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Critical Film WritingCritical Film Writing

Professor Michael Green

Sunset Boulevard (1950)Directed by Billy Wilder

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This LectureThis Lecture

• Three Types of Film Writing

• The Thesis• Gathering Ideas to

Make your Argument• Structuring the Essay• Tips and Suggestions

Barton Fink (1992)Directed by Joel Coen

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Three Types of Film WritingThree Types of Film Writing

Part I

Adaptation (1956)Directed by Spike Jonze

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Three Types of Film WritingThree Types of Film Writing

• Remember, there are three major types of film writing:

– Descriptive – a neutral account of the basic characteristics of the film.

– Evaluative – which presents a judgment or opinion about a film’s value.

– Interpretive – which presents an argument about a film’s meaning and significance.

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Descriptive WritingDescriptive Writing• As it suggests, descriptive writing describes

a film, without evaluation or judgment.

• Most descriptions of narrative films relay plot events, while a description of a documentary might describe not only the topic of the film, but also the approach (i.e. how the material is presented).

• While descriptions do not offer judgments, they may go beyond plot summary to describe genre.

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ExampleExample

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Functions of Descriptive Film Functions of Descriptive Film WritingWriting

• Descriptive film writing can be found many places including

– Television and movie guides

– DVD cases

– Programs for film screenings

– Books about film

• Its function is to give potential viewers an idea about what a movie is about.

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Why Descriptive Film Writing is Why Descriptive Film Writing is ImportantImportant

• Descriptive film writing is the first essential component in all writing about film. You must be able to describe a film before you can say anything evaluative or interpretive about it.

• Often, descriptive writing is one component of more complex forms of film writing.

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Developing SkillsDeveloping Skills• Descriptive writing helps you build skills in

– Close viewing

– Critical Analysis

– Synthesizing and synopsizing

• You will use descriptive writing in all your critical papers at the university level.

• Accurate, concise well-articulated description is also crucial to any job, in the film industry or otherwise.

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Evaluative WritingEvaluative Writing• An evaluative claim presents a judgment,

expressing the author’s belief that the film is bad, good, mediocre, flawed, etc.

• Reviewer’s grades – A, B or C, two thumbs up, number of stars, etc. – often summarize the critic’s judgment, while a longer review lays out the specific reasons.

• “The Dark Knight is a great film” is an example of an evaluative claim.

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Stronger Evaluative ClaimsStronger Evaluative Claims• A stronger evaluative claim includes the

reasons why the evaluation is positive or negative.

• “The Dark Knight is a great film because it includes exciting and well-staged scenes of combat.”

• This statement is more convincing than the first assertion because it provides a basis for the judgment.

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Evaluative CriteriaEvaluative Criteria• Evaluative claims are always based on

the evaluator’s criteria, even if they remain unstated.

• Here, the unstated but implicit criterion is that exciting, well-crafted action scenes make a film great. Given the tremendous diversity of viewer preferences, it’s important to be clear about the evaluative criteria so the reader can compare the criteria to his or her own.

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Evaluative vs. InterpretiveEvaluative vs. Interpretive• Evaluative criteria is most often seen in the

movie review, which takes a number of forms in print, on TV and on the Internet.

• Though some critics bring a sophisticated level of film discourse to the culture, their discussion of a film generally comes down to whether they think it is “good or bad,” i.e worth your time and money.

• These evaluations are often ahistorical and not very analytical.

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Bordwell’s TakeBordwell’s Take“Film studies, it seems to me, is an effort to understand films and the processes through

which they’re made and consumed. Film scholars mount explanations for why films are

the way they are, why they were made the way they were, why they are consumed the

way they are. Most ordinary talk about movies, and most film journalism, doesn’t ask ‘Why?’ questions, or pursue them very far.”

• David Bordwell, “Studying Cinema”

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Bordwell (Continued)Bordwell (Continued)“When film scholars talk about movies, they

usually also offer interpretations: claims about the non-obvious meanings that we can find in films. Interpretations can be thought of as particular sorts of functional explanations. An interpretation presupposes that aspects of

the film (style, structure, dialogue, plot) contribute to its overall significance.”

• David Bordwell, “Studying Cinema”

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Importance Importance • It is important to be able to clearly,

concisely and efficiently articulate your evaluation of something as you often will be asked to do so in both your student and your professional work.

• In any society, it is important to be able to trade informed opinions and have an intelligent dialogue about art and culture.

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Final PointFinal Point• However, it is crucial to understand and recognize

the difference between evaluative and interpretive film writing - the difference between pure opinion and a claim supported by analysis and evidence.

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Interpretive WritingInterpretive Writing• An interpretive claim presents an argument

about a film’s meaning and significance.

• These kind of claims address a film’s themes and abstract ideas, its social relevance, its historical context, and its influence, among other topics.

• But they do more than identify themes; they go further, making an argument about what a film does with those themes.

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Interpretive Example #1Interpretive Example #1• After careful critical analysis, a viewer

might conclude that one theme in Transformers relates to technology.

• An interpretive claim might suggest:

• “Transformers questions the notion of technological progress by showing that technology actually controls people rather than the other way around.”

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Interpretive Example #2Interpretive Example #2• Another theme of the film is people working

together to achieve goals. Are the themes related? Can we connect them in our claim?

• A more complex interpretive claim might be:

• “Although an over-reliance on technology proves dangerous, Transformers assures viewers that a small group of people united by a common purpose can defeat the most powerful technological system.”

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The Importance of InterpretationThe Importance of Interpretation• While description and evaluation can be

helpful when deciding whether to see a film, interpretive claims are important because they seek to understand the ways in which film art produces meaning and how meaning is interpreted by viewers.

• Interpretive claims can be important socially and culturally.

• Finally, they can help us develop logical thinking and writing skills.

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Writing About Film : The ThesisWriting About Film : The Thesis

Part II

Permanent Midnight (1998) Directed by David Veloz

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The Thesis StatementThe Thesis Statement

• A thesis statement is the central claim of your paper - an assertion or argument that you try to prove through evidence. You must support the thesis statement in every paragraph and section of your paper.

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Developing a ThesisDeveloping a Thesis• In developing a thesis, start by asking

yourself questions, such as:

– How is the film intriguing or disturbing?

– What makes the film noteworthy?

– Does the film use filmmaking techniques in an original or pronounced way?

– How is the film situated historically?

– What is the film’s effect on specific audiences?

• Such questions will help you come up with your thesis.

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Purpose of Your ThesisPurpose of Your Thesis• Though the thesis is technically your opinion,

it is not evaluative the way a film review is.

• In a critical essay, your thesis is designed to help others understand:– How the film functions

– How meaning is constructed

– How audiences interpret meaning

– How the film produces social and cultural effects

– The film’s relationship to the film industry

– How the film is historical

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Thesis Example #1Thesis Example #1• In this paper, I argue that Blonde Venus

(1932) presents a traditional representation of gender roles, using narrative and visual elements to perpetuate an ideology of patriarchy and naturalize the idea of women as dependent mothers and homemakers.

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Thesis Example #2Thesis Example #2• Despite the fact that Blonde Venus

represents traditional gender stereotypes, the movie is both progressive and subversive in representing women. In this paper, I will argue that Blonde Venus, through narrative and visual style, challenges patriarchy by criticizing the traditional social roles of women as mothers and homemakers.

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Supporting your ThesisSupporting your Thesis• Once you have your thesis laid out, you

need to start thinking about how you are going to support it using evidence - both from the movie or movies you are analyzing and from outside sources.

• You can sum up the structure of an argumentative essay with the acronym TREE: Thesis supported by Reasons, which rest upon Evidence and Examples.

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Writing About Film: Gathering Ideas Writing About Film: Gathering Ideas to Make Your Argumentto Make Your Argument

Part III

Wonder Boys (2000)Directed by Curtis Hanson

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Summary: The Thesis StatementSummary: The Thesis Statement• A thesis statement is

the central claim of your paper - an assertion or argument that you try to prove through evidence. You must support the thesis statement in every paragraph and section of your paper.

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Outline/Segmentation of the FilmOutline/Segmentation of the Film• We experience a film

scene by scene, but if we want to know how the scenes work together, we need an idea of the film’s overall structure or shape.

• You should make an outline that reflects structural elements.

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Structure of Structure of Body and SoulBody and SoulWhat principles of development connect Body

and Soul from one scene to another?

1. Flashback/non-chronological narrative.

2. Fight scenes at crucial junctures in the life of the protagonist.

3. Alternation between the worlds of family and boxing.

4. A build to a final match designed to resolve the protagonist’s moral conflict and bring him squarely into one world or the other.

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Noting Outstanding Formal Noting Outstanding Formal TechniquesTechniques

• As you watch a film, you should also jot down brief, accurate descriptions of the various film techniques used.

• Once you have determined the overall organizational structure of the film, you can identify salient techniques, trace out patterns of techniques across the whole film, and propose functions for them.

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Some Formal TechniquesSome Formal Techniques• For example, Body

and Soul makes strong use of:

– Harsh lighting contrasts

– A more realistic acting style than was customary for Hollywood film

– Mobile cameras during the fight scenes

– A great deal of dialogue

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Purpose/Meaning in Structure and Purpose/Meaning in Structure and TechniquesTechniques

• OOnce you have a solid idea of how the film is structured, and have carefully noted any outstanding use of film techniques, you can begin to make a case for the purpose of the structure - in other words, what meaning is being produced as a result.

• This exercise can also help you if you want to be a filmmaker yourself.

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Identifying Salient TechniquesIdentifying Salient Techniques• At any moment in a film, so much is going

on that it is easy to be overwhelmed by all the technical elements.

• Often, film analysts are unsure as to what techniques are most relevant to their thesis.

• This is where planning your paper’s thesis in advance helps you. Your thesis will make some techniques more pertinent than others – although this process can often just as easily lead you to a thesis.

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ExampleExample

• For example, if your thesis asserts that Body and Soul advances the idea that economically depressed neighborhoods create a criminal class, than you may want to concentrate your formal analysis on elements of the film’s mise-en-scene – props, setting, costumes and lighting.

• You can then refine your identifications from there, perhaps bringing in analysis of other film elements and how they work together.

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Summary: Noting Outstanding Summary: Noting Outstanding Formal TechniquesFormal Techniques

• As you watch a film, you should also jot down brief, accurate descriptions of the various film techniques used.

• Once you have determined the overall organizational structure of the film, you can identify salient techniques, trace out patterns of techniques across the whole film, and propose functions for them.

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Structuring the EssayStructuring the Essay

Part IV

The Front Page (1931)Directed by Lewis Milestone

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Typical Critical Essay StructureTypical Critical Essay Structure• Broadly speaking, an argumentative essay

has this underlying structure:

• Introduction: This is typically background information (context) or a vivid example of your topic leading up to your thesis.

• Body: Reasons to believe your thesis – evidence and examples in support of it.

• Conclusion: Restatement of your thesis and discussion of its broader implications.

The IntroductionThe Introduction• A critical papers must include a short

introduction that concludes with your thesis statement.

• The introduction seeks to lead the reader into the argument to come. It usually includes some contextual information.

• Sometimes introductions can be longer than one paragraph (5-6 sentences), but not usually in a short paper (2-5 pages).

Be Specific in Your IntroductionBe Specific in Your Introduction• Make sure that an

introduction sets up your thesis in terms of the topic of your paper.

• If you are writing about the representation of race in GoodFellas, for example, don’t start with a broad introduction that discusses the career of its director or its Oscar wins.

ParagraphsParagraphs• Your paper must be organized into

paragraphs—the building blocks of any piece of writing.

• The introduction is 1-2 paragraphs; the body several, depending on length; and the conclusion 1-2 paragraphs.

• Do not double space between paragraphs.

• Do not write your entire paper as one paragraph!

The BodyThe Body• Normally, the introduction does not include

concrete evidence in support of the thesis.

• It is in the body that the writer begins to offer reasons to believe the thesis.

• The reasons are backed up by evidence and examples from the movie and extra-textual sources such as other films, scholarly readings, books and interviews.

ExampleExample• In Annie’s death scene in Imitation of Life,

aesthetic elements serve once again to empower whiteness and weaken racial minorities. For instance, in strategic low-angle shots, white characters tower over Annie as she dies; meanwhile deep focus photography allows us to clearly see a photo of Sara Jane, Annie’s fallen daughter and the implicit cause of her death.

Film LanguageFilm Language• As in the previous slide, be sure to use

technical film language when analyzing shots, scenes and sequences.

• This includes how cinematography, editing, narrative, sound and mise-en-scene serve to convey meaning and support your thesis.

• Remember, form and content are always linked.

Examples of Film LanguageExamples of Film Language• Narrative – linear, flashback, dialogue,

characters, act structure, plot, theme

• Mise-en-scene – Costume, lighting, make-up, staging, blocking, color

• Cinematography – Close-up, medium shots, low angle shot, establishing shot, zoom, wide angle lens, shot/reverse shot

• Editing – cut, wipe, montage, wipe, rhythm

• Sound – Soundtrack, sound bridge, music

The ConclusionThe Conclusion• The conclusion of your argumentative

essay should restate your thesis – skillfully, not repetitively – and remind your reader of its value.

• The ending is also an opportunity for you to try for some eloquence, a telling quotation, historical context, etc.

• In other words, you should make your conclusion memorable.

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Writing About Film: Tips and Writing About Film: Tips and Suggestions Part ISuggestions Part I

Part V

The Quiet American (2002)Directed by Phillip Noyce

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Context and DefinitionsContext and Definitions• Whenever you critically engage specific

topics and terms, you must provide definition and context for those topics and terms.

• Never begin your analysis assuming that your reader knows what you mean.

• For example if your thesis investigates the representation of whiteness in The Searchers, be sure to define whiteness high in your paper, supporting that definition with applicable quotes.

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Plot vs. RepresentationPlot vs. Representation• In critical film writing, understand the

difference between plot and representation. 

• The plot is the movie’s story and may be about a topic such as racism. Representation is how that story is represented beyond the plot through filmmaking techniques. 

• So, the plot of The Searchers might purport to be about how destructive racism is, but might be advancing opposite ideas through representation. 

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Keeping the Thrust of your Keeping the Thrust of your ArgumentArgument

• Every section in your paper must reiterate your thesis; you must weave the strand of your argument all the way through to the end, as a roadmap for your reader – and for yourself to help you stay on topic.

• Essays that fail to do this almost invariably stray off topic and/or become vague and confusing.

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Staying OrganizedStaying Organized• Every paragraph has one topic sentence

(usually the first sentence) and every other sentence in that paragraph is about that topic—elaborates, analyzes, explains the topic. Don’t include more than one topic per paragraph.

• Stick to the film to be analyzed. Don’t bring in extra films or ideas that have no relevance to your topic as you don’t have enough space to write about them.

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Plot SummaryPlot Summary• Do not include more than a few lines of

plot summary in your paper.

• While it is necessary to set the context of the scene or scenes you will be analyzing – “in the scene in which Murtaugh cradles Riggs in his arms . . .” – you need no more than a few sentences to do this.

• If you must summarize the film’s entire plot, do so briefly high in your paper – just below the introduction.

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Avoid OpinionAvoid Opinion• In a critical paper, don’t include opinionated

language.  In other words, keep evaluations of the movie out of your paper! 

• Don’t write, “The Defiant Ones is a fantastic film, one of the best about racism that there is, which really made me feel the power of hate in the world!”

• This is opinion; it does not advance your argument; nothing concrete backs it up. 

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RevisionRevision• The revision process is fundamental to the

writing process.

• No first draft is a good draft! Or at least, it’s not as good as it could be.

• Revising is more than looking at grammar, punctuation and formatting errors – although that is important!

• It is most crucially about streamlining and enhancing ideas and arguments to make them strong, clear, organized, convincing.

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Questions to Ask of Your Paper Questions to Ask of Your Paper During the Revision ProcessDuring the Revision Process

• Read over your essay thoroughly several times after you’ve written a draft. Does it:

– Follow the assignment guidelines?

– Present a clear argument that is easily located in the intro. and woven through each section?

– Use sufficient evidence and analysis to persuasively support your thesis?

– Develop all critical points to their logical conclusion?

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Copy EditingCopy Editing• Of course the details matter too: proof read for

correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and paper formatting.

• Double check all information related to your films – names of actors and filmmakers, production information, box office, year of release, etc.

• The titles of movies are always in italics followed by the year and the director.

– Star Wars (1977), directed by George Lucas

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Get Help!Get Help!• For even better results, have someone else

– a friend, a family member, a writing tutor, a teaching assistant or an instructor – read over your essay.

• Before turning in your essay, make sure you have included all required information including title, author name, due date, page numbers, correct bibliographic citations and the bibliography itself.

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A Few Last PointsA Few Last Points• Your paper should demonstrate depth, not

breadth. Analyze a few examples in detail. Especially in a short paper, don’t try to take on the whole film.

• Always be specific. Stay away from vague generalizations such as “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was a great film that showed many great things about racism.”

• Write on a topic you care about or have interest in – it will be a lot more enjoyable!

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Summary of Interpretive WritingSummary of Interpretive Writing• An interpretive claim presents an argument

about a film’s meaning and significance.

• These kind of claims address a film’s themes and abstract ideas, its social relevance, its historical context, and its influence, among other topics.

• But they do more than identify themes; they go further, making an argument about what a film does with those themes.

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Now Start Writing! Now Start Writing!