burton’s directing patterns in Sleepy Hollow .
- Valuable lessons provided in the Pride and Prejudice film (2005).
- The themes of fathers and sons’ relationships in The Pursuit of Happiness.
Film Analysis Example
Now that you know the steps to writing a movie analysis, let us give you some inspiration for your paper. Below is a film analysis example based on Waltz with Bashir the movie.
The purpose of documentary movies is to document real life, whereas the purpose of animated movies is to create life. Somehow, the film Waltz with Bashir managed to combine these two genres to deliver a powerful message. The film is a 2008 animated war docudrama by Ari Folman that unfolds the events of the 1982 Lebanon War. What tools did Folman use to convey his message? And did he manage to resonate with the audience?
The film maintains a simple story. The protagonist is the filmmaker who sets off on a journey to regain his lost memories of the experience of being a soldier during the war. The character collects interviews from different participants of past events, and gradually, these interviews connect the dots and build up the complete story.
One of the brightest features of Waltz with Bashir is its animation and directing techniques. The main trick is the use of hyperreal rotoscope animation techniques similar to those we’ve seen made by Richard Linklater. Live-action footage has been transformed into a bizarre dreamscape that’s somewhere between two and three dimensions.
Aside from a powerful plot and animation, Waltz with Bashir delivers its extratextual, rhetorical-heavy atmosphere with the help of its soundtrack. The movie leverages an instrumental score by Max Richter, recognizable pop songs, covers, and original ballads. The film employs audio elements to pull the reader right into the action of the scenes.
Together, a simple yet powerful plot, unique directing techniques, and hard-hitting music helped the film deliver all the terror of the war to the audience. At the same time, according to Waltz with Bashir film reviews, the director managed to emphasize the important topics of morality — “One man’s personal experience with the 1982 invasion of Lebanon becomes a stimulating and provocative meditation on responsibility and morality…”
How to write a film analysis essay like a pro?
A good film analysis essay offers readers a 360-degree view of a film. It should go deeper than just your opinion on a movie. Instead, it should help readers look at it from different angles.
Ideally, your essay should answer several core questions:
- What is the key goal of the movie? Was it achieved?
- Does it speak effectively to its target audience?
- What primary conflicts are there?
- What important topics does it raise?
What is the main purpose of writing a film analysis?
Movies do much more than just tell a story. They raise different important topics, teach audiences valuable lessons, provoke certain feelings, and bring an important message. To achieve all these goals, a big team of people makes certain choices related to the script, settings, directing manners, and other features of a film.
A film analysis essay strives to critique and analyze a movie from various angles. It aims to extract other value from a film, except for entertainment and leisure.
A film analysis essay is a common type of assignment in schools and colleges. Despite its commonness, this task turns out to be a real challenge for many students.
There are many challenges that you might face while working on this task. First and foremost, it requires a very in-depth analysis and critical assessment of different creative features of a film, which is hard to do on your own.
Luckily, after reading this guide, you know exactly how to write a film analysis like a pro. Use the steps, tips, and tricks from this article to write your own A-grade film analysis. And don’t hesitate to use our movie analysis example for inspiration. Good luck!
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- How to conclude an essay | Interactive example
How to Conclude an Essay | Interactive Example
Published on January 24, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.
The conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay . A strong conclusion aims to:
- Tie together the essay’s main points
- Show why your argument matters
- Leave the reader with a strong impression
Your conclusion should give a sense of closure and completion to your argument, but also show what new questions or possibilities it has opened up.
This conclusion is taken from our annotated essay example , which discusses the history of the Braille system. Hover over each part to see why it’s effective.
Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.
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Table of contents
Step 1: return to your thesis, step 2: review your main points, step 3: show why it matters, what shouldn’t go in the conclusion, more examples of essay conclusions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay conclusion.
To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument.
Don’t just repeat your thesis statement —instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction.
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Next, remind the reader of the main points that you used to support your argument.
Avoid simply summarizing each paragraph or repeating each point in order; try to bring your points together in a way that makes the connections between them clear. The conclusion is your final chance to show how all the paragraphs of your essay add up to a coherent whole.
To wrap up your conclusion, zoom out to a broader view of the topic and consider the implications of your argument. For example:
- Does it contribute a new understanding of your topic?
- Does it raise new questions for future study?
- Does it lead to practical suggestions or predictions?
- Can it be applied to different contexts?
- Can it be connected to a broader debate or theme?
Whatever your essay is about, the conclusion should aim to emphasize the significance of your argument, whether that’s within your academic subject or in the wider world.
Try to end with a strong, decisive sentence, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of interest in your topic.
The easiest way to improve your conclusion is to eliminate these common mistakes.
Don’t include new evidence
Any evidence or analysis that is essential to supporting your thesis statement should appear in the main body of the essay.
The conclusion might include minor pieces of new information—for example, a sentence or two discussing broader implications, or a quotation that nicely summarizes your central point. But it shouldn’t introduce any major new sources or ideas that need further explanation to understand.
Don’t use “concluding phrases”
Avoid using obvious stock phrases to tell the reader what you’re doing:
- “In conclusion…”
- “To sum up…”
These phrases aren’t forbidden, but they can make your writing sound weak. By returning to your main argument, it will quickly become clear that you are concluding the essay—you shouldn’t have to spell it out.
Don’t undermine your argument
Avoid using apologetic phrases that sound uncertain or confused:
- “This is just one approach among many.”
- “There are good arguments on both sides of this issue.”
- “There is no clear answer to this problem.”
Even if your essay has explored different points of view, your own position should be clear. There may be many possible approaches to the topic, but you want to leave the reader convinced that yours is the best one!
- Argumentative
- Literary analysis
This conclusion is taken from an argumentative essay about the internet’s impact on education. It acknowledges the opposing arguments while taking a clear, decisive position.
The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.
This conclusion is taken from a short expository essay that explains the invention of the printing press and its effects on European society. It focuses on giving a clear, concise overview of what was covered in the essay.
The invention of the printing press was important not only in terms of its immediate cultural and economic effects, but also in terms of its major impact on politics and religion across Europe. In the century following the invention of the printing press, the relatively stationary intellectual atmosphere of the Middle Ages gave way to the social upheavals of the Reformation and the Renaissance. A single technological innovation had contributed to the total reshaping of the continent.
This conclusion is taken from a literary analysis essay about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein . It summarizes what the essay’s analysis achieved and emphasizes its originality.
By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
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- Appeal to authority fallacy
- False cause fallacy
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Your essay’s conclusion should contain:
- A rephrased version of your overall thesis
- A brief review of the key points you made in the main body
- An indication of why your argument matters
The conclusion may also reflect on the broader implications of your argument, showing how your ideas could applied to other contexts or debates.
For a stronger conclusion paragraph, avoid including:
- Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the main body
- Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion…”)
- Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g. “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)
Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.
The conclusion paragraph of an essay is usually shorter than the introduction . As a rule, it shouldn’t take up more than 10–15% of the text.
Cite this Scribbr article
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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Catch Me If You Can — Movie Critical Analysis: “Catch Me if You Can”
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Movie Critical Analysis: "Catch Me if You Can"
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Words: 535 |
Published: Jan 30, 2024
Words: 535 | Page: 1 | 3 min read
Table of contents
Plot summary, analysis of deception, exploration of identity, examination of the cat-and-mouse game, evaluation of redemption, discussion of themes.
- Abagnale, F. W., & Redding, S. (2000). Catch me if you can. New York: Broadway Books.
- Edgar, J. (Director). (2002). Catch Me if You Can [Film]. DreamWorks Pictures.
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Essay Conclusion
Essay conclusion generator.
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Captivating your readers until the very end is a crucial goal in essay writing. The conclusion holds the power to leave a lasting impression, reinforcing your arguments and providing a sense of closure. In this article, we will delve into the art of crafting essay conclusions that resonate with your audience. Whether you’re a student seeking guidance or a seasoned writer in search of inspiration, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the tools to master the art of concluding your essays effectively.
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What is an Essay Conclusion?
An essay conclusion serves as the final segment of your written composition. It brings together all the ideas, arguments, and evidence presented throughout the essay and synthesizes them into a concise and coherent final statement. Think of it as the grand finale that encapsulates your main points and leaves a lasting impression on your readers.
How to Write an Essay Conclusion
To create a compelling essay conclusion, follow these step-by-step guidelines
Step 1: Restate your thesis:
Begin by restating your thesis statement, reminding readers of the central argument you have been supporting throughout your essay. However, avoid repeating it verbatim. Instead, rephrase it to maintain reader engagement.
Step 2: Summarize your main points:
Provide a succinct summary of the key points and arguments discussed in the body paragraphs. Focus on the most significant aspects while maintaining a logical flow. Avoid introducing new information or ideas at this stage.
Step 3: Emphasize the significance:
Highlight the broader implications of your essay’s topic and the relevance of your arguments in a wider context. Convey the importance of your findings and their potential impact on the subject matter or the reader’s perspective.
Step 4: Evoke emotions:
Create an emotional connection with your readers by emphasizing the significance of your topic or appealing to their values and beliefs. Stirring emotions can leave a lasting impact and make your conclusion more memorable.
Step 5: Offer a call to action or recommendation:
Depending on the nature of your essay, conclude with a call to action or a thoughtful recommendation that encourages readers to consider further action or reflection on the topic. This can inspire them to continue exploring or take specific steps related to the subject matter.
What is the ideal length for an essay conclusion?
The length of an essay conclusion varies depending on the overall length of your essay. As a general guideline, aim for a conclusion that is concise yet comprehensive, spanning approximately 10-15% of your total essay length.
Can I introduce new information in my essay conclusion?
Avoid introducing new information or arguments in your conclusion. Instead, focus on summarizing and reinforcing the ideas already presented, providing a sense of closure to your essay.
How can I make my essay conclusion more impactful?
To make your essay conclusion more impactful, strive for clarity, emotional resonance, and a sense of closure. Utilize strong language, vivid imagery, and rhetorical devices to leave a lasting impression on your readers.
Just as every book needs a captivating ending to satisfy its readers, your essay deserves a conclusion that lingers in the minds of your audience. By employing the strategies discussed here, you can transform your essay conclusions into thought-provoking reflections, leaving your readers with a sense of fulfillment and a desire to explore your ideas further.
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Remember, the conclusion is your final chance to leave a lasting impact on your readers. Mastering the art of essay conclusions will undoubtedly elevate your writing and captivate your audience. So, go forth and craft memorable endings that resonate with the hearts and minds of your readers.
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Film Analysis
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All art forms convey meaning, and film is no different. Whereas paintings convey meaning through shape and colour, and works of literature convey meaning through language, films convey meaning through various audiovisual elements, such as mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and sound, among others. The purpose of a film analysis paper is to explore how these formal features contribute to a film’s meaning.
Remember that a film’s formal features are the result of creative decisions made by the filmmaker. So, when analyzing a particular formal aspect of a film, ask yourself: Why has the filmmaker constructed the film in this way? What effect might they be trying to elicit in the viewer? In Film Art: An Introduction , Bordwell, Thompson, and Smith provide examples of some questions that illustrate how films convey meaning through form:
Does the use of music or noise alter our attitude toward a character? Does the composition of the shot tend to make us concentrate on a particular detail (4.153, the shot of Anne’s face in Day of Wrath )? Does the use of camera movement hold off story information to create suspense, as in the opening of Touch of Evil (pp. 213–215)? Does the use of discontinuous editing cue us to create thematic comparisons, as in the sequence we analyzed in October (pp. 259–262)? Bordwell, Thompson, & Smith, 2017, p. 309.
Here are some other tips to consider when you are conducting film analysis:
Aim to persuade
Just like most university essays, a film analysis paper is a form of persuasive writing, and as such, it advances an argument that is backed up by evidence. Usually, your paper will need to have a thesis statement, located in the introduction, that summarizes your main argument, and body paragraphs that present and analyze evidence supporting your thesis. Your evidence must include specific examples drawn from the film(s) you are studying. For some assignments, you may also be permitted or even required to draw on outside sources (such as film criticism or historical/biographical information) to contextualize your analysis.
Avoid film review
The goal of a film analysis paper is not to state whether you liked or disliked the film, or to encourage people to see it or not. The goal is to analyze the film. Analysis means breaking something down into its constituent parts and showing how these parts function and relate to one another to make up a unified whole. Film analysis reveals something about how the film works that you may not have noticed the first time you watched it. Therefore, rather than merely claiming that a particular shot is beautiful, ask yourself: Why do I find this shot beautiful? What cinematic techniques does the filmmaker employ to create this effect?
Avoid excessive plot summary
Summary states what happened; analysis explains how or why it happened. In a film analysis paper, you can usually assume that the reader is familiar with the film you are writing about and therefore knows “what happened” in it. The reader is much more interested to know how the film was constructed and to what effect. Summarize only those aspects of the film’s plot that the reader needs to understand your analysis.
Consider the narrative
Don’t take the film’s plot—or any of its narrative aspects—for granted. They all result from creative decisions made by the filmmaker and therefore require critical analysis. Ask yourself: How is the sequence of events in the film ordered? Is it linear or not? From whose point of view is the film’s story told? Is the narration restricted or unrestricted, subjective or objective? To what effect? If the film lacks a conventional narrative altogether, does it employ another sort of organizing principle or pattern? Keep in mind that your analysis should pay attention to both the narrative and stylistic aspects of the film. If your argument could equally apply to a novel on which the film is based, you are not analyzing the film as a film .
Consider the film’s theme(s)
One of the ways films produce meaning is by engaging with themes. Themes are what you might say a film is “about.” They are broad, universal topics, such as romantic relationships, mortality, and good versus evil, which have served as the subject matter of art time and time again. However, different filmmakers deal with these themes in very different ways. Therefore, rather than merely claiming that a film is about romantic relationships, ask yourself: What is the filmmaker saying about romantic relationships? And importantly, how is this claim or message reinforced through the film’s form and style?
Consider the film’s genre, place in film history, and filmmaker
To fully appreciate the significance of a film, you may need some understanding of its genre, place in film history, or filmmaker. Ask yourself: Does the film belong to a genre category, such as action, horror, sci-fi, or comedy? Does the film conform to the typical norms and conventions of the genre, or does it deviate from them? To what effect? Is the film part of a specific tradition or movement in film history, such as the French New Wave of the early ’60s or the New Hollywood era of the ’70s? What characteristics do films of this kind have in common? Is the film the work of a recognized auteur? If so, what is distinctive or unmistakable about this person’s filmmaking style?
Consider the film’s ideological stance
Some films are made to advance a particular social or political message. However, upon close analysis, films may also be shown to express ideological beliefs or assumptions that the filmmaker did not directly intend. When analyzing a film, you should be on the lookout for both types of meaning. Ask yourself: What values does the film advocate (both explicitly and implicitly)? To what degree do these values reflect the time and place in which the film was made? How does the film represent racial, gender, and class relations? Does the film exhibit any unacknowledged biases or prejudices?
Further Reading
Bordwell, David, Kristin Thompson, and Jeff Smith. “Glossary.” In Film Art: An Introduction , 11th ed., G1–6. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.
Corrigan, Timothy. “Film Terms and Topics for Film Analysis and Writing.” In A Short Guide to Writing about Film , 8th ed., 36–82. Glenview: Pearson, 2012.
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Analysis of Autistic Adolescents’ Essays Using Computer Techniques
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- Izabela Chojnicka ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8723-6873 1 &
- Aleksander Wawer ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7081-9797 2
Challenges associated with narrative discourse remain consistently observable across the entire spectrum of autism. We analyzed written narratives by autistic and non-autistic adolescents and aimed to investigate narrative writing using quantitative computational methods.
We employed Natural Language Processing techniques to compare 333 essays from students in the final eighth grade of primary school: 195 written by autistic and 138 by non-autistic participants.
Autistic students used words with a positive emotional polarity statistically less frequently ( p < .001), and their stories were less abstract ( p < .001) than those written by peers from the non-autistic group. However, autistic adolescents wrote more complex stories in terms of readability than participants from the non-autistic group ( p < .001). The writing competencies assessed by teachers did not differ significantly between the two groups.
Findings suggest that written narratives by autistic individuals may exhibit characteristics similar to those detected by computational methods in spoken narratives. Collecting data from national exams and its potential usefulness in distinguishing autistic individuals could pave the way for future large-scale and cost-effective epidemiological studies on autism.
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Introduction
Autistic individuals comprise a very heterogeneous group regarding language capacity, ranging from non-speaking to fluently speaking individuals (World Health Organization, 2021 ). Challenges related to the pragmatic use of language are observed across the entire autism spectrum in individuals with varying levels of intellectual and linguistic abilities, including those individuals who display structural language skills within the typical range (Schaeffer et al., 2023 ). Difficulties with pragmatic language in autism include narrative discourse (Baixauli et al., 2016 ). Narrative skills develop from the early stages of life, being an important way of sharing experiences among children and a tool for understanding the world, as well as incorporating experiences into the sense of one’s self (Fivush et al., 2011 ). In this study, we use quantitative computational methods to investigate the narrative writing of autistic adolescents, which remains under-researched in comparison to spoken narrative abilities (Finnegan & Accardo, 2018 ).
Many previous studies on narration in autism have focused on examining spoken narratives, mainly storytelling. According to the meta-analysis by Baixauli et al. ( 2016 ), spoken narratives by autistic participants were shorter and less diverse (measured by the number of different words) than narratives produced by typically developing children and adolescents. In terms of narrative macrostructure, spoken narratives of autistic children were less causally connected and considerably less coherent than those of typically developing peers. Additionally, autistic individuals used significantly fewer internal state terms than neurotypical participants. Internal state language (ISL) refers to the vocabulary that describes character perceptions, emotions, and mental states. A study by Siller et al. ( 2014 ) revealed a relationship between the presence of ISL vocabulary in narratives and theory of mind. Based on the findings of the aforementioned meta-analysis (Baixauli et al., 2016 ), autistic individuals with higher intelligence levels encounter significant difficulties compared to their peers in verbally describing internal states. The authors argued that this might indicate an asynchrony in the development of cognitive and linguistic aspects with socioemotional meaning.
Yet, spoken discourse differs from written discourse. The former typically occurs in interaction, inherently involving reciprocity, the experience and perception of affect, and encompassing broad non-verbal and paralinguistic features. The latter may be more deliberate, allowing time to think through the narrative and revise it if the writer decides to do so. Writing, particularly handwriting, is a perceptual-motor activity that requires the coordination of multiple simultaneous tasks: the mechanics of writing, content, and organization (Finnegan & Accardo, 2018 ; Shevchuk-Hill et al., 2022 ). However, similar to spoken discourse, it may involve the theory of mind abilities, as the story gains if the writer is able to adopt the reader’s perspective. Some authors have analyzed narrative writing in autism (e.g., Baixauli et al., 2021 ; Price et al., 2019 ). Shevchuk-Hill et al. ( 2022 ) compared stories by autistic ( n = 19) and non-autistic ( n = 23) university students using automated methods. Authors concluded that writing may be a strength for autistic students whose stories were rated at a higher reading level, contained fewer grammatical errors, and had more positive writing affect (Shevchuk-Hill et al., 2022 ). In contrast, a study of autistic adolescents indicated difficulties with writing skills, specifically in terms of productivity, lexical diversity, and overall coherence of the story (Baixauli et al., 2021 ), similar to results reported for spoken narratives. Therefore, it seems that there is no clear consensus regarding written narrative skills in autism.
In this study, we aimed to build on prior research on narrative in autism by investigating the utility of natural language processing techniques (NLP) for quantifying the narrative abilities in the writing of autistic adolescents. According to our knowledge, this is the first study utilizing sentiment and linguistic abstraction analyses to examine narratives written by autistic individuals. Sentiment analysis extracts subjective information in terms of the positive and negative emotional tones of the text. With the development of social media, it has become a frequently utilized NLP technique (Denecke & Reichenpfader, 2023 ). Sentiment analysis considers various types of words, not only those that explicitly describe emotions (e.g., ‘happy’, ‘sadness’) but also other words that carry positive or negative connotations (e.g., ‘good’, ‘wise’, ‘home’; Wawer, 2019 ). Thus, sentiment analysis is broader than the analysis of words that refer to internal emotional states.
Linguistic abstraction was assessed using the linguistic category model (LCM), a model of interpersonal language that provides means to investigate linguistic devices used to represent social events (Semin, 2012 ). The LCM typology classifies words based on their degree of abstraction, with the principal distinction established among three categories of verbs: Descriptive Action Verbs (DAVs), Interpretative Action Verbs (IAVs), and State Verbs (SVs) (for the Polish version we used see Wawer & Sarzyńska, 2018 ). DAVs represent the most concrete verbs used to depict a singular and observable event (e.g., ‘A kicks B’). IAVs describe specific observable events (e.g., ‘A hurts B’), and they are more abstract than DAVs as they omit the perceptual aspects of an action. The most abstract category encompasses State Verbs, which pertain to mental states (e.g., ‘to think,’ ‘to understand’) and emotional states (e.g., ‘to admire’) or changes thereof. The model also considers adjectives (ADJ) as the abstract end of the continuum. Therefore, in addition to enabling the analysis of the level of abstraction, LCM also allows assessing the number of words describing the mental and emotional states of the person (Beukeboom et al., 2013 ).
Combining both methods, sentiment analysis and LCM, may be a useful automated alternative to analyzing the internal state language of narratives using hand-coding methods. However, it should be noted that the two methods do not analyze exactly the same words as the hand-coding approach to ISL. Additionally, we calculated a readability index as a lexical complexity metric.
We obtained essays written and evaluated in a standardized manner as part of a nationwide exam. It allowed for the comparison of autistic adolescents with peers from the population, including both neurotypical individuals and those with possible other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions. In our previous research, where we employed NLP techniques and machine learning, we analyzed differences in spoken narratives between autistic individuals and typically developing peers (e.g., Wawer & Chojnicka, 2022 ). Here, we compared autistic adolescents with a more diverse group from the population. We hypothesized that stories written by autistic adolescents contain fewer words with emotional polarity and exhibit lower levels of linguistic abstraction than stories written by their peers, similar to differences detected for spoken narratives (Chojnicka & Wawer, 2020 ).
The essays were written as part of the nationwide eighth-grade Polish language time-limited exam, conducted upon the completion of primary school education, simultaneously undertaken by all students throughout the country, under standardized conditions, and with standardized examination sheets. There were ten versions of exam sheets tailored to accommodate the special needs of some students: (1) for students without disabilities and those with specific learning disorders (OPOP-100); (2) for students with autism, including Asperger’s syndrome (OPOP-200); (3) for students with visual impairments font size 16 pt (OPOP-400); (4) for students with visual impairments font size 24 pt (OPOP-500); (5) for deaf and hard of hearing students (OPOP-700); (6) for students with mild intellectual disability (OPOP-800); (7) for students with aphasia (developmental language disorder; OPOP-900); (8) for students with motor disabilities caused by cerebral palsy (OPOP-Q00); (9) for students whose limited knowledge of Polish makes it difficult to understand the text being read (OPOP-C00); (10) for students who are citizens of Ukraine (OPOU-C00). Students who used type (2) exam sheets, based on a clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder confirmed by a psychiatrist and a commission responsible for making decisions regarding the need for special education, were assigned to the Autistic Group. The Non-autistic Group comprised students who took exams on type (1) sheets.
One of the tasks on the exam was to handwrite an essay on a given topic. Autistic students were allowed to opt out of handwriting and type their essays in case of handwriting legibility issues. In this paper, we use the term essay as a written composition. The students chose one of two types of essays: an opinion essay or a short story. The instruction for the task was: “ Choose one of the given topics and write an essay. • Remember to maintain the discourse style indicated in the topic: write an opinion essay or a short story. • In your essay , refer to the selected compulsory reading. The list of compulsory readings is on page 3 of this examination paper. • Your work should be at least 200 words long. • Write the essay in the designated place. Do not write in the margin. ” We only analyzed essays of the short story type. In the section designated for students from the general population (OPOP-100), the topic for the story was: “ Write a story about meeting one of the characters from the selected compulsory reading. A shared adventure prompted you to reflect that it was worth moving to the world depicted in this reading. The essay should demonstrate that you are familiar with the selected compulsory reading. ” In the section designated for students within the autism spectrum (OPOP-200), the topic was formulated slightly differently: “ Imagine you have the opportunity to travel back in time to the world of one of the compulsory readings. Write a story about your adventure in this world. The essay should demonstrate that you are familiar with the selected compulsory reading. ”
As part of the exam, stories written by students were subject to assessment conducted by teachers trained to follow standardized examination guidelines. It included the following categories: Topic Development, Creative Elements, Literary Skills, Text Composition, Style, Language, Spelling, and Punctuation. The total score for the task was determined by summing the points in each category.
We received data from the District Examination Boards responsible for storing documentation from the nationwide eighth-grade examination. We asked the Examination Boards to select essays in a way that there were roughly equal proportions of students who achieved high and low exam results in both groups, with a majority of students obtaining average scores; apart from that, sampling was conducted in a random fashion. Anonymized scans of the essays, presented as .pdf files, were provided, accompanied by information on each student’s sex, year of birth, and ASD diagnosis (or lack thereof). Optical character recognition for converting scans into text was not effective for our data. Therefore, the essays were manually transcribed by two trained students into .txt files, preserving the original spelling, paragraph structure, punctuation, and other aspects such as capitalization while omitting portions of the text that were crossed out by a student. A third person (one of the authors, IC) revised 30% of the prepared transcripts.
Participants
We collected 333 stories from students in the final, eighth grade of primary school: 195 stories written by autistic students (Autistic Group; average age 14.85 years; 25% girls); and 138 written by students from the general population (Non-autistic Group; average age 14.64 years; 25% girls). The latter included neurotypical adolescents as well as, most likely, undiagnosed adolescents with neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions present in the population. The Non-autistic Group specifically included adolescents with developmental learning disorders (often referred to as dyslexia, dysorthographia, or dyscalculia), as students with developmental learning disorders took the exams on the same exam sheets as students from the general population. Despite having a similar average age, the groups exhibited statistically significant differences ( p = .006; Table 1 ). Within the Autistic Group, some students were 16 ( n = 18) and 17 years old ( n = 1). The Non-autistic Group consisted solely of students aged 14 and 15.
Sentiment Analysis, Linguistic Abstraction, and Readability
We employed a manually created dictionary of 5421 positive and negative words, representing the sentiment of the most frequent sense of a word and therefore requiring no word sense disambiguation. The level of language abstraction was calculated according to the weighted summation formula: DAV + IAV*2 + SV*3 + ADJ*4. Applied computational methods are described in Chojnicka & Wawer ( 2020 ). To evaluate the readability of an essay, we calculated the Gunning Fog Index (Gunning, 1952 ), which estimates the years of formal education necessary for a person to comprehend the text upon their initial reading. We used the textstat library Footnote 1 to perform the computations.
Essay Length and Scores
The essays did not differ significantly between the two groups regarding the linguistic and literary categories, and the total score assigned by teachers. Therefore, it appears that the writing competencies assessed in a school-oriented manner by teachers were similar in both groups. We also assessed whether the number of tokens (words) differentiates both groups. Essays by autistic adolescents were shorter compared to those by peers from the control group ( U = 11108.50, Z = -2.711, p = .007, r = -.149; Table 2 ). Since a statistically significant difference was detected, we carried out subsequent dictionary-based analyses (sentiment, LCM) using normalized values, wherein each parameter was divided by the number of tokens.
Sentiment and Language Abstraction Analyses
Autistic students used words with a positive evaluative meaning statistically less frequently in their stories compared to participants from the Non-autistic Group ( U = 8611.00, Z = -5.597, p < .001, r = -.307). We found no such difference for words with a negative evaluative meaning ( p = .857).
We observed statistically significant differences for mental and emotional State Verbs (SVs), Adjectives (ADJs), and the overall level of Language Abstraction. Autistic students used SVs ( U = 10655.5, Z = -3.235, p = .001, r = -.177) and ADJs ( U = 11009.50, Z = -2.826, p = .028, r = -.155) less frequently in their essays than peers from the control group (Table 2 ). The calculated language abstraction for the entire essays was lower in the ASD in comparison to the Non-Autistic Group ( U = 9666.50, Z = -4.378, p < .001, r = -.240). We did not find statistically significant differences for less abstract verb categories.
Essays’ Readability
To evaluate the readability of an essay, we calculated the Gunning Fog Index, obtaining statistically significant differences ( U = 10129.50, Z = -3.843, p < .001, r = -.211). Then, we excluded three outliers from the Autistic Group who scored significantly higher than all other participants in the study, indicating the use of an unusually difficult and complex language. After removing the outliers, the differences remained statistically significant ( U = 10129.50, Z = -3.648, p < .001, r = -.200). Autistic students wrote more complex stories in terms of readability ( M = 9.85, SD = 5.49) than peers from the Non-autistic Group ( M = 7.93, SD = 1.99, Table 2 ).
Previous studies on narrative skills in autism have primarily focused on spoken narratives. In this study, we present results pertaining to written narrations, offering a novel perspective in several ways: (1) written narrations by autistic individuals exhibit similarities in certain characteristics to spoken narrations, (2) these characteristics can be detected using automated, quantifiable, and objective computer measures, and (3) we utilized data from standardized nationwide exams, enabling the study of large groups.
Previous studies on internal state language in autism have mostly focused on verbs and adjectives relating to characters’ emotional (e.g., ‘laugh’, ‘happy’) and cognitive states (e.g., ‘know’, ‘confused’). The results of the meta-analysis conducted by Baixauli et al. ( 2016 ) indicate that autistic children use fewer ISL terms than neurotypical peers in spoken narratives. In our study, written narratives by autistic adolescents were similar to spoken narratives in terms of sentiment and the level of linguistic abstraction. In the stories, students from both groups included more words with a positive emotional tone than words with a negative emotional tone. However, autistic students used fewer words with positive emotional polarity than students from the Non-autistic Group with a moderate effect size. This finding aligns with our previous research on spoken narratives produced during the ADOS-2 (Lord et al., 2012 ) Picture Book task (Chojnicka & Wawer, 2020 ). The results we have obtained using the same NLP techniques (sentiment analysis and Linguistic Category Model) suggest that autistic individuals not only use fewer direct expressions and descriptions of positive emotions but also fewer other emotionally positively related words (such as ‘trust’, ‘home’).
Another result consistent with our prior research on spoken narratives is the lower level of abstraction of the essays of autistic adolescents. We found statistically significant differences in the overall level of an essay’s abstraction, the number of LCM Adjectives, and State Verbs related to mental and emotional states or changes therein. Autistic students used fewer Adjectives and State Verbs, and their essays were less abstract than those written by non-autistic peers. The current results indicate that the narratives of autistic students were more concrete, consisting primarily of direct (e.g., “They built a sandcastle on the beach”) rather than subjective descriptions related to cognitive and emotional states (e.g., “They knew that honesty was the best option”). In the article on spoken narratives produced by autistic individuals during the ADOS-2 Picture Book task (Chojnicka & Wawer, 2020 ), we demonstrated less frequent use of DAVs and SVs, as well as a lower overall level of abstraction in the Autistic Group.
In our previous studies (Chojnicka & Wawer, 2020 ; Wawer & Chojnicka, 2022 ) on spoken narratives, participants in the autistic and comparison groups were matched for age, sex, and non-verbal and verbal intelligence quotients. In the current project, we did not have access to data regarding the intellectual functioning of the participants. However, the groups did not differ significantly in writing skills measured by the number of points awarded by teacher-examiners in the categories: Topic Development , Creative Elements , Literary Skills , Style , Language , Text Composition , Spelling , Punctuation , and the Total score. Nonetheless, autistic students wrote shorter essays than non-autistic peers. This aligns with previous studies pointing to lower productivity of spoken narratives from autistic individuals (Baixauli et al., 2016 ).
To assess the readability of an essay, we computed the Gunning Fog Index (Gunning, 1952 ), which estimates the years of formal education necessary for an individual to comprehend the text upon their initial reading. The higher the index value for a given text, the more years of education are needed for complete understanding. The Gunning Fog Index takes into account the length of sentences and the number of “complex” words with four or more syllables (for the Polish language; in English, words with three syllables or more are considered complex words; Świeczkowski & Kułacz, 2021 ). The outcomes of our study suggest that autistic adolescents wrote more complex essays in terms of readability than non-autistic peers. This aligns with the results obtained in the study of written stories by university students (Shevchuk-Hill et al., 2022 ). The authors used the Dale-Chall readability formula and suggested a higher reading level for stories written by autistic young adults. This result may be related to the tendency of some autistic individuals to use pedantic, encyclopedic vocabulary and overly formal and adult-like language (Luyster et al., 2022 ). An interesting finding, despite higher essay complexity as measured by the number of syllables, is that people with autism produced less abstract essays as measured by the LCM. The connection between LCM and the Gunning-Fog index is not explored, examining it, especially in the case of morphologically rich languages such as Polish, is an interesting subject of future research.
However, the obtained results should be treated with caution as the Autistic Group included several older students than the Non-autistic group. In Poland, finishing primary school at a later age often results from postponing compulsory schooling, usually by a year, in the case of children considered not developmentally ready to start school, which might be the case for autistic students. It may also result from not being promoted to the next class due to insufficient mastery of the educational material at a given level. However, in both cases, all students completed the same number of years of formal education.
We would like to address the limitations of the current study that suggest directions for future research. The strength of the study was the relatively large number of collected essays, but we had limited clinical characteristics of participants, and as discussed earlier, we did not have data on IQ scores. The second limitation was the slightly different task instructions received by participants from the two groups. One aspect that draws attention is that the instruction for the Non-autistic Group included the phrase “shared adventure”, whereas the instruction for the Autistic Group used the wording “your adventure”. The first implies interpersonal experiences, while the second does not. It could have an impact on the results we obtained. However, analyses involving human raters indicate that both instructions did not differentiate the essays in an evident manner. In another project using the same data, human raters, psychologists experienced in autism diagnosis, were tasked with assigning participants to groups after reading their stories. The raters’ effectiveness was close to random (unpublished data). Hence, the essays from both groups did not differ in a way that would be noticed by human raters.
Another limitation is related to the assumptions underlying the computational methods used. The meaning of certain words, as they occur in the text, depends on their neighboring words. This could be captured using an approach based on Construction Grammar (Goldberg, 1995 , 2006 ). When applied to dialogic engagement, using the notions of lexical and syntactic resonance, Tantucci and Wang ( 2023 ) identified differences in creativity and intersubjective engagement in children with ASD in contrast with the neurotypical population. However, in our approach, the measures of sentiment and the LCM model use the most frequent sense of a word. We argue that this is a strong baseline approach, outperforming automated word sense disambiguation tools available in Polish. Rare senses and usages contribute less to the overall error. Moreover, this contribution is unlikely to have a significant influence on comparisons between groups that we make. On the one hand, the advantage of our approach is full automation and no annotation inconsistencies introduced by inter-annotator disagreements. On the other hand, the method proposed by Tantucci and Wang ( 2023 ) offers a more fine-grained analysis, and better handling of word senses.
We would like to draw the reader’s attention to another aspect. Most of the essays were handwritten, but in the case of the Autistic Group, there were also essays written using a keyboard. This is a technical difference between the groups that may also affect the written stories, although we do not propose a hypothesis regarding the direction of this influence.
Our study indicates that automated, quantitative computational methods are effective means for analyzing written narratives in autism. A significant conclusion drawn from our study is that written narratives by autistic individuals proved similar to spoken narratives in terms of characteristics detected by computational methods. Autistic adolescents used fewer words with positive emotional polarity and verbs describing the mental and emotional states of the characters, and their essays were less abstract but more complex in terms of readability than the narratives of non-autistic peers. Collecting data from national exams and its potential usefulness in distinguishing autistic individuals could pave the way for future large-scale and cost-effective epidemiological studies on autism.
Data Availability
Data is available upon request from the corresponding author.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the Polish District Examination Boards. In particular, we would like to thank: Dr. Maria Krystyna Szmigel , the Deputy Director of the District Examination Board in Krakow; Mrs. Joanna Peter and Mrs. Anna Rappe from the District Examination Board in Krakow; Mrs. Grażyna Klimuszko , the Deputy Director of the District Examination Board in Łomża; and Mr. Grzegorz Dudzicki from the District Examination Board in Łomża; Mrs. Ragna Ślęzakowska , the Head of the General Education Examinations Department of the District Examination Board in Warsaw; We would like to thank the students who prepared essays for computer analysis: Patrycja Jaworska and Paweł Zubrzycki.
The project was supported by grants from the Polish National Science Centre (grant no. 2020/39/D/HS6/00809 and from the funds awarded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in the form of a subsidy for the maintenance and development of research potential in 2023 and 2024 (501-D125-01-1250000 zlec.5011000231; 5011000228). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation.
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Conceptualization, methodology, writing, review, and editing; analyzing and discussing the results: IC, AW; design, data collecting, and project administration: IC; computational analyses: AW. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
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Correspondence to Izabela Chojnicka .
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Chojnicka, I., Wawer, A. Analysis of Autistic Adolescents’ Essays Using Computer Techniques. J Autism Dev Disord (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06482-4
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Accepted : 09 July 2024
Published : 27 July 2024
DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06482-4
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Writing a film analysis essay can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for both film enthusiasts and students of cinema. Analyzing a movie allows you to delve into its intricacies, unravel its themes, and dissect its visual and narrative techniques.
What Is a Film Analysis Essay? To put it simply, film analysis implies watching a movie and then considering its characteristics: genre, structure, contextual context, etc. Film analysis is usually considered to be a form of rhetorical analysis.The key to success here is to formulate a clear and logical argument, supporting it with examples.
📋 Film Analysis Format Our Experts can deliver a custom essay for a mere 11.00 9.35/page Learn more. The movie analysis format follows a typical essay structure, including a title, introduction, thesis statement, body, conclusion, and references.
What this handout is about This handout introduces film analysis and and offers strategies and resources for approaching film analysis assignments. Writing the film analysis essay Writing a film analysis requires you to consider the composition of the film—the individual … Read more
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.
Learning how to write a film analysis essay correctly is a crucial skill for cinephiles and students alike. Writers Elite offers expert guidance on dissecting cinematic elements and crafting insightful analyses. Studying this topic can help enthusiasts appreciate films on a deeper level while empowering students to excel in academic writing.
How to Write a Film Analysis Essay. By Timothy Sexton. Strengthen the authority of your essay through familiarity with movie-making jargon. Writing a film analysis essay is an assignment that is less likely to terrorize those who fear the idea of writing an essay, because it allows them to write about something most people enjoy. Film analysis is not the same thing as writing a movie review ...
What this handout is about. This handout provides a brief definition of film analysis compared to literary analysis, provides an introduction to common types of film analysis, and offers strategies and resources for approaching assignments.
Film analysis is a captivating and insightful way to explore the world of cinema. Whether you're a film student, a cinephile, or just someone who enjoys dissecting movies, you'll find that forming a solid thesis statement is the cornerstone of a successful film analysis.
This guideline is designed to teach people how to write a film analysis essay. Basically, students and anyone interested in writing a good movie analysis essay should read the details and tips that can help them to produce a high-standard piece.
Movie analysis essays offer a unique opportunity to take a closer look at narrative techniques and artistic aspects of filmmaking. A paper on this subject lets you explore themes, characters, cinematography, and other elements that make movies stand out.
Film analyses are common academic assignments in college and university when students develop their writing skills. The primary objective of such written pieces is to reveal and discuss the synopsis after watching the movie.
If you are studying cinematography, you will have to write a movie analysis essay at some point. If you have never written such a paper before, it may seem rather challenging for you. However, if you do some research and use the proper structure, you will be able to write an excellent movie analysis essay
Consider the narrative. Don't take the film's plot—or any of its narrative aspects—for granted. They all result from creative decisions made by the filmmaker and therefore require critical analysis.
Learn how to write a film analysis essay with our guide. Explore the examples, topics, and tips for 2024. Impress your professor with your skills.
Introductory Note. The analysis below discusses the opening moments of the science fiction movie Ex Machina in order to make an argument about the film's underlying purpose.The text of the analysis is formatted normally.
Writing an essay about a film sounds like a fun assignment to do. As part of the assignment, you get to watch the movie and write an analytical essay about your impressions. However, you will soon find that you're staring at an empty sheet of paper or computer screen with no idea what to write,
Released in 1972 and directed by Andrey Tarkovsky, Solaris is an English production based on the science fiction novel written by Stanislav Lem. The film's slogan states, "Let us take you with us to Solaris, the planet of mystery, an embodiment of man's latent conflict with the unknown."
Enrolling in a film class might seem like a fun way to pass a class — after all, it's just watching movies, right? Not exactly! While film classes certainly require you to watch movies, you're most likely to be assigned 2-3 films per week in addition to analysis work. Considering how long movies can be, this can quickly turn into quite a hefty workload. If you've never taken a film class ...
Cultural/Historical Analysis. As the name suggests, this type of work focuses on analyzing a film from a historical or cultural point of view. It assesses how a movie reflects or comments on the period in which it was produced and what cultural (as well as social or political) impact it made during that time.
Step 1: Return to your thesis. To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument. Don't just repeat your thesis statement—instead, try to rephrase your argument in a way that shows how it has been developed since the introduction.. Example: Returning to the thesis Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind ...
Conclusion "Catch Me if You Can" executes the cat-and-mouse game between Frank Abagnale Jr. and Carl Hanratty with commendable finesse, weaving a captivating narrative that delves into the complexities of deception, identity, and redemption.
Discover the art of crafting captivating essay conclusions that leave a lasting impact. Learn how to restate your thesis, summarize key points, evoke emotions, and offer recommendations. Explore examples and gain valuable insights in this comprehensive guide. Elevate your writing skills with 29+ Essay Conclusion Examples in PDF.
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The Penn application process includes a personal essay—which is sent to most schools you apply to—as well as a few short answer prompts.We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world.
All art forms convey meaning, and film is no different. Whereas paintings convey meaning through shape and colour, and works of literature convey meaning through language, films convey meaning through various audiovisual elements, such as mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and sound, among others.
Purpose Challenges associated with narrative discourse remain consistently observable across the entire spectrum of autism. We analyzed written narratives by autistic and non-autistic adolescents and aimed to investigate narrative writing using quantitative computational methods. Methods We employed Natural Language Processing techniques to compare 333 essays from students in the final eighth ...
UPSC Mains 2024 season has begun. One of the most popular questions in the aspirants' minds for the mains preparation is: How to write essays for UPSC Civil Services Exams? We have an answer for you in the form of our new series. In UPSC Essentials' special series UPSC Essays Simplified, we take you through various steps of writing a good essay.