Guidelines For a Film Review Assignment

Turning the paper in, on time, properly presented and cited is worth 40% of the grade.

1. Turned in and on time – 10% deducted if it is handed in after class is over on the due date. An additional 10% is taken off for every additional late day. If you anticipate a problem, let me know in advance.
2. Proper presentation means printed, double spaced, and stapled with your name at the top of the front page. (10%)
3. Mention all the works you researched. If you directly quote something, cite it in standard footnote form. If it is a general knowledge source from your readings or viewings on the subject, include it in a bibliography at the end. It is expected that you will do some research and thus have such references. A paper without any looses 10%.

The following items should be included in your film reviews. Each category is valued at 10% of the total.

1. Introduction – Identify the film, its creator(s), its origins, genre, setting or period, year and country of origin, etc. Anything that relates to your subsequent paragraphs should be set up here.
2. Argument – State the idea you are going to argue here. Also list the basic points you will use to support your opinions. Your primary or general argument should be clearly stated.
3. Synopsis – Recount the story in a few paragraphs. This is also an opportunity to introduce elements of the film and comment upon them, such as actors and the quality of their individual performances.
4. Thematic Analysis – Were the filmmakers successful in conveying their ideas as storytellers? This is a good place to talk about the script (plot, character, theme) and why it works or doesn’t as an entertaining and enlightening entity.
5. Technical Analysis – Were the filmmakers successful as artists? Although this and the previous category can and will overlap, here the concentration should be on quality of direction, design, cinematography, editing, musical score, etc.
6. Opinion – Summarize and declare your final statement, supporting your original argument.

These six categories represent areas that need to be covered in a close critical analysis of a film. Although this seems to be a logical progression, it does not dictate a rigid outline. I expect you to exercise your own style when completing these assignments.