GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A FILM ANALYSIS

1.)     Start by choosing a film.

a.       Watch the movie at least three or four times and make sure to jot down notes on key scenes that relate to a possible thesis.

2.)    Title Page:

a.       Refer to shot analysis guidelines

3.)    Formulate a thesis:

a.       Make sure your thesis is:

                                                               i.      Clear and well articulated—trying to PROVE a point

                                                             ii.      Uses material from the film, and not outside research

                                                            iii.      Makes use of the formal elements in the film, and then their reference to the content of the film

b.       Exampleà Thesis: Von Sternberg uses cutting, framing, mise en scene, and lighting to prove that a relationship without respect is doomed from the start.

c.       Thereforeà Choose scenes where the two characters have power struggles.

4.)     Choose three to four scenes from the film, though you can reference snippets of other scenes within your analysis.

a.       Take notes as you would for a shot analysis: write down every cut, and the placement of each character in relation to framing and other characters.  Also note mise en scene, colors, and costumes, and any other relevant information.

b.       Make sure you pay attention to what kind of shots the director uses (medium shots, establishing shots, long shots) and also whether the camera is actually moving (tracking) or just panning or tilting.

5.)    Once you have told the reader what part of the film you will be investigating, describe your first scene directly from the notes you have already taken.

a.       Exampleà The scene starts with Professor Rath sitting frame right at a dressing table looking into a mirror frame left.

b.       Do not describe the plot, describe the filmic elements

c.       Never summarize, unless it pertains directly to your argument

6.)    After the scene analysis, relate the scene to your thesis.

a.       Exampleà The scene displays Lola’s complete dominance over Rath, and her contempt for him as a person.  There are more two shots than one shots, focusing on the building relationship of Lola and Rath.

b.       Make sure you relate your scenes to the film as a whole

                                                               i.      Example à The sequence is a prime example of how, throughout the film, Jonathan is no match for Nosferatu in power.

c.       Repeat this process for the remaining scenes

d.       Wrap up with a conclusion

7.)    Pointers:

a.       Take out personal commentary/opinion, unless you use it for your conclusion

b.       Stay grounded in a film vocabulary—if in doubt for a description, use a list of film terms

c.       Try turning OFF the sound for your scene analysis, to help focus on the filmic elements

8.)    Note:

a.       Always check with the professor about specific questions.  Use this sheet as a guideline only.