WRITING FILM REVIEWS

2.4 Task

What is the purpose of a film review?

To inform people about the film. To give an opinion/comment on

the film. To help people decide whether or

not to watch a film.

Some things to think about… How do you usually decide which films or

dvds you want to see? Whose opinion would you trust if they

recommended a film or dvd? Why? Whose opinion would you not trust at

all? Why not? What would convince you to trust the

judgement of someone you didn’t know who recommended a film?

Things that are usually discussed in a film review

Acting Plot/Pace Atmosphere Visual aspects- costume, lighting,

cinematography. Dialogue

You will be able to add to this list when you are analysing reviews.

General Structure Points

Introduction: Background information- genre, director, writers

Plot Overview: Summarises the film for the readers. But don’t ruin it by giving away any surprises!

The body of the review comments on aspects of the film.

Conclusion: Restates the reviewers opinion and ends with a strong statement.

Judging a film on its own merits… It is important to judge or evaluate a film

according to its genre and the intentions of its director- otherwise the comments you make may be unfair.

Task: What genre is Iron Jawed Angels? What aspects of the genre might you comment on in a review?

Some Initial Planning Points.

Record important details about the film your class has viewed such as: the title, director, genre, date of production, country of origin, and names of main actors. Record notes on these questions: What is the director’s main aim? What type of film is it supposed to be? Who is the target audience? How is the film intended to make them feel

or think?

So…

We are looking at examples of reviews, and analysing them.