Writing About Film

1. There are five types of film analyses that can be performed. The first is formal analysis, requires that the viewer be able to use the parts of the film to know how these parts affect the film in its entirety. The second is film history, which states that all films reflect, influence and have history, offer up a critique or reflection of the values and culture of the time period the film was set, made or released, and that films contribute to and influence historical events that are happening at the time, or influence the perception of a past event. The third type is ideological papers, which states that all films support, suggest or idealize a belief or set of beliefs, and tries to force these beliefs upon the viewers of the film. The fourth type is cultural studies/ national cinema, which is that film's represent the culture and nation in which the film was created, and might not like films made in other countries that do not follow the norms that the audience developed. The fifth and final type is discussion of the auteur, which is based on the assumption that one person retains authorship and control.
2. To annotate a shot sequence or scene, one must first set aside a certain scene, and label the shots, preferably using abbreviations for convenience. The benefit of annotation is that you can keep track of the complex camera moves, and help to better understand why the film has a certain effect on the audience and how the director created the film.
3. When the author states to "Think Beyond the Frame," the author is implying that you must not simply look at the film and wonder, but instead ponder and analyze the how's and why's of the films production and its effect on the audience.