Film Analysis

So you know the components of film now what? Just like literature, film is meant to be analyzed and studied. Unlike literature, a films meaning is not solely dependent on the words it conveys meaning through sight and sound as well. The following elements are essential to a well-crafted film analysis.

Literary Aspects
Narrative Characters Setting Theme Symbol Genre

Questions to ask
Who tells the story? How much audience/character distance is created? Is it effective for this film? How? Is the story line consistent? Who are the characters? How are each conveyed to the audience? Are they believable in the context of the film? How? Why? What is the time and place of the film? Is it appropriate for the content? Why or why not? What is/are the theme(s)? Are they easily discernable? Which aspects most enhance the theme? Why? Is there an effective use of a symbol? What does the symbol represent? Is it appropriate for the film? Are there unusual uses of symbols? How does the film represent its genre? How is it different? Are the differences distracting?

Dramatic Aspects
Acting Costumes Make-up

Questions to ask
Are the actors effective in the role? Why or why not? Is the acting appropriate for the film and/or scene? Is the acting distracting? Are the costumes appropriate for the film? Does it enhance the character? Detract from the character? Is the make-up effective in its intended use? Is it distracting? How is it particularly done well? Done badly?

Cinematic Aspects
Camera Angles

Questions to ask
What do the camera angles suggest? Are they effective in their intent? Are there any instances in which the camera distance or angle is inappropriate or jarring? What emotions does the music suggest? Are theme songs effective or distracting and why? Which sound effects are effective and why? Ineffective and why? What atmosphere does the lighting create? What time of day is portrayed? Where is the light coming from and what may be generating it? How does the set add or detract from the atmosphere of the film? Is any setting particularly well done? Done poorly? Are the props appropriate? Detracting? Unusual? Are visual effects done well or poorly? How well is each scene/film put together as a whole?

Sound

Lighting Set/Props

Mise en scene

Film Analysis