Film Study & 3 Pointers For Promising Students


By Jennifer Marie Anderson


To say that film study is broad would be an understatement, as I'm sure anyone can attest to. In fact, it showcases just about every aspect that we may take for granted when we watch movies on a casual basis. The types of angles that are shot and the lighting utilized are just a few examples to make note of. Film study can be furthered and made better, though, provided these 3 methods are not only recognized but into effect as well.

To start off, make sure that you become familiar with the basics of any film. Some of the most common examples are the title, the director, and the cast. Each of these elements, while simple on the surface, will ensure that film study is carried out as effectively as possible. Sometimes it's best to have all of your basics in place and nowhere is this more apparent than in the film study process. For the sake of greater learning, don't forget this.

Those who have spent ample time in film study class will tell you that a lack of bias is all but required. You have to consider that everyone has their own preferences in movies, meaning that someone who loves action films may not exactly be partial to silent films. However, if the latter is assigned in class, that individual has to approach the assignment with an open mind. When this happens, it's so much easier to succeed in a film study course.

Believe it or not, sounds are also necessary when it comes to evaluating films in their entirety. Soundtracks are created in order to create atmosphere in any movie, regardless of the genre it belongs to. When a horror movie needs an audio backdrop of sorts, music that indicates dread or nervousness will be the most effective. If you're going to look at a film in its entirety, it's of the utmost importance to look into how music and sound can be incorporated.

Film study is, without question, one of the better subjects that can be taken up in school. It has the ability to showcase what film is all about, not only as a viewing experience but more of a broader artistic platform as well. I believe that it's especially worthwhile to recognize how these elements come together, since there's more than what we see on screen. Film study can provide this learning experience, and do so in an intriguing way.




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