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Quick Reference Guide to the Structure of a Film Criticism

Quick Reference Guide to the Structure of a Film Criticism

Learning how the structure of a film criticism or critique should be established is important for any aspiring filmmaker, or film critic. The general structure of a film criticism or critique can be quite challenging to perfect for the beginner. Especially if you’ve not formally reviewed film criticism in the past. But this quick reference guide will help you master the technique of film critique structure in a few simple steps.

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Depending on the elements of the film that you’ll be critiquing, whether the film as a whole, or an individual part of the film such as the plot, characters, or scenes is an important starting point in determining how to structure the critique.

For the purpose of this post, we’ll discuss how to structure a film criticism that is specifically focused on critiquing the entire film, as a whole.

Before Structuring the Film Critique

Before you get started, you’ll need to have a plan for what movie or film you intend to critique. If you have a choice in the option, consider one that you find especially good, or bad.

You should also find the movie interesting, as this will make it more enjoyable to critique–but again, this is only if you have the option of choosing which film or movie you wish to structure your criticism around.

Before you structure the critique, make sure that:

  • You’ve watched the movie several times over, with the intent of critiquing the film.
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  • Plan the issues you will discuss and analyze. Will you critique the entire film? Just the characters? The plot? The narrative sequence? The production? Something else?
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  • Pay close attention to the points of interest that are most important for your critique after you have watched the entire movie at least once in full.
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  • When you watch the second, third, or more times make sure that you take notes on your thoughts and critical input.
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  • Keep your input objective and specific. Back up your ideas with examples from the film.

Neutrality

Remember that a film criticism is not always “bad”. And that critical input can include both positive and negative concerns about the film. Try not to be overly negative or pessimistic.

The General Structure of a Film Criticism

Now that you know how you will gather up the information used in your film critique, it’s time to begin preparing your film criticism. The general structure of a film criticism may take many forms.

Largely dependent upon the criticism being provided and what exactly is being critiqued. However, the general structure of a film criticism will be something like:

Introduction

This is your opportunity to provide background information about the film, the plot summary, your primary thesis and some essential clues as to what you intend to critique about the film.

It’s the opening paragraph or two and should include as much detail as possible while attempting to hook your reader so that they stick around for the rest. 

Body

This will include several paragraphs that are focused on your actual criticisms (good and bad) of the film. Try to separate each paragraph based on the theme or point that you are making.

Think of the paragraphs as mini-essays in which each paragraph includes a sentence stating the critique, a couple supporting ideas and examples, and a closing sentence, Then you’ll move on to the next paragraph. 

Conclusion

This is your final summary in which you will conclude the answer to your original thesis and support your original question with the most conclusive answer you can. 

Facts are Essential

The structure of a film criticism, as you can see, is important. But even more important than the structure is the inclusion of factual supporting content. That will assist the audience in finding true value in your ideas and criticisms.

As you learn about the structure of a film criticism, focus on how each critique you provide adds value and can assist the reader in better understanding the basis of your film critique as this will make it most useful to your audience. 

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