CRITICAL ANALYSIS GUIDELINES:

YOU MUST POST EIGHT SHORT CRITICAL ESSAYS OF THREE TO FIVE PARAGRAPHS DURING THE COURSE OF THE SEMESTER. 

EACH ONE MUST DEAL WITH A PARTICULAR SEQUENCE OR TOPIC FROM ONE OF THE FILMS WE WATCH DURING THE SEMESTER. 


YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND SPECIFIC SEQUENCES ON YOUTUBE.

EACH ESSAY WILL COUNT FOR FIVE POINTS. SO THIS REQUIREMENT COVERS 40% OF YOUR FINAL GRADE

THE FOLLOWING IS A SET OF GUIDELINES TO HELP YOU. DON'T DEAL WITH EVERY TOPIC: PICK OUT A FEW THAT ARE MOST SIGNIFICANT TO YOU AND BASE YOUR ESSAY ON THEM.

YOU MUST COME UP WITH A COHERENT CRITICAL SYNTHESIS/THESIS 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS;

WHAT IS THE FILM ABOUT? HOW IS IT ABOUT WHAT IT IS ABOUT?

Narrative Elements: What is the story? What are the elements of storytelling?

Story:

Plot Structure:

Non-Story Elements:

Characters:

Stylistic Elements: How is the story made into a  film?

• Camera Technique (Cinematography)
• Acting
• Mis en Scene
• Sets/locations
• Costumes
• Lighting
• Camera Placement and movement
• Other elements

Post-Production Elements:

Editing (Montage)

Sound

Music

Ideological/Thematic Elements: What are the ideas and themes expressed in the work?

Objective of film; intended audience. What kind of audience is the film intended for? Does it succeed in reaching its audience?

YOUR CRITICAL SYNTHESIS/THESIS What are the most important elements to you? What are your critical ideas