Film Critique

Film Critique Essay Assignment

Length: 1000 words, minimum Due: 11:59 pm, 3/15/16

sum·ma·ry ˈsəmərē/

noun

a brief statement or account of the main points of something.

a·nal·y·sis əˈnaləsəs/

noun

detailed examination of the elements or structure of something, typically as a basis for discussion or interpretation.

Summary and analysis are two of the most important skills in a writer’s toolbox, and the writer’s ability to blend both of those skills together in a way that is both meaningful and impactful for their reader is absolutely essential. For your second formal assignment, you will be utilizing summary and analysis to craft a film critique.

Begin by choosing a film. You may choose a recent release or a classic, a film you have seen a hundred times or one you have never seen at all. You should view this film once, paying close attention to the details of the film. Then watch the film a second time, taking notes on special points of interest as well as your own personal questions and reactions.

You may be tempted at first to simply write a review of the film. A critique , however, is somewhat different from a review. A movie review simply documents the critical reception of a film at its time of theatrical or DVD release. It is more consumer-oriented, placing emphasis on recommendation than analysis. A critique is an analytical essay on a film, in which you give your opinion on the aesthetic or ethical quality of the film and then give your reasons for your opinion. Criticism usually offers interpretations a film’s meaning, analysis of its structure and style, judgement of its worth by comparison with other films, and an estimation of its likely effect on viewers.

Keeping this in mind, do not limit yourself to reacting to the film (“I loved it!” or “I hate it!”) and do not use generic terms like “incredible,” “wonderful,” “marvelous,” etc. Unlike a review, you assume that the reader has already seen the movie; you do not need to give an extensive plot summary; you do not need to hide plot information so as not to spoil the surprise of the viewer; and you do need to be consistently analytical and critical. Remember: the purpose of a film critique is to offer your critical opinion and support that opinion with analysis.

Requirements:

· 1000 words minimum

· NOT MLA FORMAT – This is your one chance this semester to be creative with your formatting. Try to make your critique look like the models we are examining in class.

· Include at least one relevant image from your film

· A rating system of some kind. You’ll have a chance in class to come up with your own rating system. You may choose to go the hilarious route or the serious route.

· Observation of grammatical and mechanical rules