On the Art of Film Analysis
FILM 1051 - Introduction to Film and Media Studies
University of Cincinnati
November 24, 2023
Introduction
Many people consider movies as paramount features that add value to
life. Movies serve to entertain human beings and perhaps educate
them on certain issues in life. They therefore serve as tools for
entertainment, enlightening and disseminating people. After work or
during free time such as weekends and holidays, people enjoy
watching movies as a form of leisure. However, the art of movie
watching depends on one’s perception and the ability to make
meaning out of a movie.
For instance, depending on one’s perception and art of viewing, the
moving image within a movie can entertain, educate or inform. The
moving camera is also paramount in giving meaning of the movie to
the audience. In most cases, a positive perception towards movies
helps the audience to understand the elements of film production
hence, analyze it. For example, an informed awareness instills
dexterity and background instructions as ingredients of film
understanding.
In addition to entertainment and education, critical and conscientious
film watching is vital when it comes to creating awareness on what is
happening in the society and the world at large. It is important to note
that viewing a movie not only lifts up a person’s celluloid experience,
but also enable persons to understand the complexity, dense language,
principles, cryptograms, and signs cinematic attributes exhibited
during viewing.
Thus, for a person to analyze a movie effectively, he or she must
understand these elements on top of reading some facets of
cinematography and familiarizing with the terms used in order to
comprehend the film language-one of the prerequisite of movie
analysis. This will stimulate thought as regard to the film, hence
making the viewers cinematically literate. Most importantly, with an
informed awareness, every viewer can interpret and analyze a film
without any complication (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.1-5).
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Analyzing an Entire Movie
The art of film analysis involves many features and not just sections in
a movie. Thus, a movie analyzer should devote much time in order to
do an effective movie analysis. Before engaging in the movie analysis
process, an analyzer should read the synopsis of the movie to
understand its progress and development.
The synopsis is fundamental in that it helps the analyzer to know the
topic of the movie, the actors involved, and successive developments.
To start with, it is better to define to understand the meaning of movie
analysis. Movie analysis involves breaking up the entire movie into
numerous sections aimed at ascertaining the scenery, proportion,
purpose, and correlation of the scenes.
Each movie has its own plot as designed by the director or
cinematographer. However, the plot cannot make the film entertaining
or educative without good action. Actors are the one who give
meaning to the plot of the movie. For instance, the critique emotions
and moods of the actors are potential ingredients that add vitality to
the plot hence, success of the movie.
Without further deliberation, the art of film watching calls for decisive
analytical approach in order to understand the plot of the movie. In
addition, this analytical approach enables the audience to understand
the fundamental elements of cinematography. Thus, movie analysis
entails prior pertinent preparation aimed at understanding the rationale
of the movie and an inquisitive thought of adjudicating the basic
elements, which compose the movie.
Ordinarily, the credibility of analyzing a movie lies in the question
“how”. Additionally, part of the movie evaluation involves proper
deliberation on the role of music and other special effects as elements
that compose the movie. For example, illumination, actors, colors,
locale, wardrobe, and frame composition are some of the elements
behind film production (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.6).
Thus, in order to do an explicit movie analysis, an analyzer must be in
a position to comprehend the talent and delirium of various actors, the
roles played by producers and directors, the reason of using different
types of costumes, and the inclusion of makeup artists or actors.
For instance, if a viewer is in a position to combine these elements,
the probability of divulging the theme of the movie is high.
Nonetheless, what matters most in the art of film watching is the end
as it is vital in laying out the theme of the movie. There are certain
times when viewers fail completely to understand the entire movie.
They therefore cannot analyze the movie. However, to arrive at the
first-pace action, producers must first focus on the plot making it hard
for viewers to comprehend the movie easily.
However, repeated watching of the movie institutes impressions of the
plot, and as time goes by, viewers are in a position to depict the mood
and theme of the movie. For instance, if actors are acting a movie
titled “Life”, laughter and emotions are imperative in order to furnish
meaning to the plot. Below are steps for analyzing the entire movie
(Boggs & Petrie, 2008, p.7).
Efficacy of Dialogue and Storyline
The efficacy of storyline and dialogue are imperative elements when it
comes to movie analysis.Many movie analyzers tend to forget the role
of a screenwriter and instead, focus on the roles played by actors and
producers.
On the other hand, they should understand that screenwriters as chief
architects of the movie may choose to acclimatize a book and abrogate
it to script form or write an original story for action. Whichever the
way, viewers should be in a position to identify minutiae of dialogue
and plotlines. For instance, research shows that a flourishing movie
script characterizes with authentic dialogue and scenarios easily
manageable by artists and actors.
On the other hand, most screenwriters use full of personal obscenities
and thoughts easily understood by viewers. Thus, part of the analysis
entails establishing dialogue honesty and the flow of scenes in a
logical manner. Furthermore, the scenes must remain on the storyline.
Background and Set Pieces
In order to understand thebackground and set pieces of a movie, it is
paramount to interpret the role of movie directors. These are the one
responsible in building the ambiance of the movie. Thus, when a
person decides to analyze a movie, he or she must first examine the
color of the panorama, costumes and sets.
During this time, the analyzer will assume that actors and dialogue do
not exist- at least for a moment. This is because color, costumes and
sets develop the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Good movies
have excellent backgrounds that add vitality to scenes without
overwhelming the movie. On the contrary, poor cinematography leads
to anachronism and inadvertent focus.
Individual Performance of Actors
This is also another important aspect of interpreting a movie. Before
analyzing a movie, it is important to know what actors who are not in
the main action do. For instance, good actors are those who
understand their roles especially in generating the plot of the movie.
For example, a character acting as villain should exhibit redoubtable
opposition to the one portraying intrepidness. Thus, an analyzer
should ask whether these actors play their roles effectively to attract
other actors who will counter them.
Editing of the Movie
A number of literature materials on movie analysis indicate
thatexcellent movies are the one manufactured or those that start from
editing houses. This is true because there are so many excellent
movies that have become poor due to poor editing. For instance, these
movies have their storyline cut or scenes that deny forward plot.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, one should consider the flow of scenes
in reference to the storyline. Fabulously edited movies do not confuse
the audience, as there is a systematic forward plot from one scene to
another (Boggs & Petrie, 2008, pp.14-134).
As depicter earlier, movie directors play a significant role in film
production. Nevertheless, directors should be in apposition to
comprehend the thoughts of the screenwriter, and at the same time, the
competence and skills of actors and other persons involved in film
production.
Thus, when analyzing a movie, it is important to inquire from the
director on how he or she arrived at the actors and their reputation.
The analyzer should also examine contributions from the director
especially on edgy dialogue, signature elements, the milieu of music,
and other perspectives such as photography angles.
Finding and Interpreting Meaning in Movies
When it comes to movie analysis, the difficult part is finding and
interpreting meaning in a movie. This area has also attracted a lot of
criticism regarding the modalities of finding and interpreting meaning
in movies. Nonetheless, this depends on how one view a movie,
entertaining, educative or something else.
For example, there are people who believe movies are for
entertainment purposes only while some believe that movies can
educate people on culture, economics and politics. However, the truth
of the matter is movies are substantially real phenomena, which
portray something. Movies have great impact on people’s lives
especially on historical and social realities.
Thus, the theme of a film can influence people perform social,
political and economic duties. Nonetheless, this cannot happen minus
first finding and interpreting the meaning of a movie. The meaning in
a movie can vary from one viewer to another depending on
interpretation. Research shows that there are four levels of meaning in
a movie, which help people in finding and interpreting meaning in a
movie (Perkins, 1990, pp. 1-6).
The first level of meaning in movie analysis is referential meaning.
The plot summary differs from one movie to another. This makes
viewers to come up with different interpretations based on individual
ability to identify the fundamental elements that make up the movie.
For instance, in the film, Wizard of Oz, tornado knocks a young girl
only to wake up in a supernatural world named Oz. This means that
she has one option and that is making new friends who will show her
the Wizard; the only friend who will return her back home. Thus, the
plot summary helps one to find and interpret the meaning in a movie.
Secondly, we have the explicit meaning, which comprises the message
in the film. In order to understand the meaning of a film, it is
imperative to familiarize with the context of the movie. The context of
the movie helps viewers to understand the plot summary and the
developments happening from one scene to another. Thus, explicit
meaning in movie analysis tries to answer the “how question” and
then “why subject”.
Thirdly, we have implicit meaning level that represents the factual
interpretation of a movie. The implicit meaning goes beyond explicit
meaning pending the fact that every viewer interprets a movie
differently. Furthermore, viewers can use the move to refer to their
own life and make informed decisions. For instance, in the film
Wizard of Oz, young adults are acquainted on the dangers of
indiscipline and rebellion.
The last level under this discussion is symptomatic meaning, which
explains the social ideology that characterizes the movie. In addition,
it also explains the cultural ambience of people living in a certain
place at a particular time. This can make viewers strive to work hard
and become prosperous or continue celebrating their cultural diversity
(Nowlan, 2002, p.1).
Personal Criteria for Evaluating Movies
People have different criteria of analyzing movies depending on their
perceptions. Perhaps this is the reason why a particular movie can
have numerous interpretations. Nevertheless, if analyzers understand
the synopsis and other elements of movie analysis, it is likely that
interpretations will appear similar to certain extent.
According to my view of movie analysis, genre plays an imperative
tool in movie analysis. I am conversant with many genres, which I
apply in evaluating movies that I enjoy watching. In particular, I enjoy
watching science, horror, drama and comedy genres and love
evaluating them using their synopsis. I have different approaches in
evaluating each of these.
For instance, in evaluating a science fiction, I emphasize on the
projected realism in order to find meaning. Thus, taking a real
worldview enables me to interpret and analyze science movies easily.
The same case applies to fictional genres where human beings change
into dogs or objects. In most cases, I assume that magic world does
not exist and instead dwell on magic free world. As for comedies-
dumb and smart, my criterion of interpretation is simple, that is, they
must make me laugh for me to make meaning out of them.
For example, comedies like Greedy, While You Were Sleeping and
Clue always make me laugh, and by this, I find myself in a position to
evaluate them. Other criteria I use in evaluating movies include
reading the screenplay, taking copious notes, summarizing ideas,
spotting the pros and cons, digesting the meaning, and finally making
a critical appraisal.
I also examine the title of the movie in real life situation and relate it
to what happens in the society. In general, my criteria of evaluating
movies lie in the synopsis of the movie and the elements of movie
analysis such as plot, actors, set pieces, and many more.
Conclusion
People do movie analysis for different reasons. To others, movie
analysis helps them to understand movies better, while to others,
movie analysis educates. Thus, it greatly depends on a personal view
on movies and its significance to self.
Reference List
Boggs, M. J. & Petrie, W.D. (2006).EThe Art of Watching Film. (7th
ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Publishers.
Nowlan, B. (2002). Interpreting Film: Meaning and Representation,
Culture and Politics, the Truman Show and Stranger with a Camera.
Web.
Perkins, V. (1990). Must We say What They Mean?: Film Criticism
and Interpretation. Movie, 34(5). 1-6.
