“Rear Window”

We all know that if a film receives “Two thumbs up!” that it is well liked. If it gets “five stars” it’s practically a must-see. Both of these informal rating systems originated with movie critics. For each film we watch in “Mass Media,” you will write a critical review similar to those reviews we see in the newspaper, watch on TV, and read online. A critical review is entirely the opinion of the reviewer, so it’s okay to use first person “I” when sharing your specific thoughts.

Firstly, you should rely on the film study guide (to help you know what to talk about) AND your own powers of observation to create a good review. Reviewers are keen observers of detail in film. They look at the story line, the effectiveness of the acting, the way the director used the camera, lighting, and other artistic elements to create film “art.” That means films can do some things well while other areas fall short. A great film “puts it all together.”

PREPARING:

Right after watching a film you will review, you should write down all the details you can about a specific scene you think is memorable. What details did you see? What was happening in the story at the time? What artistic camera, lighting, coloring, set work was accomplished? How did you, the audience react to the scene, and what produced that reaction? This small scene will serve as an example in your overall review. Set these notes aside.

Then write about generalities: time, place, plot, characters, conflicts, resolutions, etc. Of course, as you watched the film, you paid particular attention to the way the director used camera, setting, lighting, music, etc. You also noticed how actors used their own body language, voice inflection, and facial expressions to relate genuine emotion.

WRITNG:

The purpose of the opening paragraph is to give a brief synopsis (summary) of the film. You can also state your early opinions here, but don’t give too much away too soon. Your aim is to make the audience want to finish the article. Something like, “The film ‘Rear Window’ directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly is a failed attempt at creating tension within the confines of what it means to be a voyeur.”

After the synopsis, go into detail about what you thought of the film. Was it thought provoking? Did it have lasting images and ideas that particularly enthralled you? Did you think that it was a complete turkey? Whatever your view is, it is important to stress it in a comprehensible manner. Examine the film more closely. Try to go into detail about the many ideas contained within the film. If you really enjoyed it or really hated it, make it clear.

It is necessary to break the film down into its separate parts. You should spend time stating which parts of the film worked for you. Was the setting and atmosphere successful? Did the plot flow all the way through the film or did it become disjointed and messy part of the way through? You must also look carefully into the characterization – how characters were developed. This is the part where you drop in your analysis of one key scene and how it should be seen as “film art.”

Never simply say that you loved or hated a certain movie without giving your reasons. Always explain why you feel the way you do and back it up with descriptive examples from the film. Show you know how camera shots, angles, lighting, use of color, music, and setting can contribute to the audience’s viewing experience. Even though your article will reveal from the start what your opinions are, at the end of the piece you should give a conclusion that states strongly what you thought.

Following these guidelines should provide you with enough information to start writing your own reviews.

When you write a good review you should find it rewarding, especially if it is published!

1. Title – catchy, can indicate if review will be positive or negative, you can play with words to make it funny or different

2. Paragraph 1 – Opening paragraph – can start to summarize film and give early suggestions about your general view of it (positive/negative)

3. Paragraph 2 – Start or continue summary of film, don’t give details about the ending or else no one will go and see the film!! Mention conflicts, themes, etc.

4. Paragraph 3 and 4 – Positive things you thought about the film: what did you like? Why? Use descriptive words, think about the story, setting, effects used, music used

5. Paragraph 5 and 6 – Negative things you thought about the film: what didn’t you like? Why? Comment on the same type of things that you mentioned in paragraphs 3 and 4

6. Paragraph 7 and 8 – Characterization – Talk about the characters: did you like them? Did the actors play them well? What was it about their portrayal that you liked or didn’t like? Other impressions of the characters, will certain audience members be able to relate to certain characters? How? Will certain audience members not like certain characters? Why not?

7. Paragraph 9 – Final comments – general comments that summarize your view of the film, you may want to say something inspiring to get the reader to want to go out and see the film or you might say something that would want them not to go and see it! After the paragraph you would give it a star rating out of 5 to indicate your rating for it.

Common words and phrases used in film reviews that you might want to use in your own reviews:

spectacular visual effects, excessive violence, breathtaking, evocative, mood, atmosphere, poorly, unsuccessful, detail, scenery, irresistible, perfect, moments, plot, this movie has been compared to ____ because, wonderful, hilarious, momentum, unexpected plot twists, unbelievable, phenomenal, hype, suspense, disappointing, confusion/confused, fake, imitation, genre, unoriginal, typical, thrilled, was a very moving portrayal, quality of the film, I was impressed by, credible, cliché, a mixture of, classic, captivating