· It is best to watch the film first of all, prior to reading anything about how it is perceive d, so that you are not prejudiced or predisposed to a certain opinion about it. However, it is important to acquaint yourself with the critics’ opinions and the perception s of the wider audience at some point, as this is the basic information that any film review must have.
· Think of other films in the same genre or that depict a similar story. Compare them with the film you are reviewing and make note of its comparative strengths and weaknesses.
· It is advisable to allow yourself sufficient time to reflect on the film, then write a review after you have watched it for the second time, if time permits. A few hours of digest ing what you have just watched might be enough to analyze the impact of the film and get a fuller sense of impressions.
· A useful tip is to watch some behind the scenes footage or interviews with actors and crew to get a better picture of the production process.
· Another interesting approach is to pick one distinctive scene from the film that made a particularly strong impression on you, and analyze it in detail. However, there is no need to describe the scene itself in specifics to avoid being a spoiler, especially if it is close to the culmination. Instead, focus on the actors’ performance, setting, music, light, characters’ behavior and dialogue.
Do and Don’t
Do
- Do keep in mind the film’s target audience. Consider whether or not you relate to this audience when analyzing the film.
- Do include your personal, subjective comments on the film. However, make sure they are reasonable and not too long.
- Do avoid spoilers when you discuss the plot. Remember, your aim is to summarize the film for those who are possibly interested in viewing it themselves after reading your film review.
- Do analyze particular characteristics of the film separately. It is not enough to just decide whether or not the film is worth seeing. You have to go into detail and evaluate actors’ performance, director’s vision, sound, light, setting, and other technical components one by one.
· Do avoid generalizations. Be specific in your comments and expound on them adequately. Be precise and give examples to make sure you convey the right impression with your words.
| Don’t
- Don’t neglectwatching the film. If one attempts to form an opinion on the film from just reading about the plot and the cast on the Internet, then there is little chance such a film review will be any good.
- Don’t choose a film for review based on critics’ opinion. Even if the film was not exceptionally successful, it might be a great idea to write a review on it and try to highlight its strong points.
- Don’t be afraid to disagree with the critics. Your film review is more valuable when it is more critical. When it comes to film reviews, uniqueness and originality of thought is appreciated.
· Don’t think that you have to necessarily criticize the film in your review. Being critical does not mean that you cannot admit if you liked the film and think that it is a great piece of art. Just make sure you base your opinion on something other than mere judgment.
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