Writing About Film

A formal analysis of a film requires that the viewer breaks down the entire film into smaller sections that relate to the film as whole. A formal analysis has many components to it that should be related to the film such as: cinematography, lighting, setting, acting techniques,and the score. To complete a full formal analysis all these components should be touched on or acknowledged instead of a mere summary of the film. 


Another form of film writing is history. Each film has some historical context relating to them and each director is influenced by the historical context in which they live in. For example many war films have been produced in the last decade because of the war in the middle east and directors have noted the effects of our past since wars are a large aspect of our lives and effect people in numerous ways. Films that involve history within them also influences what is accepted or banned in our society today; it allows people to realize what is going on around them through a director's view point or production. Many films are influenced historically; sport films are influenced by a certain instance or time period like coach carter or remember the titans, mythical films that relate to ancient mythology, classical films that represents conventional techniques that were popular at the time period, etc. 


A third type of film writing is ideological papers, which is to promote some set of beliefs. Each country has its own set of beliefs that are trying to be shared throughout the world for example, with ancient martial arts films many times Asians are portrayed as the dangerous type who take on ten guys at once, so in our society people are influenced by these ideologies and want to imitate these film ideas. Even though the ideas might be imitated an American film would still have distinct features that a Chinese film wouldn't have. 


The fourth type of film writing is cultural studies and national cinemas. This type of writing is when the film is influenced by the culture and nation that is producing it. National cinemas and cultural cinemas can reflect a new aspect to its audience like "slum dog millionaire" gave us insight about the Indian culture and influenced Americans throughout the world because of the great differences between our cultures and theirs. The approach that is taken through different nations in national cinemas are what separates different styles from one another. 


The last type of film writing is when discussing the Auteur. This type of writing is mainly influenced through the director in regards to his intent of the film. Even though films are a collaborative piece of work and many people play a role in the final product, looking at the director and film as a whole in an objective manner can allow you to understand common themes the director uses to fully understand his intent of the film. 


Annotating a film sequence is like taking notes on film. In specific it is when you take notes on a particular shot sequence, so you can further analyze it and focus your writing. This technique is extremely useful when break down a certain part of a film and figure out its intent you can note why the lighting in the particular shot was done that way or the editing or score, etc. 


Thinking beyond the frame relates to thinking about outside factors that influence the film besides what you see before you. One needs to question who made the film, why was it made and did the director relay any important themes that could be possibly already used in his/her other works. You must also look at production history to understand what outside factors came into play when making this particular production. Critics and expert opinions should be viewed to to further build your own analysis and understand what genre the film is to give you an overall feel of how the film will be like. Many aspects plays a role in a films success and production, so everything should be looked into, so your own understanding grows.