A good film critique provides the reader with a basic idea of what the film is about. It gives the writer’s critical assessment of the success/failure or effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the film supported by the evidence the writer gathers from the film.
It is more than a plot synopsis or the enthusiastic blurbs of publicity hype. The critique is an opportunity to exhibit a critical awareness of the elements of the film as well as to share the delight and pleasure (or frustration and disappointment) the film offers the viewer.
Write a film critique on one film. Minimum pages for– 3 pages. Cite sources.
Begin with an introductory statement informing the reader.
• What the film is about and what type of film it is. (Genre – mystery, drama, film noir, action, animated, fantasy, etc.)
• Give some general information about the film, such as the name of the director and the main actors.
• Do not write a complete summary of the actions but describe your reaction to the film. Of course, you may need to discuss specific scenes from the movie.
• State what your general impression of the film was: positive or negative. Please make sure to justify your reaction using as many examples as you see fit.
Here are some basic, starting questions to ask yourself when writing your critique.
1. Is the film adapted from fiction or drama, or is it based on an original idea and screenplay? If it is an adaptation, does it follow the original and neglect the cinematic opportunities of the story? Or does it sacrifice the original work for unnecessary cinematic devices? If the story is original, how fresh or innovative is it?
2. Are the characters believable?
3. Are the actors appropriately cast?
4. What is the theme of the film? Is it obvious or only subtly evident? Do the plot, acting, and other elements in the film successfully impart the theme to the viewer?
5. Is the setting/locale appropriate and effective?
6. Is the cinematography effective? Does the film make certain use of color, texture, lighting, etc. to enhance the theme, mood, setting?
7. Is the soundtrack effective and appropriate? Is the music appropriate and functional, or is it inappropriate and obtrusive?
8. Are camera angles used effectively? Are they ever used for a particular effect?
9. Are there special effects (and/or special effects makeup) in the film? If so, are they essential to the plot? Are they handled skillfully? Do they serve a necessary function, or does the film sacrifice plot or characterization for the effects themselves?
10. Does the film make use of symbols or symbolism? What purpose do the symbols serve? Are they used effectively? How does the symbolism in the film contribute to or enhance the film’s overall theme?
Now that the film critique is completed, write a brief narrative of why you chose this particular film. Was it a film that you studied before, the director, literature to film, etc? What meaning does this film have to you, not the critic, but you personally?