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174 Film Research Paper Topics To Inspire Your Writing

Also known as a moving picture or movie, the film uses moving images to communicate or convey everything from feelings and ideas to atmosphere and experiences. The making of movies, as well as the art form, is known as cinematography (or cinema, in short). The film is considered a work of art. The first motion pictures were created in the late 1880s and were shown to only one person at a time using peep show devices. By 1985, movies were being projected on large screens for large audiences.

Film has a rich and interesting history, as well as a bright future given the current technological advancements. This is why many professors will really appreciate it if you write a research paper on movies. However, to write a great paper, you need a great topic.

In this blog post, we will give you our latest list of 174 film research paper topics. They should be excellent for 2023 and should get you some bonus points for originality and creativity. As always, our topics are 100% free to use as you see fit. You can reword them in any way you like and you are not required to give us any credit.

Writing Good Film Research Paper

Before we get to the film topics for research papers in our list, you need to learn how you can write the best possible film research paper. It’s not overly complicated, don’t worry. Here are some pointers to get you started:

Start as early as possible Start your project with an outline that will keep you focused on what’s important Spend some time to find a great topic (or just use one of ours) Research every angle of the topic Spend some time composing the thesis statement Always use information from reliable sources Make sure you cite and reference properly Edit and proofread your work to make it perfect. Alternatively, you can rely on our editors and proofreaders to help you with this.

Now it’s time to pick your topic. We’ve made things easy for you, so all you have to do is go through our neatly organized list and select the topic you like the most. If you already know something about the topic, writing the paper shouldn’t take you more than 1 or 2 days, however if you have no desire to spend a lot of time on your assignment, thesis writing help from our professionals is on its way. Pick your topic now:

Easy Film Research Topics

We know most students are not too happy about spending days working on their research papers. This is why we have compiled a list of easy film research topics just for our readers:

What was the Electrotachyscope?
Research the history of film
Describe the first films ever made
Talk about the Kinetoscope
Who were Auguste and Louis Lumière?
An in-depth look at film during World War I
Talk about the evolution of sound in motion pictures
Most popular movie actors of all time
The life and works of Charles Chaplin
The life and works of Sergei Mikhailovich Eisenstein
Discuss the Mutoscope device
Talk about the introduction of natural color in films

Film Topics To Write About In High School

If you are a high school student, you probably want some topics that are not overly complicated. Well, the good news is that we have plenty of film topics to write about in high school. Check them out below:

An in-depth analysis of sound film
Research the shooting of Le Voyage dans la Lune
Talk about the Technicolor process
Research the film industry in India
The growing popularity of television
Discuss the most important aspects of film theory
The drawbacks of silent movies
Cameras used in 1950s movies
The most important cinema movie of the 1900s
Research the montage of movies in the 1970s
The inception of film criticism
Discuss the film industry in the United States

Interesting Film Paper Topics

Are you looking for the most interesting film paper topics so that you can impress your professor and your fellow students? We are happy to say that you have arrived at just the right place. Here are our latest ideas:

Are digital movies much different from films?
Research the evolution of cinematography
Research the role of movies in Indian culture
The principles of a cinema camera
Technological advancements in the film industry
The use of augmented reality in movies
Talk about the role of film in American culture
An in-depth look at the production cycle of a film
The role of the filming crew on the set
Latest cameras for cinematography
An in-depth look at the distribution of films
How are animated movies made?

Controversial Movie Topics

Why would you be afraid to write your paper on a controversial topic? Perhaps you didn’t know that most professors really appreciate the effort and the innovative ideas. Below, you can find a whole list of controversial movie topics for students:

An in-depth look at Cannibal Holocaust
Controversies behind Fifty Shades of Gray
A Clockwork Orange: the banned movie
All Quiet on the Western Front: a controversial war movie
Discuss The Texas Chain Saw Massacre movie
Apocalypse Now: one of the most banned movies
Brokeback Mountain and the controversies surrounding it
Talk about The Last Temptation of Christ
The Birth of a Nation: the movie that was banned in America

Movie Topics Ideas For College

As you probably know already, college students should choose topics that are a bit more complex than those picked by high school students. The good news is that we have compiled a list of the best movie topics ideas for college students below:

Methods to bring your sketches to life
Discuss problems with documentary filming
War movies and their impact on society
What does a director actually do on the set?
Talk about state-sanctioned movies in China
Research cinematography in North Korea
Talk about psychological reactions to films
Research the good versus evil theme
African Americans in the 1900s cinematography in the US
Discuss the creation of sound for films

Hottest Film Topics To Date

Our writers and editors did their best to compile a list of the hottest film topics to date. You can safely pick any of the topics below and write your essay or research paper on it. You should be able to find plenty of information online about each and every topic:

The life and works of Alfred Hitchcock
Talk about racial discrimination in war movies
The psychology behind vampire movies
The life and works of Samuel L. Jackson
Classic opera versus modern movie soundtracks
Hollywood versus Bollywood
The life and works of tom Hanks
Research the Frankenstein character
Major contributions by women in cinematography
The life and works of Harrison Ford
The 3 most popular topics for a moving picture

Good Movie Topics For 2023

We know, you probably want some topics that relevant today. You want to talk about something new and exciting. Well, we’ve got a surprise for you. This list of good movie topics for 2023 has just been added to the blog post, and you can use it for free:

The life and works of Will Smith
Why do people love movie monsters?
Talk about the popularity of fan movies
The life and works of Morgan Freeman
Gender inequality in UK films
Research movies that were produced because of video games
The life and works of Anthony Hopkins
The importance of the Golden Raspberry Award
Outer space: the future of cinematography
Compare today’s filming techniques to those in the 1950s
The importance of winning a Golden Globe Award

Fascinating Film Topics

Are you looking for some of the most fascinating film topics one can ever find online? Our experts have outdone themselves this time. Check out our list of ideas below and choose the topic you like the most:

Talk about the development of Star Wars
Talk about spaghetti western movies
Discuss the filming of Pride and Prejudice
Research fantasy films
The most popular movie genre in 2023
What makes a movie a blockbuster?
Filming for the Interstellar movie
Peculiarities of Bollywood cinema
Talk about the era of Hitchcock
Discuss the role of motion pictures in society
Talk about Neo-realism in Italian movies
Research the filming of A Fistful of Dollars

The History Of Film Topics

Writing about the history of film and cinematography can be a good way to earn some bonus points from your professor. However, it’s not an easy thing to do. Fortunately, we have a list of the history of film topics right here for you, so you don’t have to waste any time searching:

Research the first ever motion picture
Discuss the idea behind moving images
Research the Pioneer Era
Talk about the introduction of sound in movies
Talk about the Silent Era
Who created the first ever movie?
Discuss the Golden Era of cinematography
The era of changes in 2023
The rise of Hollywood cinematography
Discuss the first color movie
Research the first horror movie
Discuss the phrase “No one person invented cinema”

Famous Cinematographers Topics

You can, of course, write your next research paper on the life and works of a famous or popular cinematographer. You have plenty to choose from. However, we’ve already selected the best famous cinematographers topics for you right here:

The life and works of Sir Roger Deakins
Research the cinematographer Vittorio Storaro
An in-depth look at Bill Pope
Research the cinematographer Gordon Willis
The life and works of Wally Pfister
An in-depth look at Robert Burks
Research the cinematographer Stanley Cortez
The life and works of Conrad Hall
An in-depth look at Rodrigo Prieto
The life and works of Claudio Miranda
Emmanuel Lubezki
An in-depth look at Jack Cardiff
Research the cinematographer Michael Ballhaus
The life and works of Kazuo Miyagawa

Famous Films Topic Ideas

The easiest and fastest way to write an essay or research paper about movies is to write about a famous movie. Take a look at these famous films topic ideas and start writing your paper today:

Research A Space Odyssey
Research the movie Seven Samurai
Cinematography techniques in There Will Be Blood
Discuss the film The Godfather
An in-depth look at La Dolce Vita
Research the movie Citizen Kane
Cinematography techniques in Goodfellas
An in-depth look at the Aliens series
Cinematography techniques in Singin’ in the Rain
Research the movie Mulholland Drive
An in-depth look at In The Mood For Love
Research the movie City Lights

The Future Of Movies Topic Ideas

Did you ever wonder what the movies of the future will look like? We can guarantee that your professor has thought about it. Surprise him by writing your paper on one of these the future of movies topic ideas:

The future of digital films
Discuss animation techniques of the future
The future of cinematography cameras
How do you view the actors of the future?
Will digital releases eliminate the need for DVDs?
The role of streaming services in the future
Talk about the direct-to-consumer distribution concept
Is cinematography a good career for the future?
Will movie theaters disappear?
Virtual reality in future films
The rise of Pixar Studios

Awesome Cinema Topic Ideas

Our experts have just finished completing this section of the topics list. Here, you will find some of the most awesome cinema topic ideas. These should all work great in 2023, so give them a try today:

The concept of the Road Movie
Review the film “Donnie Brasco”
The popularity of musical movies
A comprehensive history of cinematography
Discuss the A Beautiful Mind movie
Compare watching movies now and in the 1990s
Talk about film narrative
The importance of the main characters in a movie
The process of selecting the right actor for the role
Well-known produces in the United States
The most popular actors in 2023
Research Nazi propaganda films

Simple Cinema Essay Ideas

If you want to write about cinematography but don’t want to spend too much time researching the topic, you could always choose one of our simple cinema essay ideas. New ideas are added to this list periodically:

Discuss the concept of limited animation
War movies during World War II
The importance of James Bond for Americans
What is docufiction?
The traits of a filmophile
The success of early crime movies
An in-depth look at Hanna-Barbera
The transition from VHS tape to DVD
Best comedy movies ever made
Discuss the Film Noir genre
What is a Blaxploitation?
The best samurai film ever produced

Movies And The Internet Topics

How does piracy affect the movie industry?
An in-depth look at Netflix
Research the top 3 movie streaming websites
Compare and contrast Netflix and Amazon Prime
Should movies be shared for free online?
The effects of online streaming on piracy
Is pirating movies illegal everywhere?
Illegal downloads of movies in North Korea
Piracy: a form of film preservation
The most pirated movies of the 21st century
Research the best ways to stop film piracy
The economic impact of movie piracy in the United States

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217 Film Research Paper Topics & Ideas

Icon Calendar 17 May 2024
Icon Page 2137 words
Icon Clock 10 min read

Film research paper topics provide a rich, multifaceted canvas for critical analysis. One can explore genre theory and its evolution, scrutinizing the symbiotic relationship between society and film genres, such as sci-fi, horror, or romance. Another fruitful area lies in auteur theory, assessing the unique stylistic fingerprints of directors, like Kubrick, Hitchcock, or Miyazaki. Delving into film adaptations provides an opportunity to study narrative transformation across different media. Studying representation in film, be it racial, gender, or cultural, opens a lens into societal norms and biases. In turn, there is the exploration of film technologies and their influence on the cinematic experience. Film criticism and its role in shaping public perception can also be an intriguing topic. With every cinematic element providing a potential research topic, film studies truly cater to diverse academic interests.

Best Film Research Paper Topics

Impacts of Technological Advancements on the Animation Film Industry
Portrayal of Mental Health in Contemporary Cinema
Cultural Stereotypes in Global Film Industry
Feminist Theory Analysis in Alfred Hitchcock’s Films
Violence and its Effect on Teenagers in Action Films
Representation of History in Steven Spielberg’s Movies
Examination of Homosexuality in Bollywood Cinema
Depiction of Science and Technology in Science Fiction Films
Philosophical Themes Explored in the Matrix Trilogy
Influence of Film Noir on Modern Thrillers
Comic Book Adaptations: Success and Failure Factors
Cinema’s Role in Promoting Environmental Awareness
Portrayal of AI and Robotics in Films: A Comparative Study
Evolution of Special Effects in the Film Industry
Relationship Between Music and Narrative in Film
Examination of Sociopolitical Contexts in Iranian Cinema
Impacts of Hollywood on Global Film Cultures
Aesthetic Evolution in French New Wave Cinema
Exploring Symbolism in Stanley Kubrick’s Films
Influence of the Silent Era on Modern Film Techniques
Alien Depictions: Reflection of Societal Fears in Film
Use of Dreams and Subconscious in David Lynch’s Films
Examination of Masculinity in Clint Eastwood’s Westerns
Evolution of Animation: From Disney to Studio Ghibli
Exploring Religion and Spirituality in Indian Cinema

Easy Film Research Paper Topics

Interpreting Magic Realism in Guillermo del Toro’s Films
Analysis of Adaptation Theory in Book-to-Film Transitions
Modern Film Criticism: Influence of Online Review Platforms
Exploration of Absurdism in Coen Brothers’ Films
Social Media Portrayal in Contemporary Film
Influence of Film on Public Perception of Historical Events
Analysis of Horror Tropes in Japanese Cinema
Portrayal of Childhood and Growing Up in Animated Films
Impacts of Censorship Policies on Film Creativity
Narrative Techniques in Quentin Tarantino’s Films
The Role of Fashion and Costume in Period Films
Ethical Considerations in Documentary Filmmaking
Representation of Post-Apocalyptic Themes in Cinema
Exploring Cultural Identity in African Cinema
Analysis of Musical Scores in Film Noir
Examination of Adaptation of Video Games Into Films
Portrayal of Space Travel in Science Fiction Films
Evolution of Stop Motion Techniques in Cinema
Cultural Interpretations of Love and Romance in Films
Examination of Dystopian Themes in Animated Films
Analyzing the Concept of Anti-Heroes in Film
Exploring Satire and Parody in Comedy Films
Portrayal of Race and Ethnicity in Hollywood Cinema

Interesting Film Research Paper Topics

Depiction of Cybercrime in Contemporary Cinema
Influence of German Expressionism on Tim Burton’s Aesthetic
Use of Color and Lighting in Guillermo del Toro’s Films
Examination of LGBTQ+ Representation in Hollywood Cinema
Roles of Politics in the Cuban Film Industry
Portrayal of Disability in Modern Films
Treatment of Time Travel in Science Fiction Films
Analyzing the Evolution of Cinematography Techniques
Cultural Influences in South Korean Cinema
Roles of Nostalgia in Recreating Period Pieces
Importance of Film Score in Creating Atmosphere
Analysis of Propaganda Techniques in North Korean Cinema
Representation of Women in Action Films
Ethical Implications of Animal Use in Film Production
Impacts of Streaming Platforms on Film Distribution
Evolution of Film Censorship: A Comparative Study
Examination of Familial Relationships in Animated Films
Interpretation of Surrealism in Luis Buñuel’s Films
Examination of Biopics: Historical Accuracy vs. Dramatic License
Impacts of Film Festivals on Independent Cinema
Exploring Existentialism in Ingmar Bergman’s Films

Film Research Paper Topics About Students

Influence of Silent Cinema on Modern Filmmaking Techniques
Portrayal of Social Media’s Impact on Adolescents in Contemporary Movies
Bollywood vs. Hollywood: A Comparative Study of Storytelling Styles
Representation of Mental Health in Animation Movies
Foreign Language Films: Enhancing Global Cultural Understanding among Students
The Role of Women in Classic Film Noir: A Critical Analysis
Analysis of Auteur Theory in Modern Independent Cinema
Evaluating the Accuracy of Historical Dramas: A Fact vs. Fiction Study
Roles of Music in Creating Emotional Impact: A Study on Film Scores
Racial Stereotyping in Blockbuster Movies: A Comprehensive Study
Interpreting Symbolism and Metaphor in Fantasy Genre Films
Exploring Subliminal Messages in Advertising and Product Placement in Films
Understanding the Social Impact of LGBTQ+ Representation in Cinema
Examining the Evolution of Special Effects in the Film Industry
Influence of Japanese Anime on Western Animation Styles
Significance of Set Design in Creating Realistic Period Films
Ethics in Documentary Filmmaking: Truth vs. Storytelling
Roles of Cinematography in Enhancing Narratives in Films
Impacts of Sci-Fi Films on Popular Science Understanding Among Students
Subtext and Satire: The Power of Political Commentary in Movies
Narrative Techniques in Autobiographical and Biographical Films
Artistic Censorship: Its Impact on Creative Freedom in International Cinema

Film Research Paper Topics Made by Students

Transformation of Comic Books to Silver Screen: A Historical Analysis
Gender Representation in Oscar-Winning Films Over the Decades
The Evolution of Horror Films: From Psycho to Paranormal
Motion Capture Technology: Changing the Landscape of Animation Films
Examination of Propaganda in World War II Era Cinema
Unpacking the Influence of Music Scores in Emotional Storytelling
Analyzing Film Noir: The Aesthetics of Grit and Shadows
Impacts of Streaming Platforms on Traditional Movie Theatres
Silent Era to Talkies: How Did Sound Revolutionize Cinema?
Special Effects Techniques: The Making of Modern Sci-Fi Movies
The Hero’s Journey: Exploring Mythological Themes in Films
Ethical Dilemmas in Documentaries: A Study on Bias and Objectivity
Dissecting the Psychological Depth of Christopher Nolan’s Films
Censorship in Films: A Comparative Study Between Countries
The Role of the Auteur in Independent Filmmaking
How Disney Reinvents Fairy Tales: A Feminist Perspective
Bollywood vs. Hollywood: Contrasting Storytelling Techniques
Exploration of Coming-of-Age Themes in Teenage Films
Stereotyping in Movies: Assessing the Consequences on Society
Roles of Cinematography in Creating a Film’s Atmosphere

Film Research Paper Topics About Popular Movies

Influences of Classic Literature on “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy
Propaganda and War-Time Politics in “Casablanca”
Exploring Social Alienation in “Taxi Driver”
Cinematography Techniques Used in “Citizen Kane”
Implicit Racism Portrayed in “Gone with the Wind”
Animation Evolution: A Study on the “Toy Story” Series
Gender Stereotypes in Disney Princess Films
Symbolism and Surrealism in “Pan’s Labyrinth”
Cult Status and Cultural Impact of “Pulp Fiction”
Examination of Crime and Morality in “The Godfather”
“Fight Club” and the Commentary on Consumerism
Psychological Analysis of the Protagonist in “A Clockwork Orange”
Role of Music in the Narrative of the “Star Wars” Saga
Concept of Love in Richard Linklater’s “Before” Trilogy
“The Shining” and Its Divergence From the Original Novel
“Inception” and the Philosophy of Dream Interpretation
The Relevance of “1984” in the Age of Mass Surveillance
Science and Fiction: A Study on “Interstellar”
Decoding the Metaphor of “The Matrix”
“The Dark Knight”: A Modern Take on Heroism and Villainy
Biblical Themes in Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah”
Investigating Historical Accuracy in “Schindler’s List”

Film Research Paper Topics on History

The Impact of World War II on Hollywood: Propaganda and Patriotism
The Rise of Film Noir: Exploring the Dark Side of Post-War America
Cultural Significance of Epic Historical Films: From “Gone with the Wind” to “Gladiator”
Uncovering Hidden Histories: Films That Shed Light on Forgotten Events
The Representation of Ancient Civilizations in Hollywood: Myths and Realities
The Birth of Cinema: Exploring the Early Pioneers and Their Historical Films
Propaganda in Film During the Cold War: From East to West
The Role of Women in Historical Films: Portrayals and Progressions
Depicting the Civil Rights Movement on the Silver Screen: From “Selma” to “The Help”
The Historical Accuracy of Biographical Films: Balancing Fact and Fiction
The Representation of Colonialism in Film: Perspectives and Power Dynamics
The Cinematic Portrayal of World War I: From “All Quiet on the Western Front” to “1917”
Political Upheaval and Film: Exploring Revolutionary Movements on Screen
The Historical Evolution of War Films: From Silent Era to Modern Blockbusters
The Representation of Indigenous Peoples in Historical Films: Stereotypes and Subversions
Holocaust’s Theme in Movies: Documenting Trauma and Commemorating History
The Role of Historical Films in Shaping Collective Memory: Remembering the Past
Film and the Civil Rights Movement: Documenting Activism and Progress
The Portrayal of Historical Figures: Heroes, Villains, and Complex Characters

Research Paper Topics on Music in Films

Musical Transformations: Exploring the Evolution of Film Scores
Melodic Narrative: The Role of Music in Conveying Storytelling Elements in Films
Harmonic Innovations: Examining the Impact of Experimental Music in Cinematic Soundtracks
Rhythm and Emotion: Analyzing the Connection Between Beat and Mood in Film Music
Melancholic Melodies: Investigating the Use of Music to Evoke Sadness in Movies
Orchestral Powerhouses: Unveiling the Influence of Symphonic Scores in Epic Films
Sonic Identity: The Significance of Musical Themes in Establishing Character Presence in Movies
Vocal Expressions: Exploring the Role of Singing in Enhancing Cinematic Narratives
Cinematic Soundscapes: Investigating the Use of Ambient Music in Establishing Atmosphere
Cultural Harmonies: Examining the Representation of Different Music Genres in Film Scores
Experimental Soundtracks: Analyzing the Use of Avant-Garde Music in Artistic Films
Jazzy Tones: Unveiling the Influence of Jazz Music in Enhancing the Cinematic Experience
Musical Archetypes: Exploring the Portrayal of Heroes and Villains through Music in Films
Electronic Ambience: Investigating the Role of Techno and Electronic Music in Movie Soundtracks
Musical Narrative Arcs: Analyzing the Structure and Development of Musical Scores in Films
Emotional Resonance: Examining the Connection Between Music and Audience Response in Movies
Historical Harmonies: Unveiling the Role of Period Music in Depicting Different Eras in Film
Musical Cues: Exploring the Use of Leitmotifs in Creating Musical Associations in Cinema
Cross-Cultural Fusion: Investigating the Incorporation of World Music in Film Scores
Genre-Bending Soundtracks: Analyzing the Influence of Non-Traditional Music in Different Film Genres

Horror Film Research Paper Topics

Evolution of Horror Cinema: From Silent Movies to CGI Monsters
The Role of Sound Design and Score in Creating Horror Atmosphere
Psychoanalysis and Fear: The Hidden Messages in Classic Horror Films
Ghost Stories in Film: Cultural Differences in Horror Narratives
Horror Tropes and Their Social Commentary: A Deep Dive
Relevance of Classic Monsters in Modern Horror Films
The Impact of Globalization on Horror Film Narratives
Found Footage Films: The Realism in Fear and Dread
Women in Horror: Representation and Character Development
Dissecting Cinematic Techniques in Iconic Horror Scenes
Psychological Horror vs. Slasher Films: A Comparative Study
Portrayal of Mental Illness in Horror Movies: Is It Responsible?
Exorcism and Religion: The Unholy Alliance in Horror Films
Horror Comedy: The Unique Balance of Scares and Laughs
Adaptation of Horror Literature into Film: Successes and Failures
Body Horror: Physical Mutation as a Symbol of Inner Turmoil
Dark Tourism in Horror Films: Spooky Locations and Their Histories
Post-Apocalyptic Horror Films: Reflecting Societal Anxieties
Creature Features: The Significance of Non-Human Antagonists
Examining the Unsettling Nature of Uncanny Valley in Horror Movies
Interplay of Light and Darkness in Horror Cinematography
Reception Studies: How Do Different Cultures Respond to Horror Films?
Queer Representation in the Horror Genre: Progress and Challenges

Film Research Paper Topics About Monster Movies

Evolution of Monster Depictions in Cinema: A Historical Analysis
Cultural Implications of Monster Symbols in Japanese Kaiju Films
Transcending Fear: Psychoanalytic Theory in Monster Movies
Dissecting the Female Monster: Gender Dynamics in Horror Films
Monsters as Metaphors: Environmental Themes in Monster Cinema
The Gaze of the Other: Racial and Ethnic Subtexts in Monster Films
Unveiling Monstrosity: The Role of Cinematography in Monster Reveals
CGI vs. Practical Effects: Creating Convincing Monsters in Modern Cinema
How Do Score and Sound Design Enhance the Fright Factor in Monster Movies?
Parallels Between Classical Mythology and Contemporary Monster Films
The Lure of the Lovecraftian: Cosmic Horror in Monster Movies
Alien Invaders: The Intersection of Monster and Science Fiction Genres
Transformation and Fear: The Role of Werewolves in Cinema
Gothic Influence on the Evolution of Vampire Movies
The Horror of the Familiar: Domesticity as a Setting in Monster Films
Monstrosity Reimagined: Postmodern Approaches in Monster Cinema
Archetypes and Stereotypes: Monster Character Analysis in Film
Sequels and Series: Examining the Longevity of Monster Movie Franchises
Deconstructing Zombie Cinema: Metaphors of Disease and Decay
Audience Reactions and Expectations: A Study on Monster Movie Reception
Silent Era to Sound: The Influence on Early Monster Movies
Comedy in the Midst of Horror: Analyzing Humor in Monster Films

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Film Research Topics: 140+ Interesting Ideas

The film industry includes a variety of fields that you can explore in your research paper. These include producing, directing, art direction, documentary films, screenwriting, cinematography, digital cinema, and more. Throughout their academic years, students get to learn and understand an array of such aspects. However, because of this extensive range of varieties, students often need help choosing the correct film research topic for their papers.

Think about something that would most effectively showcase your critical thinking and expertise. However, aside from the interest factor, there are numerous other things that you should always pay attention to. That is why, to guide you on this daunting journey, we have compiled a comprehensive list of film topics to write about. Furthermore, to help students, we have also shared some essential tips to help you pick the right topic. So, without any further delay, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Choosing the Best Film Topic for Writing

Do you want to find the perfect topic? Don’t worry! We’ve got your back! We have enumerated a few tips you can use for selecting the right topic that perfectly fits your requirements:

Think about your favorite films, filmmakers, or genres: You can quickly narrow down the best options when you chase after the movies or filmmakers you’re passionate about. A positive attitude would give you an advantage.
Consider picking a topic from a historical era: You can choose a specific chronological age of the film industry to analyze themes, movies, techniques, etc., used in that period. Historical eras shed light on hidden or contradictory histories that either contradict or support established narratives. Thus, choosing a film topic from a significant historical era will help you frame an out-of-the-box research paper.
Choose a film genre: Choosing your favorite film genre will help you narrow down a few research topics of your interest.
Research previous scholarly articles: Research previous academic essays and papers would help you gain a significant perspective on the topic you want to use in your research paper and how you want to take it further. You can use credible sources such as published research papers, literature, media platforms, etc.
Brainstorm the ideal topics: Armed with credible sources, you can come up with the most intriguing film research topics that pique your interest. Ensure that the topic is narrow enough and establish relevant values.
Narrow down the most relevant topics. Narrowing down your good topics would make the selection process easier for you. This way, you can eliminate unnecessary topics and can analyze and select the best topic among them. Students must do an in-depth study on various film research topics. In this case, your objective is to comprehensively analyze multiple film industry aspects. Furthermore, understand the abovementioned tips before jumping on the topic selection process.

140+ Film Research Paper Topics

Movie-making is the ideal form of art that requires the correct combination of creativity and techniques. Much effort is needed to shoot the scenes and turn the big picture into reality. It is why film studies can be both interesting as well as complex at the same time. One must combine extensive research with creativity to frame their research paper. Here are some original and exciting film research topics for your academic papers to lessen your difficulties. Let’s get started!

Most Promising Film Research Topics

The most exciting film paper topics are included in the following list. When choosing a topic for your research, make sure you choose the one that will pique your interest the most. These film research topics will help you put your most professional foot forward.

You can also look at our research topics; you might get something that can correlate with your film research. So, why give it a try?

The role of censorship in the film industry
Gender Stereotypes in Hollywood Movies
The American film industry
The Life Struggle Of Hazel And August In The Fault In Our Stars Movie: An Individual Psychological Approach
Bringing Ideas into Life Through Animation
A detailed study of the cultural impact of war movies
Comics and Superheroes in Cinematography
Films Seen Through the Directors’ Eyes
The vitality of color in the film industry
Animals in Movies and on TV: Cruelty Behind the Scenes
Video editing: the vitality of visual effects in movies
Daily Soap is the New Film Franchise
The Psychosocial Implications of Walt Disney Movies
Books vs screenplays
Documentary movies: The Power to Change the World
Indie Movies: A Genre or an Attitude?
Analyzing the art and science of crafting screenplays
A detailed study of ethical issues in documentary filmmaking
The role of film directors in bringing stories to life
The impact of movie genres on different audiences
Personality Traits of the Best Film Directors
Digital Storytelling: Narrative Elements from Hollywood
The social, psychological, and cultural influence of movies
The psychological impact of masculinity and violence on youth
Exposure and Ethnocentrism in Foreign Cinematography
The Notion of Mainstream Film in Contemporary Cinema
The cultural phenomenon of drama in movies
Freudian practice in cinematography
A detailed study of the technical evaluation of the film industry

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Music and Sound Research Topics in the Film Industry

Music in films can stir emotions and develop an excellent experience for viewers long after watching any movie. Musicians, especially those working in cinema, experiment extensively with the film’s background score, sound design, and songs to give the whole thing a unique experience. Occasionally, a movie scene is elevated and supported by nothing but music. If you enjoy listening to music, you can research any of the film music research topics listed below.

Contemporary opera and classical crossover
The Works of Sam Raimi and John Carpenter: A Comparative Analysis
The evolution of the music industry
A detailed study of the essential aspects of film theory
Understanding the psychological impact of music on audiences
The art of sound design in movies
The effect of music on contemporary cinema
Musicals: from stage to screen
An introduction to music therapy: theory and practice
The evolution of film music: using a theme for storytelling
Movies Based on Broadway Shows
The influence of music on movie perceptions
Musical development and performance: the 20th century and beyond
Classical opera versus modern music on screen
Ambient sound in film and media production
Constructing music: an art beyond words
The structure of the popular music industry
Innovation and diversity in the popular music industry, 1969–1990
The impact of brand sponsorship on music festivals
A comprehensive study on the art of film music

Riveting Horror Film Research Paper to Consider

Horror is one of the most intriguing film genres for most of us. Some horror and thrilling movies linger for a long time for various viewers. These horror films can keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Here are some enticing horror film research paper topics to consider:

The psychology of horror movies
Use of mythology in horror movies
The life and works of Alfred Hitchcock: the master of suspense
Horror movies reflect cultural fears: a critical review
The Place of Horror Movies in Today’s Cinematography
The aesthetics and psychology behind horror movies
The concept of suspense behind the making of horror movies
Racial discrimination in horror movies
US vs European horror movies: a comparative analysis
Evaluation of Horror Cinematography Through the Centuries
A detailed study of the elements of fear in horror movies
Religion and mythology in horror movies
Use of special effects and cinematography in horror movies
Horror-comedy: the chaotic spectrum and cinematic synthesis
The chaotic fusion of horror and comedy: why do we love it?
The perception of youth toward horror movies
A Brief History of Gothic Horror
The dark side and comparative mythology in screenwriting
How Horror Reflects Societal Fears
The Holocaust as horror in American film

Film History Research Paper Topics

The history of cinema is so vast that using this as your research topic would open a world of opportunities for students. Using the history of cinema as your research paper topic would be an excellent way to earn bonus points from your committee members.

So, let’s look at the below-listed film history research topics.

Music and Multimedia: Theory and History
Globalization of popular culture: from Hollywood to Bollywood
Evolution of the film industry over centuries
The technological evolution of the film industry
The history of motion pictures
The depression years, as depicted by the American theatre
Filmmaking and its history in the United States
A detailed study of early cinema
A Brief History of Special Effects in Film
A detailed history of science fiction movies
The globalization of popular film industries
The Golden Era of Cinematography: A Complete Historical Guide
Charlie Chaplin and the Silent Film Era
Representation of African-Americans in American Movies
The contribution of women to the film industry
War justification in American cinema
Pioneers of the Moving Picture
Hollywood’s dominance of the movie industry
Movies Transformation From B&W to Color
History of the horror film genre

Brilliant Film Research Topics for Monster Movies

Just like horror movies, audiences also like watching monster movies. Compared to fictional characters such as vampires, werewolves, monsters, or zombies, those with human characteristics provide audiences a terrifying experience. Thus, if monster movies intrigue you, this would be a worthwhile research topic for your upcoming project. Familiarization with these research topics would give you a significant perspective on what research topic you want to pursue. Check them out below:

A detailed analysis of a monster culture in the 21st century
Why do we still love Universal movies about monsters?
The science behind bringing monsters to life through cinematic effects
The psychological appeal of movie monsters
The mythology of monster movies
A brief history of monsters in movies
In the true meaning of Frankenstein, who was the monster?
Aspects of horror in the films
The Monsters Within Gothic Monstrosities in Dracula
Exploring Humanity Through Monster Movies
Monsters in Our Midst: An Examination of Human Monstrosities in Fiction
Zombies in Film: The Evolution of the Zombie in Contemporary Cinema
Vampires in Hollywood: The Undead’s Evolution
Exploration of movie monsters through the years
The psychological impact of monster movies on children
The culture of fictional monsters in the 21st century
Zombies and vampires in the contemporary film industry
Understanding the relationship between myth and anomalies in the film industry
Discomforting Creatures: Monstrous Natures in Recent Film
The Monster Movies of Universal Studios

Read Also – 180+ Immigration Research Topics

Animation Research Paper Topic Ideas

Are you still struggling with your decision? We understand choosing the correct film research topic can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to worry anymore. We can help. In this section, we have prepared a list of the best film paper topics related to animation.

Advanced narrative illustration: an overview
Mapping the evolution and development of 3D in printing
A thematic analysis of digital illustration
Organizational creativity in heterarchies: The case of VFX production
Analyzing the new developments in the area of illustrations
The role of ethics, culture, and artistry in scientific illustration
Analyzing Hidden Elements in Disney Movies and Effects on Children
Exploring the progress in animation films in the past ten years
Exploring the effects of Kinematics methods on animation
Animation Character Detection Algorithm Based on Clustering and Cascaded SSD
History of the Japanese Animation Industry and New Technology
Scotland’s History of Animation: An Exploratory Account of the Key Figures and Influential Events
The history and developments of 2D animation
Analysis Of Finding Nemo Through Mythological, Theological, And Ideological Criticisms
Bringing a story to life: For programmers, animators, VFX artists, and interactive designers
Design and Realization of Animation Composition and Tone Space Conversion Algorithm
Scotland’s History of Animation
Anime: A Style of Japanese Film and Television
A comparative analysis between Kinematics and Dynamic Animation
Animated vs Static graphics in a video game
Analyzing the use of texting art in animated games.
The idea of Digital illustration and its impact on an appealing visual element
An Analysis of Animation in the Movies Frozen and Zootopia
Aesthetics and design in the three-dimensional animation process
The uses and abuses of cartoon style in animation

Read Also – A List of 100+ Research Topics in Education

Movies Research Paper Topics About Production Houses

If you are still looking for the best film topics to write about, we suggest you look at the topics below about production houses. This list includes essential research topics about film production houses and their roles in the film industry. Let’s have a look!

The risk environment of filmmaking: Warner Bros in the inter-war years
Stardom and the profitability of filmmaking: Warner Bros. in the 1930s
A Comparison in the Movie Studios Sector
Bankruptcy and Restructuring at Marvel Entertainment Group
Disney’s Marvel acquisition: a strategic financial analysis
A research study on the 20th Century Studios
Marvel, DC, and sport: Investigating rivalry in the sport and comic settings
Walt Disney Animation Studios: a detailed analysis
Historical and Mythical Time in the Marvel and DC Series
Hollywood’s attempt to appropriate television: The case of Paramount Pictures
TSG Entertainment Production Company Box Office History
A measurement study of Netflix, Hulu, and a tale of three CDNs
The Powerful Influence of Netflix and Amazon Studios
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures: a research analysis
Can Netflix Take Over Hollywood

Final Words

Film studies generally examine the film industry’s historical, critical, and theoretical aspects. You can easily select the perfect research topic that matches your interests from the above-provided lists of film research topics. However, there’s still an option if you need help with these. You can contact our writing services and get quick assistance. At Edumagnate.com , we provide brilliant research papers and research proposal writing services to students from all domains. You can contact us and share your requirements to get a high-quality, plagiarism-free research paper quickly.

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175 Interesting Film Research Paper Topics and Ideas

Table of Contents

Would you have to prepare a film research paper? If you are a student who is pursuing a degree in film studies, then for your academic work often you will have to prepare film research papers. For writing a film essay or research paper, you must need a good topic. In general, there are plenty of film research paper topics available. But, in this blog post, we have filtered and composed a list of the top film research topic ideas you can consider for your assignments. Keep on reading this blog post and get interesting film dissertation ideas.

Film Research Paper Topic Selection Tips

The first step in the research paper writing process is topic selection. For selecting a topic, you need to invest a lot of time and effort because it is one of the important factors that will help you earn an A+ grade. Usually, your instructors will give you a set of topics for you to choose from. In that scenario, you will not have much pressure to handle the topic selection phase. But, sometimes your professors will ask you to come up with a creative film research topic on your own.

Right now, do you have to select a good topic for your film research paper? If yes, then have a look at the steps below and follow them to identify a good film research paper topic.

At first, think and list out all your favorite films, filmmakers, and genres. Then, narrow down your search depending upon your favorite category or area of interest.
Every time it is not necessary to give preference to your favorites. Instead, you can also focus on a specific film history period and research the themes, production methods, film techniques, etc. used in that time period.
For identifying a good research topic, you should perform deep research and collect more ideas. Mainly, you can refer to various credible sources such as literature, published research papers, books, and media platforms for gathering topic ideas.
If you have gathered a lot of research ideas, then analyze them all and select a topic that has a wide research scope. Remember, the topic you pick should match your interest and should be comfortable for you to write about.
During topic selection, think about the topic that you have strong knowledge of. The topic you choose should be neither too wide nor too narrow. If it is broad, narrow it down and select a simple topic or subtopic.

When finalizing a topic, make sure whether the topic you have selected will engage and educate your readers. The topic should not only be interesting to you but also to the target audience. Avoid selecting topics that are frequently taken for discussion. The topic you choose should be unique, informative, and creative. Also, before finalizing check whether your topic meets your instructor’s research paper writing guidelines. You can easily craft a research paper and score high marks only if the topic you choose satisfies all the tips shared above.

List of Film Research Paper Topic Ideas

Film Studies is a broad academic discipline filled with excellent research areas to explore. For writing a brilliant film research paper, you can choose areas such as film history, film technology, music and sound design, film genre, etc.

Are you struggling to come up with the best film research paper topics? Don’t worry! Here, are some interesting film research paper topics and ideas list. Go through them all and identify the right topic for your academic paper.

Excellent Film Research Paper Topics

The role of colors in movies.
Different forms of narrative structures.
What are the effects of censorship in films?
The cultural effects of war movies.
The role of film directors in giving life to stories.
The social and cultural effect of movies.
Animation: Giving life to sketches.
Movies through the eyes of their directors.
Walt Disney and the psychosocial implications of his characters.
Comics and Superheroes in films.
The role of film critics and reviews on box office performances.
TV shows: A new film franchise.
The ethical issues involved in documentary filmmaking.
The role of animals in movies.
Explain the qualities of a successful movie director.
The effects of Hollywood stereotypes.
Transitions and visual effects in movie editing.
The power of documentary movies in changing the world.
Masculinity and violence in films.
The art of creating stories using video editing.

Film History Research Paper Topics

How technology has transformed the art of filmmaking?
Science-fiction movies – History.
The effect of the film industry on different generations.
War Justification in American Cinema.
Hitchcock’s sacred power.
Movies about the history of religions.
Charlie Chaplin and the Silent Movie Era.
Discuss the contribution of Fellini to cinematography.
Analyze the life before CGI.
The globalization of popular culture: Hollywood vs. Bollywood.
African-Americans in cinematography.
Discuss the contribution of women in the film industry.
The progress of animation in movie production.
The importance of representation in movies.
Changes in Hollywood and its dominance of cinematography.
Discuss the historical context of the origin of cinema.
The difference between classical and modern films.
How does the first movie differ from the modern ones?
Popular Cinematographers of the 20th century.
The most prominent actors of the 20th century
Explain the visible changes and modifications in filmmaking in the last 20 years.
The emergence of cinema infrastructure.
The modification in actors’ behavior in the film set.
Compare the fees of the actors in the ’80s and ’90s.
Sound developments in the filmmaking industry.
The image of the enemy in historical films.
The educational function of historical cinema.
Aesthetics of the comic in historical films.
Historical semantics of cinema.
Tales of the Past in Film and Television.

Research Topics on Film Music

The art of storytelling with sound.
Classical Opera versus Modern Music on Screen.
The art of sound design in movies.
Analyze the soundtrack and music in films.
The progress of music in films.
The power of recorded nature sounds.
The development and cultural influence of musicals in the 20th century.
Bollywood-made musicals.
Christina Aguilera’s career in musicals.
The effects of music on movie perceptions.
Cradle of future pop stars.
The mental effects created by music in movies.
Broadway musicals made into movies.
Picture versus sound.
The use of music in modern movies.
Live music in films.
Incidental music.
Background music.
Music in cartoons.
Classical music in films.
Discuss the benefits of customized music in filmmaking.
How does music reveal the emotional state of the characters?
How to choose the right song for a film?
Electronic music in series.
How musicians promote themselves in films.

Research Paper Topics on Monster Films

Explore fear in monster movies.
The history of monster movies.
Zombies in modern cinema.
The psychological appeal of movie monsters.
The science behind Hollywood’s movie monsters.
Discuss the monster movie culture in the 21st century.
Vampires through history: The evolution of the undead cinema.
The aspects of human monstrosity in films.
The Monster vs. Frankenstein: Who Is More Human?
Mythology in monster movies.

Horror Film Research Paper Topics

The fusion of comedy and horror.
Discuss the popular fear elements used in horror films.
The youngsters’ perception of horror films.
Alfred Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense.
The use of religion in horror movies.
Racial discrimination in horror films.
The idea of suspense in horror films.
Special effects in horror films.
Explain the Folklore elements in the screenplay.
Psychological and behavioral responses to horror films.

Captivating Film Dissertation Ideas

Drama as a cultural phenomenon.
The usage of irony in films.
The evolution of urban filmmaking.
The diverse film elements needed for creative writing.
The importance of a character in a film.
Discuss the popular cinema genres in the world.
The relationship between literature and film.
Difference between commercial cinema and non-commercial cinema.
The influence of the digital revolution in the film industry?
Analyze the localization efforts of Hollywood films.

Outstanding Research Topics on Movies

What makes a great film director?
Humanity versus technology in modern films.
Good versus Evil concept in movies.
Video streaming platforms and the future of cinema.
The cinema of shortcuts.
The influence of social media on movie results.
Indie Movies: An attitude or a genre?
Multiple actors playing a single role.
The art of cinematography.
Success factors of the American film industry.
The role of fashion design in the film industry.
Film Noir: A style expanding through genres.
Freudian Practice in Cinematography.
The influence of movie genres on different audiences.
The idea of drama in movies.
The psychological aspects of filmmaking.
The features of vocal music in movies.
The effects of streaming platforms on cinematography.
The art of storytelling in modern movies.
The persuasive effectiveness of shortcuts.

Informative Film Research Paper Topics

The role of culture in filmmaking.
The purpose of Archeological films.
The role of the American film industry in biology.
Films about language and language discrimination.
History of Anthropology films.
The most expensive films on Netflix.
Can Star Wars become a new film category?
Explain Spanish movie production.
Discuss the making of Soap operas.
Reflection of ideology in the visual arts and cinema.

Amazing Film Research Paper Topics

How to write the screenplay for a documentary?
Discuss the artistic value of documentaries.
Talk about digital cinema technologies.
Asian filmmaking industry.
The role of the producer in organizing film production.
Psychology in filmmaking
Awards in the Film Industry.
Talk about popular feminist films.
Creation of Crime Series and Detective films.
How to make a low-budget film?

Interesting Research Paper Topics on Film Studies

Current trends in film studies.
Fundamentals of film drama.
The cinematography in the aspect of sociology.
The relationship between cinema and performance.
The crisis of cinema research.
Is Cinema a means of education?
Film analysis methodology.
Compare Film education and media education.
Anthropological concepts in contemporary film studies.
The theoretical and empirical levels of film studies.

Film Essay Topics

Opera elements in the film industry
Politics in the film industry.
Relevance of biography series.
TV shows as an extension of Films.
How can the soundtrack promote its film?
Describe American Filmmaking.
How to write a screenplay for a novel?
Explain the difference between producers and filmmakers.
Top categories of movies.
How to model the script of TV shows?

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Film Analysis: Example, Format, and Outline + Topics & Prompts

Films are never just films. Instead, they are influential works of art that can evoke a wide range of emotions, spark meaningful conversations, and provide insightful commentary on society and culture. As a student, you may be tasked with writing a film analysis essay, which requires you to delve deeper into the characters and themes. But where do you start?

In this article, our expert team has explored strategies for writing a successful film analysis essay. From prompts for this assignment to an excellent movie analysis example, we’ll provide you with everything you need to craft an insightful film analysis paper.

📽️ Film Analysis Definition

📚 Types of Film Analysis

✍️ How to Write Film Analysis
🎞️ Movie Analysis Prompts
🎬 Top 15 Topics

📝 Film Analysis Example

🍿 More Examples

🔗 References

📽️ what is a film analysis essay.

A film analysis essay is a type of academic writing that critically examines a film, its themes, characters, and techniques used by the filmmaker. This essay aims to analyze the film’s meaning, message, and artistic elements and explain its cultural, social, and historical significance. It typically requires a writer to pay closer attention to aspects such as cinematography, editing, sound, and narrative structure.

Film Analysis vs Film Review

It’s common to confuse a film analysis with a film review, though these are two different types of writing. A film analysis paper focuses on the film’s narrative, sound, editing, and other elements. This essay aims to explore the film’s themes, symbolism , and underlying messages and to provide an in-depth interpretation of the film.

On the other hand, a film review is a brief evaluation of a film that provides the writer’s overall opinion of the movie. It includes the story’s short summary, a description of the acting, direction, and technical aspects, and a recommendation on whether or not the movie is worth watching.

This image shows the difference between film analysis and film review.

Wondering what you should focus on when writing a movie analysis essay? Here are four main types of film analysis. Check them out!

📋 Film Analysis Format

The movie analysis format follows a typical essay structure, including a title, introduction, thesis statement, body, conclusion, and references.

The most common citation styles used for a film analysis are MLA and Chicago . However, we recommend you consult with your professor for specific guidelines. Remember to cite all dialogue and scene descriptions from the movie to support the analysis. The reference list should include the analyzed film and any external sources mentioned in the essay.

When referring to a specific movie in your paper, you should italicize the film’s name and use the title case. Don’t enclose the title of the movie in quotation marks.

📑 Film Analysis Essay Outline

A compelling film analysis outline is crucial as it helps make the writing process more focused and the content more insightful for the readers. Below, you’ll find the description of the main parts of the movie analysis essay.

Film Analysis Introduction

Many students experience writer’s block because they don’t know how to write an introduction for a film analysis. The truth is that the opening paragraph for a film analysis paper is similar to any other academic essay:

Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention . For example, it can be a fascinating fact or a thought-provoking question related to the film.
Provide background information about the movie . Introduce the film, including its title, director, and release date. Follow this with a brief summary of the film’s plot and main themes.
End the introduction with an analytical thesis statement . Present the central argument or interpretation that will be explored in the analysis.

Film Analysis Thesis

If you wonder how to write a thesis for a film analysis, we’ve got you! A thesis statement should clearly present your main idea related to the film and provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. Your thesis should be specific, concise, and focused. In addition, it should be debatable so that others can present a contrasting point of view. Also, make sure it is supported with evidence from the film.

Let’s come up with a film analysis thesis example:

Through a feminist lens, Titanic is a story about Rose’s rebellion against traditional gender roles, showcasing her attempts to assert her autonomy and refusal to conform to societal expectations prevalent in the early 20th century.

Movie Analysis Main Body

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the film that supports your main idea. These aspects include themes, characters, narrative devices , or cinematic techniques. You should also provide evidence from the film to support your analysis, such as quotes, scene descriptions, or specific visual or auditory elements.

Here are two things to avoid in body paragraphs:

Film review . Your analysis should focus on specific movie aspects rather than your opinion of the film.
Excessive plot summary . While it’s important to provide some context for the analysis, a lengthy plot summary can detract you from your main argument and analysis of the film.

Film Analysis Conclusion

In the conclusion of a movie analysis, restate the thesis statement to remind the reader of the main argument. Additionally, summarize the main points from the body to reinforce the key aspects of the film that were discussed. The conclusion should also provide a final thought or reflection on the film, tying together the analysis and presenting your perspective on its overall meaning.

✍️ How to Write a Film Analysis Essay

Writing a film analysis essay can be challenging since it requires a deep understanding of the film, its themes, and its characters. However, with the right approach, you can create a compelling analysis that offers insight into the film’s meaning and impact. To help you, we’ve prepared a small guide.

1. Understand the Prompt

When approaching a film analysis essay, it is crucial to understand the prompt provided by your professor. For example, suppose your professor asks you to analyze the film from the perspective of Marxist criticism or psychoanalytic film theory . In that case, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these approaches. This may involve studying these theories and identifying how they can be applied to the film.

If your professor did not provide specific guidelines, you will need to choose a film yourself and decide on the aspect you will explore. Whether it is the film’s themes, characters, cinematography, or social context, having a clear focus will help guide your analysis.

2. Watch the Film & Take Notes

Keep your assignment prompt in mind when watching the film for your analysis. For example, if you are analyzing the film from a feminist perspective, you should pay attention to the portrayal of female characters, power dynamics , and gender roles within the film.

As you watch the movie, take notes on key moments, dialogues, and scenes relevant to your analysis. Additionally, keeping track of the timecodes of important scenes can be beneficial, as it allows you to quickly revisit specific moments in the film for further analysis.

3. Develop a Thesis and an Outline

Next, develop a thesis statement for your movie analysis. Identify the central argument or perspective you want to convey about the film. For example, you can focus on the film’s themes, characters, plot, cinematography, or other outstanding aspects. Your thesis statement should clearly present your stance and provide a preview of the points you will discuss in your analysis.

Having created a thesis, you can move on to the outline for an analysis. Write down all the arguments that can support your thesis, logically organize them, and then look for the supporting evidence in the movie.

4. Write Your Movie Analysis

When writing a film analysis paper, try to offer fresh and original ideas on the film that go beyond surface-level observations. If you need some inspiration, have a look at these thought-provoking questions:

How does the movie evoke emotional responses from the audience through sound, editing, character development , and camera work?
Is the movie’s setting portrayed in a realistic or stylized manner? What atmosphere or mood does the setting convey to the audience?
How does the lighting in the movie highlight certain aspects? How does the lighting impact the audience’s perception of the movie’s characters, spaces, or overall mood?
What role does the music play in the movie? How does it create specific emotional effects for the audience?
What underlying values or messages does the movie convey? How are these values communicated to the audience?

5. Revise and Proofread

To revise and proofread a film analysis essay, review the content for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure the paper flows logically and each paragraph contributes to the overall analysis. Remember to double-check that you haven’t missed any in-text citations and have enough evidence and examples from the movie to support your arguments.

Consider seeking feedback from a peer or instructor to get an outside perspective on the essay. Another reader can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

🎞️ Movie Analysis: Sample Prompts

Now that we’ve covered the essential aspects of a film analysis template, it’s time to choose a topic. Here are some prompts to help you select a film for your analysis.

Metropolis film analysis essay . When analyzing this movie, you can explore the themes of technology and society or the portrayal of class struggle. You can also focus on symbolism, visual effects, and the influence of German expressionism on the film’s aesthetic.
The Godfather film analysis essay . An epic crime film, The Godfather , allows you to analyze the themes of power and corruption, the portrayal of family dynamics, and the influence of Italian neorealism on the film’s aesthetic. You can also examine the movie’s historical context and impact on future crime dramas.
Psycho film analysis essay . Consider exploring the themes of identity and duality, the use of suspense and tension in storytelling, or the portrayal of mental illness. You can also explore the impact of this movie on the horror genre.
Forrest Gump film analysis essay . If you decide to analyze the Forrest Gump movie, you can focus on the portrayal of historical events. You might also examine the use of nostalgia in storytelling, the character development of the protagonist, and the film’s impact on popular culture and American identity.
The Great Gatsby film analysis essay . The Great Gatsby is a historical drama film that allows you to analyze the themes of the American Dream, wealth, and class. You can also explore the portrayal of the 1920s Jazz Age and the symbolism of the green light.
Persepolis film analysis essay . In a Persepolis film analysis essay, you can uncover the themes of identity and self-discovery. You might also consider analyzing the portrayal of the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath, the use of animation as a storytelling device, and the film’s influence on the graphic novel genre.

🎬 Top 15 Film Analysis Essay Topics

The use of color symbolism in Vertigo and its impact on the narrative.
The moral ambiguity and human nature in No Country for Old Men .
The portrayal of ethnicity in Gran Torino and its commentary on cultural stereotypes.
The cinematography and visual effects in The Hunger Games and their contribution to the dystopian atmosphere.
The use of silence and sound design in A Quiet Place to immerse the audience.
The disillusionment and existential crisis in The Graduate and its reflection of the societal norms of the 1960s.
The themes of sacrifice and patriotism in Casablanca and their relevance to the historical context of World War II.
The psychological horror in The Shining and its impact on the audience’s experience of fear and tension.
The exploration of existentialism in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind .
Multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators in Rashomon .
The music and soundtrack in Titanic and its contribution to the film’s emotional resonance.
The portrayal of good versus evil in the Harry Potter film series and its impact on understanding morality.
The incorporation of vibrant colors in The Grand Budapest Hotel as a visual motif.
The use of editing techniques to tell a nonlinear narrative in Pulp Fiction .
The function of music and score in enhancing the emotional impact in Schindler’s List .

Check out the Get Out film analysis essay we’ve prepared for college and high school students. We hope this movie analysis essay example will inspire you and help you understand the structure of this assignment better.

Film Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Get Out, released in 2017 and directed by Jordan Peele, is a culturally significant horror film that explores themes of racism, identity, and social commentary. The film follows Chris, a young African-American man, visiting his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend. This essay will analyze how, through its masterful storytelling, clever use of symbolism, and thought-provoking narrative, Get Out reveals the insidious nature of racism in modern America.

Film Analysis Body Paragraphs Example

Throughout the movie, Chris’s character is subject to various types of microaggression and subtle forms of discrimination. These instances highlight the insidious nature of racism, showing how it can exist even in seemingly progressive environments. For example, during Chris’s visit to his white girlfriend’s family, the parents continuously make racially insensitive comments, expressing their admiration for black physical attributes and suggesting a fascination bordering on fetishization. This sheds light on some individuals’ objectification and exotification of black bodies.

Get Out also critiques the performative allyship of white liberals who claim to be accepting and supportive of the black community. It is evident in the character of Rose’s father, who proclaims: “I would have voted for Obama for a third term if I could” (Peele, 2017). However, the film exposes how this apparent acceptance can mask hidden prejudices and manipulation.

Film Analysis Conclusion Example

In conclusion, the film Get Out provides a searing critique of racial discrimination and white supremacy through its compelling narrative, brilliant performances, and skillful direction. By exploring the themes of the insidious nature of racism, fetishization, and performative allyship, Get Out not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on their own biases.

🍿 More Film Analysis Examples

Social Psychology Theories in The Experiment
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader: George Lukas’s Star Wars Review
Girl, Interrupted : Mental Illness Analysis
Mental Disorders in the Finding Nemo Film
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Film: Interpretive Psychological Analysis
Analysis of Spielberg’s Film Lincoln
Glory – The Drama Movie by Edward Zwick
Inventors in The Men Who Built America Series
Crash Movie: Racism as a Theme
Dances with Wolves Essay – Movie Analysis
Superbad by G. Mottola
Ordinary People Analysis and Maslow Hierarchy of Needs
A Review of the Movie An Inconvenient Truth by Guggenheim
Chaplin’s Modern Times and H.G. Wells’s The Island of Dr. Moreau
Misé-En-Scene and Camera Shots in The King’s Speech
Children’s Sexuality in the Out in the Dark Film
Chinese and American Women in Joy Luck Club Novel and Film
The Film Silver Linings Playbook by Russell
The Role of Music in the Films The Hours and The Third Man
The Social Network : Film Analysis
My Neighbor Totoro : Film by Hayao Miyazaki
Marriage Story Film Directed by Noah Baumbach

❓ Film Analysis Essay: FAQ

Why is film analysis important.

Film analysis allows viewers to go beyond the surface level and delve into the deeper layers of a film’s narrative, themes, and technical aspects. It enables a critical examination that enhances appreciation and understanding of the film’s message, cultural significance, and artistic value. At the same time, writing a movie analysis essay can boost your critical thinking and ability to spot little details.

How to write a movie analysis?

Watch the film multiple times to grasp its key elements.
Take notes on the story, characters, and themes.
Pay attention to the film’s cinematography, editing, sound, message, symbolism, and social context.
Formulate a strong thesis statement that presents your main argument.
Support your claims with evidence from the film.

How to write a critical analysis of a movie?

A critical analysis of a movie involves evaluating its elements, such as plot, themes, characters, and cinematography, and providing an informed opinion on its strengths and weaknesses. To write it, watch the movie attentively, take notes, develop a clear thesis statement, support arguments with evidence, and balance the positive and negative.

How to write a psychological analysis of a movie?

A psychological analysis of a movie examines characters’ motivations, behaviors, and emotional experiences. To write it, analyze the characters’ psychological development, their relationships, and the impact of psychological themes conveyed in the film. Support your analysis with psychological theories and evidence from the movie.

Film Analysis | UNC Writing Center
Psychological Analysis of Films | Steemit
Critical Film Analysis | University of Hawaii
Questions to Ask of Any Film | All American High School Film Festival
Resources – How to Write a Film Analysis | Northwestern
Film Analysis | University of Toronto
Film Writing: Sample Analysis | Purdue Online Writing Lab
Film Analysis Web Site 2.0 | Yale University
Questions for Film Analysis | University of Washington
Film & Media Studies Resources: Types of Film Analysis | Bowling Green State University
Film & Media Studies Resources: Researching a Film | Bowling Green State University
Motion Picture Analysis Worksheet | University of Houston
Reviews vs Film Criticism | The University of Vermont Libraries
Television and Film Analysis Questions | University of Michigan
How to Write About Film: The Movie Review, the Theoretical Essay, and the Critical Essay | University of Colorado

Descriptive Essay Topics: Examples, Outline, & More

371 fun argumentative essay topics for 2024.

How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips

A film analysis essay might be the most exciting assignment you have ever had! After all, who doesn’t love watching movies? You have your favorite movies, maybe something you watched years ago, perhaps a classic, or a documentary. Or your professor might assign a film for you to make a critical review. Regardless, you are totally up for watching a movie for a film analysis essay.

However, once you have watched the movie, facing the act of writing might knock the wind out of your sails because you might be wondering how to write a film analysis essay. In summary, writing movie analysis is not as difficult as it might seem, and Custom-writing.org experts will prove this. This guide will help you choose a topic for your movie analysis, make an outline, and write the text.️ Film analysis examples are added as a bonus! Just keep reading our advice on how to get started.

❓ What Is a Film Analysis Essay?

🚦 Film Analysis Types

📽️ Movie Analysis Format

✍️ how to write a film analysis, 🎦 film analysis template, 🎬 film analysis essay topics.

📄 Essay Examples

🔗 References

To put it simply, film analysis implies watching a movie and then considering its characteristics : genre, structure, contextual context, etc. Film analysis is usually considered to be a form of rhetorical analysis . The key to success here is to formulate a clear and logical argument, supporting it with examples.

🚦 Film Analysis Essay Types

Since a film analysis essay resembles literature analysis, it makes sense that there are several ways to do it. Its types are not limited to the ones described here. Moreover, you are free to combine the approaches in your essay as well. Since your writing reflects your own opinion, there is no universal way to do it.

Semiotic analysis . If you’re using this approach, you are expected to interpret the film’s symbolism. You should look for any signs that may have a hidden meaning. Often, they reveal some character’s features. To make the task more manageable, you can try to find the objects or concepts that appear on the screen multiple times. What is the context they appear in? It might lead you to the hidden meaning of the symbols.
Narrative structure analysis . This type is quite similar to a typical literature guide. It includes looking into the film’s themes, plot, and motives. The analysis aims to identify three main elements: setup, confrontation, and resolution. You should find out whether the film follows this structure and what effect it creates. It will make the narrative structure analysis essay if you write about the theme and characters’ motivations as well.
Contextual analysis . Here, you would need to expand your perspective. Instead of focusing on inner elements, the contextual analysis looks at the time and place of the film’s creation. Therefore, you should work on studying the cultural context a lot. It can also be a good idea to mention the main socio-political issues of the time. You can even relate the film’s success to the director or producer and their career.
Mise-en-scene analysis . This type of analysis works with the most distinctive feature of the movies, audiovisual elements. However, don’t forget that your task is not only to identify them but also to explain their importance. There are so many interconnected pieces of this puzzle: the light to create the mood, the props to show off characters’ personalities, messages hidden in the song lyrics.

To write an effective film analysis essay, it is important to follow specific format requirements that include the following:

Standard essay structure. Just as with any essay, your analysis should consist of an introduction with a strong thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The main body usually includes a summary and an analysis of the movie’s elements.
Present tense for events in the film. Use the present tense when describing everything that happens in the movie. This way, you can make smooth transitions between describing action and dialogue. It will also improve the overall narrative flow.
Proper formatting of the film’s title. Don’t enclose the movie’s title in quotation marks; instead, italicize it. In addition, use the title case : that is, capitalize all major words.
Proper use of the characters’ names. When you mention a film character for the first time, name the actor portraying them. After that, it is enough to write only the character’s name.
In-text citations. Use in-text citations when describing certain scenes or shots from the movie. Format them according to your chosen citation style. If you use direct quotes, include the time-stamp range instead of page numbers. Here’s how it looks in the MLA format: (Smith 0:11:24–0:12:35).

Even though film analysis is similar to the literary one, you might still feel confused with where to begin. No need to worry; there are only a few additional steps you need to consider during the writing process.

Need more information? It can be found in the video below.

Starting Your Film Analysis Essay

There are several things you need to do before you start writing your film analysis paper. First and foremost, you have to watch the movie. Even if you have seen it a hundred times, you need to watch it again to make a good film analysis essay.

Note that you might be given an essay topic or have to think of it by yourself. If you are free to choose a topic for your film analysis essay, reading some critical reviews before you watch the film might be a good idea. By doing this in advance, you will already know what to look for when watching the movie.

In the process of watching, keep the following tips in mind:

Consider your impression of the movie
Enumerate memorable details
Try to interpret the movie message in your way
Search for the proof of your ideas (quotes from the film)
Make comments on the plot, settings, and characters
Draw parallels between the movie you are reviewing and some other movies

Making a Film Analysis Essay Outline

Once you have watched and possibly re-watched your assigned or chosen movie from an analytical point of view, you will need to create a movie analysis essay outline . The task is pretty straightforward: the outline can look just as if you were working on a literary analysis or an article analysis.

Introduction : This includes the basics of the movie, including the title, director, and the date of release. You should also present the central theme or ideas in the movie and your thesis statement .
Summary : This is where you take the time to present an overview of the primary concepts in the movie, including the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why)—don’t forget how!—as well as anything you wish to discuss that relates to the point of view, style, and structure.
Analysis : This is the body of the essay and includes your critical analysis of the movie, why you did or did not like it, and any supporting material from the film to support your views. It would help if you also discussed whether the director and writer of the movie achieved the goal they set out to achieve.
Conclusion: This is where you can state your thesis again and provide a summary of the primary concepts in a new and more convincing manner, making a case for your analysis. You can also include a call-to-action that will invite the reader to watch the movie or avoid it entirely.

You can find a great critical analysis template at Thompson Rivers University website. In case you need more guidance on how to write an analytical paper, check out our article .

Writing & Editing Your Film Analysis Essay

We have already mentioned that there are differences between literary analysis and film analysis. They become especially important when one starts writing their film analysis essay.

First of all, the evidence you include to support the arguments is not the same. Instead of quoting the text, you might need to describe the audiovisual elements.

However, the practice of describing the events is similar in both types. You should always introduce a particular sequence in the present tense. If you want to use a piece of a dialogue between more than two film characters, you can use block quotes. However, since there are different ways to do it, confirm with your supervisor.

For your convenience, you might as well use the format of the script, for which you don’t have to use quotation marks:

ELSA: But she won’t remember I have powers?

KING: It’s for the best.

Finally, to show off your proficiency in the subject, look at the big picture. Instead of just presenting the main elements in your analysis, point out their significance. Describe the effect they make on the overall impression form the film. Moreover, you can dig deeper and suggest the reasons why such elements were used in a particular scene to show your expertise.

Stuck writing a film analysis essay? Worry not! Use our template to structure your movie analysis properly.

Introduction

The title of the film is… [title]
The director is… [director’s name] He/she is known for… [movies, style, etc.]
The movie was released on… [release date]
The themes of the movie are… [state the film’s central ideas]
The film was made because… [state the reasons]
The movie is… because… [your thesis statement].
The main characters are… [characters’ names]
The events take place in… [location]
The movie is set in… [time period]
The movie is about… [state what happens in the film and why]
The movie left a… [bad, unforgettable, lasting, etc.] impression in me.
The script has… [a logical sequence of events, interesting scenes, strong dialogues, character development, etc.]
The actors portray their characters… [convincingly, with intensity, with varying degree of success, in a manner that feels unnatural, etc.]
The soundtrack is [distracting, fitting, memorable, etc.]
Visual elements such as… [costumes, special effects, etc.] make the film [impressive, more authentic, atmospheric, etc.]
The film succeeds/doesn’t succeed in engaging the target audience because it… [tells a compelling story, features strong performances, is relevant, lacks focus, is unauthentic, etc.]
Cultural and societal aspects make the film… [thought-provoking, relevant, insightful, problematic, polarizing, etc.]
The director and writer achieved their goal because… [state the reasons]
Overall, the film is… [state your opinion]
I would/wouldn’t recommend watching the movie because… [state the reasons]
Analysis of the film Inception by Christopher Nolan .
Examine the rhetoric in the film The Red Balloon .
Analyze the visual effects of Zhang Yimou’s movie Hero .
Basic concepts of the film Interstellar by Christopher Nolan.
The characteristic features of Federico Fellini’s movies.
Analysis of the movie The Joker .
The depiction of ethical issues in Damaged Care .
Analyze the plot of the film Moneyball .
Explore the persuasive techniques used in Henry V .
Analyze the movie Killing Kennedy .
Discuss the themes of the film Secret Window .
Describe the role of audio and video effects in conveying the message of the documentary Life in Renaissance .
Compare and analyze the films Midnight Cowboy and McCabe and Mrs. Miller .
Analysis of the movie Rear Window .
The message behind the film Split .
Analyze the techniques used by Tim Burton in his movie Sleepy Hollow .
The topic of children’s abuse and importance of trust in Joseph Sargent’s Sybil .
Examine the themes and motives of the film Return to Paradise by Joseph Ruben .
The issues of gender and traditions in the drama The Whale Rider.
Analysis of the film Not Easily Broken by Duke Bill.
The symbolism in R. Scott’s movie Thelma and Louise .
The meaning of audiovisual effects in Citizen Kane .
Analyze the main characters of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo .
Discuss the historical accuracy of the documentary The Civil War .
Analysis of the movie Through a Glass Darkly .
Explore the core idea of the comedy Get Out .
The problem of artificial intelligence and human nature in Ex Machina .
Three principles of suspense used in the drama The Fugitive .
Examine the ideas Michael Bay promotes in Armageddon .
Analyze the visual techniques used in Tenet by Christopher Nolan.
Analysis of the movie The Green Mile .
Discrimination and exclusion in the film The Higher Learning .
The hidden meaning of the scenes in Blade Runner .
Compare the social messages of the films West Side Story and Romeo + Juliet .
Highlighting the problem of children’s mental health in the documentary Kids in Crisis .
Discuss the ways Paul Haggis establishes the issue of racial biases in his movie Crash .
Analyze the problem of moral choice in the film Gone Baby Gone .
Analysis of the historical film Hacksaw Ridge .
Explore the main themes of the film Mean Girls by Mark Walters .
The importance of communication in the movie Juno .
Describe the techniques the authors use to highlight the problems of society in Queen and Slim .
Examine the significance of visual scenes in My Family/ Mi Familia .
Analysis of the thriller Salt by Phillip Noyce.
Analyze the message of Greg Berlanti’s film Love, Simon .
Interpret the symbols of the film The Wizard of Oz (1939).
Discuss the modern issues depicted in the film The Corporation .
Moral lessons of Edward Zwick’s Blood Diamond .
Analysis of the documentary Solitary Nation .
Describe the audiovisual elements of the film Pride and Prejudice (2005) .
The problem of toxic relationships in Malcolm and Marie .

📄 Film Analysis Examples

Below you’ll find two film analysis essay examples. Note that the full versions are downloadable for free!

Film Analysis Example #1: The Intouchables

Raising acute social problems in modern cinema is a common approach to draw the public’s attention to the specific issues and challenges of people facing crucial obstacles. As a film for review, The Intouchables by Oliver Nakache and Éric Toledano will be analyzed, and one of the themes raised in this movie is the daily struggle of the person with severe disabilities. This movie is a biographical drama with comedy elements. The Intouchables describes the routine life of a French millionaire who is confined to a wheelchair and forced to receive help from his servants. The acquaintance of the disabled person with a young and daring man from Parisian slums changes the lives of both radically. The film shows that for a person with disabilities, recognition as a full member of society is more important than sympathy and compassion, and this message expressed comically raises an essential problem of human loneliness.

Movie Analysis Example #2: Parasite

Parasite is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller movie directed by Bong Joon-ho and is the first film with a non-English script to win Best Picture at the Oscars in 2020. With its overwhelming plot and acting, this motion picture retains a long-lasting effect and some kind of shock. The class serves as a backbone and a primary objective of social commentary within the South Korean comedy/thriller (Kench, 2020). Every single element and detail in the movie, including the student’s stone, the contrasting architecture, family names, and characters’ behavior, contribute to the central topic of the universal problem of classism and wealth disparity. The 2020 Oscar-winning movie Parasite (2019) is a phenomenal cinematic portrayal and a critical message to modern society regarding the severe outcomes of the long-established inequalities within capitalism.

Want more examples? Check out this bonus list of 10 film analysis samples. They will help you gain even more inspiration.

“Miss Representation” Documentary Film Analysis
“The Patriot”: Historical Film Analysis
“The Morning Guy” Film Analysis
2012′ by Roland Emmerich Film Analysis
“The Crucible” (1996) Film Analysis
The Aviator’ by Martin Scorsese Film Analysis
The “Lions for Lambs” Film Analysis
Bill Monroe – Father of Bluegrass Music Film Analysis
Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Harry Potter’ Film Analysis
Red Tails by George Lucas Film Analysis

Film Analysis Essay FAQ

Watch the movie or read a detailed plot summary.
Read others’ film reviews paying attention to details like key characters, movie scenes, background facts.
Compose a list of ideas about what you’ve learned.
Organize the selected ideas to create a body of the essay.
Write an appropriate introduction and conclusion.

The benefits of analyzing a movie are numerous . You get a deeper understanding of the plot and its subtle aspects. You can also get emotional and aesthetic satisfaction. Film analysis enables one to feel like a movie connoisseur.

Here is a possible step by step scenario:

Think about the general idea that the author probably wanted to convey.
Consider how the idea was put across: what characters, movie scenes, and details helped in it.
Study the broader context: the author’s other works, genre essentials, etc.

The definition might be: the process of interpreting a movie’s aspects. The movie is reviewed in terms of details creating the artistic value. A film analysis essay is a paper presenting such a review in a logically structured way.

Film Analysis – UNC Writing Center
Film Writing: Sample Analysis // Purdue Writing Lab
Yale Film Analysis – Yale University
Film Terms And Topics For Film Analysis And Writing
Questions for Film Analysis (Washington University)
Resources on Film Analysis – Cinema Studies (University of Toronto)
Does Film Analysis Take the Magic out of Movies?
Film Analysis Research Papers – Academia.edu
What’s In a Film Analysis Essay? Medium
Analysis of Film – SAGE Research Methods
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Have you ever read a review and asked yourself how the critic arrived at a different interpretation for the film? You are sure that you saw the same movie, but you interpreted it differently. Most moviegoers go to the cinema for pleasure and entertainment. There’s a reason why blockbuster movies attract moviegoers – cinema is a form of escape, a way to momentarily walk away from life’s troubles.

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A List Of Interesting Film Essay Topics To Consider

Even if your film teacher provides some guidance for you on the assignment topic, youвЂ™ll likely end up having to refine the topic in order to make it specific enough. Most film essay topics fall into the categories of вЂwhyвЂ™ and вЂhowвЂ™ essays, or analytical essays, in which youвЂ™ll need to refer to evidence from the film or the historical or social context in which the film was made in order to support your argument.

Use these film essay topics as a jumping off point for choosing your own:

In Gone With the Wind, was Scarlet OвЂ™Hara in control of her own destiny, or was she at the mercy of the other characters in the film?
Does Apocalypse Now accurately portray troop life during the Vietnam War?
How do theme of right and wrong play out in Doctor Zhivago?
Give an example of an actorвЂ™s personal history influencing their acting of a role.
How did McCarthyism influence the films that came out of Hollywood during the era of its influence?
How did the Great Depression influence the films that came out of Hollywood during it?
What legacy did Abbot and Costello leave in humor in the American film industry?
Compare the prevailing subject matter of American films in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
Compare and contrast Crash and Do the Right Thing in its portrayal of racism in America?
What are the major philosophical themes portrayed in The Matrix?
Give an example of a film franchise where the sequel was more successful than the original?
How has the relationship between the publishing industry and film industry changed in the past three decades?
What are the major barriers to women film directors in the American film industry?
Explain the role of suspense in Hitchcock films? What factors earned him the title of the master of suspense?
Compare and contrast American Gangster and Scarface?
Explore third world film as a vehicle for revolution.
Does the Wolf of Wall Street portray the American dream?
How did films create myth or lead to public misconceptions about the Vietnam war?
How did films created throughout the Cold War portray the USSR and communism? How did this change over the decades of the Cold War?
How has film served to break down barriers in society?

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Essays About Films: Top 5 Examples and 10 Prompts

Get ready to binge-watch some of the best films of all time and write essays about films with our essay examples and prompts.

Films are an exciting part of the entertainment industry. From romance to science fiction, there is a film genre for everyone. Films are a welcome escape from reality, providing a few hours of immersive entertainment that anyone can enjoy. Not only are films masterful works of art, but they are also great sources of employment for many. As a work of intellectual property, films can promote job creation and drive economic growth while advancing a country’s cultural esteem. With such a vast library of films available to us, many topics of discussion are available for your next essay.

5 Intriguing Film Essays

1. scream therapy: the mental health benefits of horror movies by michael varrati, 2. reel truth: is film school worth it by jon gann, 3. why parasite’s success is forcing a reckoning in japan’s film industry by eric margolis, 4. streaming services want to fill the family movie void by nicole sperling, 5. church, critics say new movie on marcos family distorts philippine history by camille elemia, 10 engaging writing prompts on essays about films, 1. the best film that influenced me, 2. the evolution of animated films, 3. women in modern films, 4. creating short films, 5. diversity in films, 6. film critique of my favorite film, 7. how covid-19 changed the film industry, 8. promoting independent films , 9. importance of marketing strategies in films’ success, 10. how to combat film piracy.

“Galvanized by the genre’s ability to promote empathy and face down the ineffable monsters of our daily lives, Barkan’s exploration of how others use horror to heal and grow speaks to the wider impact of our engagement with these movies that are so often dismissed as having little moral value.”

Initially criticized for enabling sadistic tendencies, horror films are now proven to provide a relieving experience and psychological ease to their audience. Numerous theories about the mental health benefits of watching horror films have emerged. But beyond these profound reasons, horror films could be a great source of thrilling fun. You might also be interested in these essays about The Great Gatsby .

“These programs are great at selling the dream of filmmaking, but rarely the realities of the business, so students graduate with few real-world skills, connections, or storytelling ability. Unable to get a job out of school, newly minted “filmmakers” go back into the system for a higher graduate degree… The cycle is self-perpetuating, and rarely benefits anyone, except the institution’s bottom line.”

One has to weigh several personal and external factors in determining whether a full degree would be worth the leap and their pockets. Directors spill the beans on their thoughts and experiences with film school to help the lost find their way.

“Japanese cinema was trending on Japanese Twitter right after the Oscars, with cinephiles and film directors alike airing grievances about a film industry that is deeply flawed despite ample talent and a global appetite for Japanese goods.”

The Japanese lamented their lackluster film industry and waning cultural influence worldwide as the first Korean film took home the Oscars. Reminiscing its golden years of film in the mid-20th century, Japan is stricken with nostalgia. But for the industry to see a renaissance, Japan has to end exploitative labor conditions for creators and censorship.

“The decline today is due to a combination of factors: a hangover from the pandemic, efforts by studios like Disney and Paramount to bolster their own streaming services with fresh content and the risks of greenlighting family films that aren’t based on well-known intellectual property.”

The latest trend in the race to rule film streaming compensates for the lack of family movies in theaters. Giant video-on-demand platforms have started rolling their production and investments into the genre plans for animation and even expensive live-action.

“The film… has amplified existing online narratives that portray the elder Marcos’ presidency as the “golden era” of the Philippines rather than as the darkest chapter of the Southeast Asian country’s recent history, as critics allege.”

A film in the Philippines draws crowds and criticisms for revising facts in one of the country’s most painful periods. But, overall, the movie paints a positive image of the dictator’s family, whose two-decade reign was marked by murders and an economic crisis that was among the worst to hit the country.

Essays About Films: The best film that influenced me

Beyond being a source of entertainment, films have the power to shape how we lead our lives and view the world. In this essay, talk about the film that etched an indelible mark on you. First, provide a summary and specify what drew you to the story or its storytelling. Next, narrate the scenes that moved you the most. Finally, explain how you relate to this film and if you would have wanted a similar or different ending to your story and personal life.

Animated films used to be a treat mainly for children. But now, their allure cuts across generations. For your essay, look into the history of animated films. Find out which countries are the biggest influencers in animated films and how they have fostered these intellectual properties to thrive in global markets. Research how the global direction of animation is heading, both in theatrical releases and streaming, and what animation fans can expect in the next few months.

Have the roles of women progressed in modern films? Or do they remain to be damsels in distress saved by a prince? Watch recent popular films, explain how they depict women, and answer these questions in your essay. Take note of apparent stereotypes and the depth of their character. Compare how they differ from the most popular films in the 90s. You can also compare original films and remakes and focus on the changes in women characters.

Short films are great starting points for budding directors. They could require much less financing than those in theater releases and still deliver satisfactory quality content. For this essay, brief the readers through the stages of short film production — writing the script, choosing the cast, production, marketing, and so on. To go the extra mile in your essay, interview award-winning short filmmakers to gain tips on how they best optimize their limited budget and still bag an award.

Has the film industry promoted diversity and inclusivity in its cast selection? Explore recent diverse films and analyze whether they have captured the true meaning of diversity. One example is when people from underrepresented backgrounds take on the leading roles, not just the story’s sidekicks. You can also build on this research by the Center for Scholars and Storytellers to show the revenue challenges non-diverse films face at the box office.

Watch your favorite film and write a critique by expressing opinions on various aspects of the film. For example, you can have comments on the plot, execution, effects, cinematography, actors, and dialogue. Take time to relay your observations and analysis, as these will be the foundations that will determine the strength or weakness of your comments.

As it has impacted many of us, COVID-19 accelerated how we watch films. Explore the exodus to streaming during the pandemic and how theater operators cope with this shift. In addition, you can look into how the competition among content producers has shifted and intensified.

Independent films can be a hidden treasure, but it could be difficult to sell them, given how niche their concepts can be. So, find out the best strategies that have worked wonders for now successful independent filmmakers. Specifically, learn how they marketed their content online and in film festivals. Then, find out what forms of support the government is extending to high-caliber independent filmmakers and what could be done to help them thrive.

The biggest mistake made by filmmakers and producers is not marketing their films when marketing is the best way to reach a bigger audience and gain profits to make more films. This essay should provide readers with the best practices filmmakers can adopt when marketing a film. For example, directors, producers, and actors should aggressively attend events for promotion. Developing viral movie campaigns also provide a big boost to exposure.

As more films are released digitally, filmmakers must better protect their intellectual property. First, write about the needed measures before the film release, such as adopting a digital rights management strategy. Next, lay down what production companies need to do to deter piracy activities immediately. Some good responses include working closely with enforcement authorities.

Don’t forget to proofread your essay with Grammarly , the best grammar checker.

For more related topic ideas, you can also check our guide for writing essays about cinema .

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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Film Extended Essay Topic Ideas for IB Diploma

Table of contents

Writing Metier

Welcome to our guide on Film Extended Essay topic ideas. If you’re passionate about cinema and eager to explore its many facets in your Extended essay, you’ve come to the right place.

From the nuances of film genres and styles to the intricate workings of the film industry, our list covers a wide range of topics that will inspire and challenge you.

Each Film EE topics category offers a unique perspective on Film, inviting you to analyze, critique, and appreciate the art of cinema in new and exciting ways.

List of Film extended essay topic categories

Evolution of the Horror Genre

The Rise of Documentary Filmmaking

Characteristics of Modern Science Fiction Films

Auteur Theory in Contemporary Cinema

Feminist Film Theory and Representation of Women

Postmodernism in Film

The Impact of the French New Wave

Golden Age of Hollywood Cinema

Italian Neorealism and Its Legacy

The Art of Visual Storytelling in Cinematography

Innovations in Film Editing Techniques

The Role of Sound Design in Modern Filmmaking

Representation of Minorities in Contemporary Cinema

Film as a Tool for Social Change

The Influence of Cinema on Popular Culture

The Evolution of the Global Film Market

Independent Filmmaking vs. Major Studio Productions

The Impact of Streaming Services on the Film Industry

Now, let’s discover each of these categories and subcategories in detail with exact Film extended essay topic ideas and research questions.

IB Film EE topic ideas

Here are two topics and corresponding research questions for each subcategory in extended essay Film topics.

Film Genres and Styles

Welcome to the exploration of Film Genres and Styles.

In this category, we’re uncovering the evolving narratives and techniques in cinema, from the chilling progression of the horror genre to the insightful storytelling in documentaries and the imaginative worlds of modern science fiction films.

Research Question: How have horror film techniques evolved since the 1980s, and what factors have influenced this evolution?
Research Question: How do contemporary horror films reflect the cultural fears and anxieties of their time?
Research Question: How has the advent of digital technology transformed the production and distribution of documentary films?
Research Question: How have documentaries about environmental issues influenced public opinion and policy?
Research Question: How is artificial intelligence portrayed in modern science fiction films, and what does this say about contemporary societal concerns?
Research Question: How have advancements in special effects technology expanded the narrative possibilities in science fiction cinema?

Film Theory and Criticism

In Film Theory and Criticism, we engage with the intellectual frameworks shaping our understanding of cinema.

This section delves into the auteur theory’s role in contemporary filmmaking, examines feminist perspectives in Film, and explores the complex layers of postmodernism in cinema.

Research Question: How does Wes Anderson’s distinctive style exemplify the concept of the auteur in contemporary cinema?
Research Question: How does Quentin Tarantino’s unique directing style influence audience perceptions of violence in his films?
Research Question: How have female protagonists in action films evolved since 2000, and how do they reflect changes in feminist film theory?
Research Question: How has the Bechdel Test influenced the representation of women in contemporary films?
Research Question: How do David Lynch’s films exemplify the characteristics of postmodern cinema?
Research Question: How does intertextuality contribute to the postmodern aesthetic in contemporary films?

Film History and Movements

Our path through Film History and Movements revisits the pivotal eras that have defined cinema.

Here, we explore the groundbreaking impact of the French New Wave, the iconic era of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and the profound influence of Italian Neorealism on global filmmaking.

Research Question: How did the French New Wave influence the styles and techniques of independent American filmmakers in the 1960s and 1970s?
Research Question: What were the key cinematic innovations introduced by the French New Wave, and how have they impacted modern filmmaking?
Research Question: How did the star system evolve during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and what was its impact on film production and marketing?
Research Question: How did film noir contribute to and define the artistic achievements of Hollywood’s Golden Age?
Research Question: How has Italian Neorealism influenced the techniques and themes of contemporary realist filmmakers?
Research Question: How did Italian Neorealist films use social commentary to reflect the post-World War II reality in Italy?

Cinematography and Film Production

Focusing on Cinematography and Film Production, we explore the art and techniques behind the camera.

This category sheds light on the craft of visual storytelling, the evolution of film editing, and the critical role of sound design in enhancing the cinematic experience.

Research Question: How does cinematography contribute to the emotional impact of a film, with specific examples from contemporary cinema?
Research Question: How have cinematic techniques evolved in the portrayal of biographical films, and how do they enhance storytelling?
Research Question: How has non-linear editing influenced the narrative structure and storytelling techniques in modern cinema?
Research Question: How did the montage techniques of Soviet cinema influence modern film editing practices?
Research Question: How has sound design evolved in horror films, and how does it enhance the genre’s emotional and psychological impact?
Research Question: How do contemporary filmmakers integrate diegetic and non-diegetic sound to create immersive film experiences?

Social and Cultural Impact of Film

In the Social and Cultural Impact of Film, we examine how cinema mirrors and influences societal dynamics .

This section explores the representation of minorities in Film, the power of cinema as a tool for social change, and the significant role of films in shaping popular culture.

Research Question: How has the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in 21st-century films evolved, and what impact does it have on societal attitudes?
Research Question: How does diversity in casting affect film narratives and audience reception in contemporary cinema?
Research Question: How have documentary films contributed to environmental advocacy and influenced public awareness and policy?
Research Question: How does contemporary cinema influence public perception and understanding of mental health issues?
Research Question: How have superhero films influenced trends and themes in modern popular culture?
Research Question: How has cinema influenced fashion trends over the past two decades?

Film Industry and Business

Our final category, Film Industry and Business, takes a broader look at the evolution of the film market.

We discuss the changing dynamics of the global film industry, the contrast between independent filmmaking and major studio productions, and the transformative impact of streaming services on traditional cinema.

Research Question: How have international co-productions influenced the themes, styles, and distribution of global cinema?
Research Question: How has globalization affected film production and distribution practices in the film industry?
Research Question: How do the creative freedoms and limitations in independent filmmaking compare to those in major studio productions?
Research Question: How have digital platforms (like Netflix, Amazon Prime) impacted the success and visibility of independent films?
Research Question: How have streaming services like Netflix and Hulu changed film viewing habits and preferences among audiences?
Research Question: How are streaming services influencing the financing, production, and distribution of films, and what does this mean for the future of cinema?

These topics are designed to be both engaging and feasible for investigation, allowing students to explore various aspects of Film within the framework of an IB Extended Essay.

As we conclude our exploration of Film Extended Essay topics, it’s clear that the world of cinema offers a rich tapestry of themes and concepts for in-depth study .

Like with Music extended essay topics , whether you’re drawn to the artistic expressions in cinematography, the cultural reflections in film genres, or the evolving landscapes of the film industry, these topics provide a platform for a comprehensive and insightful analysis.

Keep in mind that a successful Extended Essay in Film not only demonstrates your understanding of cinematic concepts but also reflects your ability to engage with and analyze the medium critically .

If you find yourself needing guidance or support in shaping your ideas into a compelling Film extended essay, our team at Writing Metier is here to assist.

We’re committed to helping you craft an essay that not only meets the IB criteria but also showcases your unique insights into the world of Film. Let’s turn your passion for cinema into an exceptional piece of academic work.

Free topic suggestions

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Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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105 Movies Comparison Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on movies comparison, ✍️ movies comparison essay topics for college, 👍 good movies comparison research topics & essay examples, 🌶️ hot movies comparison ideas to write about, 🎓 most interesting movies comparison research titles, 💡 simple movies comparison essay ideas.

Books vs. Movies: Comparison of Features
Comparing Literature and Film: Rapunzel and Tangled
Why Are Fantasy Films so Popular?
“West Side Story” and “Romeo and Juliet” Movies Comparative Analysis
Comparison of the Books and the Movies
“Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban”: Book and Movie Comparison
Romero vs. Voces Innocentes: Films Comparison
The Public Enemy and The Godfather Films Analysis This article compares two films (The Public Enemy by William A. Wellman and The Godfather by Francis Ford Coppola) by analyzing the common themes and stylistic devices used.
“Lives of Others” by Dreimann and Orwell’s “1984” The themes explored in both works are the manipulation of public opinion, government oversight, disillusion with the existing political system.
Comparison of “Metropolis” and “Modern Times” Movies The work will be devoted to comparing two masterpieces: Metropolis (1927) and Modern Times (1936) and their analysis on the example of some criteria.
Maurice by E.M. Forster Novel and Film Adaptation Comparative Analysis The analysis of one scene from the book “Maurice” by E.M. Forster and the same scene from the screen version of the novel by J.Ivory to show the quality of the screen version.
Comparing and Contrasting “Casablanca” and “Bicycle Thieves” The essay compare and contrast two movies: Casablanca by Michael Curtiz and Bicycle Thieves by Vittorio De Sica with various features.
“Odyssey” and “Troy”: Compare and Contrast The content in the Odyssey may look medieval accounting for what has been portrayed in Troy; however, the latter has formed a basis for evident vengeance in politics.
Films Comparison: “Psycho” by Gus Van Sant and Hitchcock The film of Gus Van Sant`s Psycho in 1998 put out of temper practically everybody who has seen this movie. In Hitchcock`s Psycho the violence is also present, but not in the contemporary scope.
“Good Hair” and “Americas: Mirrors of the Heart”: Documentaries Comparison This paper represents the summary and a critical analysis of two films related to the issue of racial self-identification – “Good Hair” and “Americas: Mirrors of the Heart.”
Iron Man and The Avengers: Films Comparison The Avengers, which was released in 2012, brought Iron Man together with other superhero characters to facilitate the collaboration of individuals.
“The Shawshank Redemption” and “Bladerunner”: Comparison The Shawshank Redemption is an adaptation based upon a story by Steven King. Bladerunner is a futuristic adaptation of Phillp K. Dick’s story “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”
Beowulf: Comparing the Movie and the Book The story of Beowulf has remained a significant work for centuries not only because it is one of our first lengthy works of English.
“Seven Samurai” and “The Magnificent Seven” Movies “Seven Samurai” by Akira Kurosawa and “The Magnificent Seven” by John Sturges are considered with the number seven as an optimal quantity for feeling protected.
International Relationships and Foreign Policy in American Movies Hotel Rwanda, The Terminal, and Argo are the movies where foreign policies and international relations of the U.S. are traced and explained to demonstrate the status of the country and its role in the global arena.
Polanski’s and Kurzel’s Film Adaptations of Macbeth This paper explores two well-known film adaptations of Macbeth, Polanski’s Macbeth and the modern remake of Macbeth, directed by Justin Kurzel.
Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” Book and Movie Comparison “The Great Gatsby” can be called a faithful interpretation, however, it still has some personal analysis of the director.
“Scarface” by B. Palma and “Traffic” by S. Soderbergh Analysis Analysis of Scarface and “Traffic” lead to long-term reflections on the interaction of man and the law, society, and power, and also create a brilliant visual series.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: Book and Film Compared One flew over the cuckoo’s nest is a novel that was written in 1965 and adapted into stage plays and even a movie in the 1971.
Double Indemnity by Billy Wilder and The Spanish Prisoner by David Mamet: Films Comparison Two famous and fascinating films will be analysed – Double Indemnity by Billy Wilder and The Spanish Prisoner by David Mamet.
Horror Films: Articles Analysis and Comparison This paper is aimed at comparison of two articles concerning horror films. The paper points out the main strengths and weaknesses of articles under analysis.
“Sense and Sensibility” and “Pride and Prejudice” Films The creation, development, and effects of “Sense and Sensibility” and “Pride and Prejudice” on people are impressive. Both are strong examples of visualization of Austen’s work.
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “About Time” Comparison “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “About Time” are certainly worth watching because they portray convincing characters and unexpected twists of the plot.
“The Mummy” and “Das Cabinet Des Dr. Caligari Comparison” The films “The Mummy” produced by Karl Freund and “Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari” are some of the earliest horror movies that based their plot on mysterious murders and the use of paranormal powers.
“Double Happiness” and “Do the Right Thing” Film Analysis A primary goal of this essay is to compare and contrast the points about different attitudes towards diversities, which were presented in two movies, Double Happiness and Do the Right Thing.
“The Boy in Striped Pyjamas” and “The Kite Runner” Films Both films reveal major historical conflicts: “The Boy in Striped Pyjamas” is dedicated to the genocide of Jews by Nazi Germany, “The Kite Runner” depicts the war in Afghanistan.
The “Birth of a Nation” and “Hallelujah” Films This paper explores the films “Birth of a Nation” by D. W. Griffith and “Hallelujah” by Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine in terms of their cultural elements and imagery.
“Workers Leaving…,” “Metropolis,” “Trouble in Paradise,” “Rear Window” Films Comparing the “Workers Leaving the Lumiere Factory,” “Metropolis,” “Trouble in Paradise,” and “Rear Window,” the paper investigates how filmmakers use the tools.
“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”: Book and Movie Comparison “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” introduces more new characters and changes the tone; there is also a big difference between the film version and its source material.
“Hotel Rwanda” and “Equilibrium” Films Similarities and Differences The films “Hotel Rwanda” and “Equilibrium” have one significant feature in common, showing that the world will never go into tatters till brave individuals live.
Comparison of “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” and “Birdman” When comparing the themes of “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” and “Birdman”, viewers can note one difference the former provides a superhero story, while the latter is a parody.
“Inextinguishable Fire” and “Cut Piece” The “Cut Piece” camerawork is more dynamic than in the “Inextinguishable Fire”. The camera is handheld, which accounts for the effect of the viewer’s presence in the movie.
Review of “Hannibal” Movie and Comparison of Articles The first article criticizes the use of gore in horror media for its inability to impact the audience but the second article attempts to defend “Hannibal” against the criticism.
Through the Thorns to True Self The current paper compares “The Little Mermaid”, written by Hans Christian Andersen, and “The Devil Wear Prada”, directed by David Frankel.
Women Displayed in ‘She’ and ‘The Vagabond’ Films The films ‘She’ and ‘The vagabond’ by Robert Day and Agnes Vardas consecutively have a similar way in which they have displayed the women.
Twelve Years a Slave, Isn’t It Romantic, Chef: Movies Comparison In my opinion, all three movies that I am going to discuss in this paper are more or less helpful for those people who want to learn about the U.S. culture.
Movies Based on J. Austen’s Books Review The films aim to describe the history of England, where women possessed numerous issues of oppression and inequality.
“After the Ball” and “Wedding Ringer Movies” Comparison These movies are good for relaxing and laughing at awkward and funny moments. Good romantic comedy should give lightness at heart and pleasant aftertaste, like a good chocolate.
“The Slumdog Millionaire” and “The Hurt Locker” Films The paper compares two films – “The Slumdog Millionaire” and “The Hurt Locker” from the perspective of geographical concepts (space, time, place, scale, etc.).
Racial Discrimination in Analyzed Movie and Book Movie industry and book creating are very common items, if to observe them in general terms. Films and books are aimed to entertain people.
Petersen’s “Air Force One” and Reed’s “Down With Love”: Comparison In Films directors make heavy use of special visual effects and utilize the use of single straight through shots with only camera for most of the movie.
Shakespeare’s & Zeffirelli’s “Taming” and “Romeo & Juliet” Two films directed by Franco Zeffirelli: “The Taming of the Shrew” (1967) and “Romeo and Juliet” (1968) are based on William Shakespeare’s same name works.
Zombies in “Zombie 2” and “Diary of the Dead” Films Zombie 2 and Diary of the Dead utilize different tools to achieve the visual impact and convince the audience to believe what they see.
“Why Him?” and “Bridget Jones’s Baby”: Comparison “Why Him?” and “Bridget Jones’s Baby” are American comedies that make people smile and believe that human life can be easy in case people try to develop appropriate and trustful relations.
“Girl, Interrupted” and “The Age of Adaline” Films The films that will be subjected to analysis of communication are 1999 Girl, Interrupted filmed by Mangold, and 2015 The Age of Adaline directed by Krieger.
“Tulpan” and “A Town Called Panic” Movies Review This report reviews “Tulpan” and “A Town Called Panic” movies and examines what they are about, from an American perspective and a Muslim perspective.
“Aloha” and “Man Up” Romantic Comedies Both Aloha and Man Up are romantic comedies and have something in common. First of all, in both movies, we can see the depiction of people who fall in love unexpectedly.
South Africa Spotlight in Neill Blomkamp’s Movies Although Blomkamp’s movies were relatively successful with regard to their box offices, the critics’ attention was also drawn to the depiction of Africans and Bantu Immigrants.
Films: Dr. Strangelove and The Russians Are Coming Stanley Kubrick in his movie Dr. Strangelove and Norman Jewison in his movie The Russians Are Coming used comedy genre for expressing their criticism of the nuclear strategies.
Portrayal of African Americans in the Movies This paper discusses the changing portrayal of African Americans in 1930-1960s films with reference to Negro Soldier, Gone with the Wind, and Double Indemnity.
Buddhism & Pop Culture: The Comparison Between “The Matrix,” “Fight Club,” and Buddhists’ Beliefs
Remake Rivalry: The Eye (2002) vs. The Eye (2006)
The End of the World in the Movies “2012” and “Knowing”
Legendary Superheroes in Big Brawls: “Batman v. Superman” and “Captain America: Civil War”
How Come “The Hunger Games” & “Divergent” Are the Same Movie
Film Comparison: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Rosie the Riveter”
The Obsession of Success in “Whiplash” and “Black Swan”
Back-to-Back Comparison: “No Strings Attached” vs. “Friends With Benefits”
Evaluating the First Three Film Adaptations of “Little Women”
Life From an Ant’s Point of View: “Antz” and “A Bugs Life”
Comparison Between the Movie “Twilight” and the TV Series “The Vampire Diaries”
Scary Movie vs. Not Another Teen Movie: A Comparison
Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” and Rowan Atkinson’s “Mr. Bean” Comparison
The Heist Film Comparison: “The Killing” & “Reservoir Dogs”
Maersk Alabama Hijacking in the Films “A Hijacking” and “Captain Phillips”
The Battle of Magicians: “The Prestige” vs. “The Illusionist” Films
Comparing “Shawshank Redemption” and “Murder in the First” Movies
Latino Movies Comparison: “Born in East L.A.” and “El Norte”
Being Filmed 24/7 in “The Truman Show” and “EDtv”
Representations of Women in the Movies “The Color Purple” and “Monster”
Movie Comparison: “Baby Boom” and “Three Men and a Baby”
Polanski’s Film Comparison “Chinatown” and “Pianist”
Comparison Between Novel and Movie Versions of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”
Animal Farm 1954 and 1999 Films Comparison
“The Badlands,” “The Graduate,” and “The Sound of Music” Movie Comparison
Comparing “Mirror Mirror” to “Snow White and the Huntsman”
Hollywood’s Obsession With Mars: “Mission to Mars” and “Red Planet”
Ready Player One Comparison: Book vs. Movie
X-Men Movie Characters Compared to Their Comic Book Counterparts
An Animated Film Comparison: “Coco” vs. “The Book of Life”
Comparison of Heroine’s Journey in “Brave” and “Moana” Films
Juvenile-Delinquent Mellow-Drama Genre: “The Blackboard Jungle” vs. “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School”
A Premiere Comparison: “The Hunger Games” vs. “Twilight”
Lord of the Rings vs. Harry Potter: The Ultimate Fantasy Franchise
“World Trade Center” & “United 93” as Stories of 9/11 From Different Perspectives
Differences and Similarities Between “Star Wars” & “Star Trek”
Choosing the Best War Movie: “Saving Private Ryan” vs. “The Thin Red Line”
What’s the Difference: Jumanji’s 1995 & 2017 Versions
Similarities Between “Black Swan” and the Animated Film “Perfect Blue”
“Battle: Los Angeles” Looks Better Than “Skyline” and Here’s Why
Scary Journeys Deep Below Earth’s Surface: “The Cave” and “The Descent”
Franchise Wars: “Rambo” vs. “Terminator” vs. “Die Hard”
Spirited Away & Alice in Wonderland: A Comparison of Two Magical Films
Comparison Between Film Adaptations of “The Glass Menagerie”
The White House in Peril: “Olympus Has Fallen” and “White House Down”
Violence & Morality in “American Psycho” and “A Clockwork Orange”
How the Earth Was Nearly Destroyed in Both “Armageddon” and “Deep Impact”
New Space Jam vs. Original: Comparing the Two Movies
The Life of the Former Apple CEO Portrayal in “Jobs” (2013) and “Steve Jobs” (2015)
Comparing Book to Film: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

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StudyCorgi . "105 Movies Comparison Essay Topics." May 18, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/movies-comparison-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2023. "105 Movies Comparison Essay Topics." May 18, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/movies-comparison-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Movies Comparison were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 27, 2023 .

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Film Analysis

What this handout is about.

This handout introduces film analysis and and offers strategies and resources for approaching film analysis assignments.

Writing the film analysis essay

Writing a film analysis requires you to consider the composition of the film—the individual parts and choices made that come together to create the finished piece. Film analysis goes beyond the analysis of the film as literature to include camera angles, lighting, set design, sound elements, costume choices, editing, etc. in making an argument. The first step to analyzing the film is to watch it with a plan.

Watching the film

First it’s important to watch the film carefully with a critical eye. Consider why you’ve been assigned to watch a film and write an analysis. How does this activity fit into the course? Why have you been assigned this particular film? What are you looking for in connection to the course content? Let’s practice with this clip from Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958). Here are some tips on how to watch the clip critically, just as you would an entire film:

Give the clip your undivided attention at least once. Pay close attention to details and make observations that might start leading to bigger questions.
Watch the clip a second time. For this viewing, you will want to focus specifically on those elements of film analysis that your class has focused on, so review your course notes. For example, from whose perspective is this clip shot? What choices help convey that perspective? What is the overall tone, theme, or effect of this clip?
Take notes while you watch for the second time. Notes will help you keep track of what you noticed and when, if you include timestamps in your notes. Timestamps are vital for citing scenes from a film!

For more information on watching a film, check out the Learning Center’s handout on watching film analytically . For more resources on researching film, including glossaries of film terms, see UNC Library’s research guide on film & cinema .

Brainstorming ideas

Once you’ve watched the film twice, it’s time to brainstorm some ideas based on your notes. Brainstorming is a major step that helps develop and explore ideas. As you brainstorm, you may want to cluster your ideas around central topics or themes that emerge as you review your notes. Did you ask several questions about color? Were you curious about repeated images? Perhaps these are directions you can pursue.

If you’re writing an argumentative essay, you can use the connections that you develop while brainstorming to draft a thesis statement . Consider the assignment and prompt when formulating a thesis, as well as what kind of evidence you will present to support your claims. Your evidence could be dialogue, sound edits, cinematography decisions, etc. Much of how you make these decisions will depend on the type of film analysis you are conducting, an important decision covered in the next section.

After brainstorming, you can draft an outline of your film analysis using the same strategies that you would for other writing assignments. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind as you prepare for this stage of the assignment:

Make sure you understand the prompt and what you are being asked to do. Remember that this is ultimately an assignment, so your thesis should answer what the prompt asks. Check with your professor if you are unsure.
In most cases, the director’s name is used to talk about the film as a whole, for instance, “Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo .” However, some writers may want to include the names of other persons who helped to create the film, including the actors, the cinematographer, and the sound editor, among others.
When describing a sequence in a film, use the literary present. An example could be, “In Vertigo , Hitchcock employs techniques of observation to dramatize the act of detection.”
Finding a screenplay/script of the movie may be helpful and save you time when compiling citations. But keep in mind that there may be differences between the screenplay and the actual product (and these differences might be a topic of discussion!).
Go beyond describing basic film elements by articulating the significance of these elements in support of your particular position. For example, you may have an interpretation of the striking color green in Vertigo , but you would only mention this if it was relevant to your argument. For more help on using evidence effectively, see the section on “using evidence” in our evidence handout .

Also be sure to avoid confusing the terms shot, scene, and sequence. Remember, a shot ends every time the camera cuts; a scene can be composed of several related shots; and a sequence is a set of related scenes.

Different types of film analysis

As you consider your notes, outline, and general thesis about a film, the majority of your assignment will depend on what type of film analysis you are conducting. This section explores some of the different types of film analyses you may have been assigned to write.

Semiotic analysis

Semiotic analysis is the interpretation of signs and symbols, typically involving metaphors and analogies to both inanimate objects and characters within a film. Because symbols have several meanings, writers often need to determine what a particular symbol means in the film and in a broader cultural or historical context.

For instance, a writer could explore the symbolism of the flowers in Vertigo by connecting the images of them falling apart to the vulnerability of the heroine.

Here are a few other questions to consider for this type of analysis:

What objects or images are repeated throughout the film?
How does the director associate a character with small signs, such as certain colors, clothing, food, or language use?
How does a symbol or object relate to other symbols and objects, that is, what is the relationship between the film’s signs?

Many films are rich with symbolism, and it can be easy to get lost in the details. Remember to bring a semiotic analysis back around to answering the question “So what?” in your thesis.

Narrative analysis

Narrative analysis is an examination of the story elements, including narrative structure, character, and plot. This type of analysis considers the entirety of the film and the story it seeks to tell.

For example, you could take the same object from the previous example—the flowers—which meant one thing in a semiotic analysis, and ask instead about their narrative role. That is, you might analyze how Hitchcock introduces the flowers at the beginning of the film in order to return to them later to draw out the completion of the heroine’s character arc.

To create this type of analysis, you could consider questions like:

How does the film correspond to the Three-Act Structure: Act One: Setup; Act Two: Confrontation; and Act Three: Resolution?
What is the plot of the film? How does this plot differ from the narrative, that is, how the story is told? For example, are events presented out of order and to what effect?
Does the plot revolve around one character? Does the plot revolve around multiple characters? How do these characters develop across the film?

When writing a narrative analysis, take care not to spend too time on summarizing at the expense of your argument. See our handout on summarizing for more tips on making summary serve analysis.

Cultural/historical analysis

One of the most common types of analysis is the examination of a film’s relationship to its broader cultural, historical, or theoretical contexts. Whether films intentionally comment on their context or not, they are always a product of the culture or period in which they were created. By placing the film in a particular context, this type of analysis asks how the film models, challenges, or subverts different types of relations, whether historical, social, or even theoretical.

For example, the clip from Vertigo depicts a man observing a woman without her knowing it. You could examine how this aspect of the film addresses a midcentury social concern about observation, such as the sexual policing of women, or a political one, such as Cold War-era McCarthyism.

A few of the many questions you could ask in this vein include:

How does the film comment on, reinforce, or even critique social and political issues at the time it was released, including questions of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality?
How might a biographical understanding of the film’s creators and their historical moment affect the way you view the film?
How might a specific film theory, such as Queer Theory, Structuralist Theory, or Marxist Film Theory, provide a language or set of terms for articulating the attributes of the film?

Take advantage of class resources to explore possible approaches to cultural/historical film analyses, and find out whether you will be expected to do additional research into the film’s context.

Mise-en-scène analysis

A mise-en-scène analysis attends to how the filmmakers have arranged compositional elements in a film and specifically within a scene or even a single shot. This type of analysis organizes the individual elements of a scene to explore how they come together to produce meaning. You may focus on anything that adds meaning to the formal effect produced by a given scene, including: blocking, lighting, design, color, costume, as well as how these attributes work in conjunction with decisions related to sound, cinematography, and editing. For example, in the clip from Vertigo , a mise-en-scène analysis might ask how numerous elements, from lighting to camera angles, work together to present the viewer with the perspective of Jimmy Stewart’s character.

To conduct this type of analysis, you could ask:

What effects are created in a scene, and what is their purpose?
How does this scene represent the theme of the movie?
How does a scene work to express a broader point to the film’s plot?

This detailed approach to analyzing the formal elements of film can help you come up with concrete evidence for more general film analysis assignments.

Reviewing your draft

Once you have a draft, it’s helpful to get feedback on what you’ve written to see if your analysis holds together and you’ve conveyed your point. You may not necessarily need to find someone who has seen the film! Ask a writing coach, roommate, or family member to read over your draft and share key takeaways from what you have written so far.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Aumont, Jacques, and Michel Marie. 1988. L’analyse Des Films . Paris: Nathan.

Media & Design Center. n.d. “Film and Cinema Research.” UNC University Libraries. Last updated February 10, 2021. https://guides.lib.unc.edu/filmresearch .

Oxford Royale Academy. n.d. “7 Ways to Watch Film.” Oxford Royale Academy. Accessed April 2021. https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/7-ways-watch-films-critically/ .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The essay film

In recent years the essay film has attained widespread recognition as a particular category of film practice, with its own history and canonical figures and texts. In tandem with a major season throughout August at London’s BFI Southbank, Sight & Sound explores the characteristics that have come to define this most elastic of forms and looks in detail at a dozen influential milestone essay films.

Andrew Tracy , Katy McGahan , Olaf Möller , Sergio Wolf , Nina Power Updated: 7 May 2019

from our August 2013 issue

Le camera stylo? Dziga Vertov&#8217;s Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

Le camera stylo? Dziga Vertov’s Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

I recently had a heated argument with a cinephile filmmaking friend about Chris Marker’s Sans soleil (1983). Having recently completed her first feature, and with such matters on her mind, my friend contended that the film’s power lay in its combinations of image and sound, irrespective of Marker’s inimitable voiceover narration. “Do you think that people who can’t understand English or French will get nothing out of the film?” she said; to which I – hot under the collar – replied that they might very well get something, but that something would not be the complete work.

The Sight & Sound Deep Focus season Thought in Action: The Art of the Essay Film runs at BFI Southbank 1-28 August 2013, with a keynote lecture by Kodwo Eshun on 1 August, a talk by writer and academic Laura Rascaroli on 27 August and a closing panel debate on 28 August.

To take this film-lovers’ tiff to a more elevated plane, what it suggests is that the essentialist conception of cinema is still present in cinephilic and critical culture, as are the difficulties of containing within it works that disrupt its very fabric. Ever since Vachel Lindsay published The Art of the Moving Picture in 1915 the quest to secure the autonomy of film as both medium and art – that ever-elusive ‘pure cinema’ – has been a preoccupation of film scholars, critics, cinephiles and filmmakers alike. My friend’s implicit derogation of the irreducible literary element of Sans soleil and her neo- Godard ian invocation of ‘image and sound’ touch on that strain of this phenomenon which finds, in the technical-functional combination of those two elements, an alchemical, if not transubstantiational, result.

Mechanically created, cinema defies mechanism: it is poetic, transportive and, if not irrational, then a-rational. This mystically-minded view has a long and illustrious tradition in film history, stretching from the sense-deranging surrealists – who famously found accidental poetry in the juxtapositions created by randomly walking into and out of films; to the surrealist-influenced, scientifically trained and ontologically minded André Bazin , whose realist veneration of the long take centred on the very preternaturalness of nature as revealed by the unblinking gaze of the camera; to the trash-bin idolatry of the American underground, weaving new cinematic mythologies from Hollywood detritus; and to auteurism itself, which (in its more simplistic iterations) sees the essence of the filmmaker inscribed even upon the most compromised of works.

It isn’t going too far to claim that this tradition has constituted the foundation of cinephilic culture and helped to shape the cinematic canon itself. If Marker has now been welcomed into that canon and – thanks to the far greater availability of his work – into the mainstream of (primarily DVD-educated) cinephilia, it is rarely acknowledged how much of that work cheerfully undercuts many of the long-held assumptions and pieties upon which it is built.

In his review of Letter from Siberia (1957), Bazin placed Marker at right angles to cinema proper, describing the film’s “primary material” as intelligence – specifically a “verbal intelligence” – rather than image. He dubbed Marker’s method a “horizontal” montage, “as opposed to traditional montage that plays with the sense of duration through the relationship of shot to shot”.

Here, claimed Bazin, “a given image doesn’t refer to the one that preceded it or the one that will follow, but rather it refers laterally, in some way, to what is said.” Thus the very thing which makes Letter “extraordinary”, in Bazin’s estimation, is also what makes it not-cinema. Looking for a term to describe it, Bazin hit upon a prophetic turn of phrase, writing that Marker’s film is, “to borrow Jean Vigo’s formulation of À propos de Nice (‘a documentary point of view’), an essay documented by film. The important word is ‘essay’, understood in the same sense that it has in literature – an essay at once historical and political, written by a poet as well.”

Marker’s canonisation has proceeded apace with that of the form of which he has become the exemplar. Whether used as critical/curatorial shorthand in reviews and programme notes, employed as a model by filmmakers or examined in theoretical depth in major retrospectives (this summer’s BFI Southbank programme, for instance, follows upon Andréa Picard’s two-part series ‘The Way of the Termite’ at TIFF Cinémathèque in 2009-2010, which drew inspiration from Jean-Pierre Gorin ’s groundbreaking programme of the same title at Vienna Filmmuseum in 2007), the ‘essay film’ has attained in recent years widespread recognition as a particular, if perennially porous, mode of film practice. An appealingly simple formulation, the term has proved both taxonomically useful and remarkably elastic, allowing one to define a field of previously unassimilable objects while ranging far and wide throughout film history to claim other previously identified objects for this invented tradition.

Las Hurdes (1933)

It is crucial to note that the ‘essay film’ is not only a post-facto appellation for a kind of film practice that had not bothered to mark itself with a moniker, but also an invention and an intervention. While it has acquired its own set of canonical ‘texts’ that include the collected works of Marker, much of Godard – from the missive (the 52-minute Letter to Jane , 1972) to the massive ( Histoire(s) de cinéma , 1988-98) – Welles’s F for Fake (1973) and Thom Andersen’s Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003), it has also poached on the territory of other, ‘sovereign’ forms, expanding its purview in accordance with the whims of its missionaries.

From documentary especially, Vigo’s aforementioned À propos de Nice, Ivens’s Rain (1929), Buñuel’s sardonic Las Hurdes (1933), Resnais’s Night and Fog (1955), Rouch and Morin’s Chronicle of a Summer (1961); from the avant garde, Akerman’s Je, Tu, Il, Elle (1974), Straub/Huillet’s Trop tôt, trop tard (1982); from agitprop, Getino and Solanas’s The Hour of the Furnaces (1968), Portabella’s Informe general… (1976); and even from ‘pure’ fiction, for example Gorin’s provocative selection of Griffith’s A Corner in Wheat (1909).

Just as within itself the essay film presents, in the words of Gorin, “the meandering of an intelligence that tries to multiply the entries and the exits into the material it has elected (or by which it has been elected),” so, without, its scope expands exponentially through the industrious activity of its adherents, blithely cutting across definitional borders and – as per the Manny Farber ian concept which gave Gorin’s ‘Termite’ series its name – creating meaning precisely by eating away at its own boundaries. In the scope of its application and its association more with an (amorphous) sensibility as opposed to fixed rules, the essay film bears similarities to the most famous of all fabricated genres: film noir, which has been located both in its natural habitat of the crime thriller as well as in such disparate climates as melodramas, westerns and science fiction.

The essay film, however, has proved even more peripatetic: where noir was formulated from the films of a determinate historical period (no matter that the temporal goalposts are continually shifted), the essay film is resolutely unfixed in time; it has its choice of forebears. And while noir, despite its occasional shadings over into semi-documentary during the 1940s, remains bound to fictional narratives, the essay film moves blithely between the realms of fiction and non-fiction, complicating the terms of both.

“Here is a form that seems to accommodate the two sides of that divide at the same time, that can navigate from documentary to fiction and back, creating other polarities in the process between which it can operate,” writes Gorin. When Orson Welles , in the closing moments of his masterful meditation on authenticity and illusion F for Fake, chortles, “I did promise that for one hour, I’d tell you only the truth. For the past 17 minutes, I’ve been lying my head off,” he is expressing both the conjuror’s pleasure in a trick well played and the artist’s delight in a self-defined mode that is cheerfully impure in both form and, perhaps, intention.

Nevertheless, as the essay film merrily traipses through celluloid history it intersects with ‘pure cinema’ at many turns and its form as such owes much to one particularly prominent variety thereof.

The montage tradition

If the mystical strain described above represents the Dionysian side of pure cinema, Soviet montage was its Apollonian opposite: randomness, revelation and sensuous response countered by construction, forceful argumentation and didactic instruction.

No less than the mystics, however, the montagists were after essences. Eisenstein , Dziga Vertov and Pudovkin , along with their transnational associates and acolytes, sought to crystallise abstract concepts in the direct and purposeful juxtaposition of forceful, hard-edged images – the general made powerfully, viscerally immediate in the particular. Here, says Eisenstein, in the umbrella-wielding harpies who set upon the revolutionaries in October (1928), is bourgeois Reaction made manifest; here, in the serried ranks of soldiers proceeding as one down the Odessa Steps in Battleship Potemkin (1925), is Oppression undisguised; here, in the condemned Potemkin sailor who wins over his imminent executioners with a cry of “Brothers!” – a moment powerfully invoked by Marker at the beginning of his magnum opus A Grin Without a Cat (1977) – is Solidarity emergent and, from it, the seeds of Revolution.

The relentlessly unidirectional focus of classical Soviet montage puts it methodologically and temperamentally at odds with the ruminative, digressive and playful qualities we associate with the essay film. So, too, the former’s fierce ideological certainty and cadre spirit contrast with that free play of the mind, the Montaigne -inspired meanderings of individual intelligence, that so characterise our image of the latter.

Beyond Marker’s personal interest in and inheritance from the Soviet masters, classical montage laid the foundations of the essay film most pertinently in its foregrounding of the presence, within the fabric of the film, of a directing intelligence. Conducting their experiments in film not through ‘pure’ abstraction but through narrative, the montagists made manifest at least two operative levels within the film: the narrative itself and the arrangement of that narrative by which the deeper structures that move it are made legible. Against the seamless, immersive illusionism of commercial cinema, montage was a key for decrypting those social forces, both overt and hidden, that govern human society.

And as such it was method rather than material that was the pathway to truth. Fidelity to the authentic – whether the accurate representation of historical events or the documentary flavouring of Eisensteinian typage – was important only insomuch as it provided the filmmaker with another tool to reach a considerably higher plane of reality.

Dziga Vertov’s Enthusiasm (1931)

Midway on their Marxian mission to change the world rather than interpret it, the montagists actively made the world even as they revealed it. In doing so they powerfully expressed the dialectic between control and chaos that would come to be not only one of the chief motors of the essay film but the crux of modernity itself.

Vertov’s Man with a Movie Camera (1929), now claimed as the most venerable and venerated ancestor of the essay film (and this despite its prototypically purist claim to realise a ‘universal’ cinematic language “based on its complete separation from the language of literature and the theatre”) is the archetypal model of this high-modernist agon. While it is the turning of the movie projector itself and the penetrating gaze of Vertov’s kino-eye that sets the whirling dynamo of the city into motion, the recorder creating that which it records, that motion is also outside its control.

At the dawn of the cinematic century, the American writer Henry Adams saw in the dynamo both the expression of human mastery over nature and a conduit to mysterious, elemental powers beyond our comprehension. So, too, the modernist ambition expressed in literature, painting, architecture and cinema to capture a subject from all angles – to exhaust its wealth of surfaces, meanings, implications, resonances – collides with awe (or fear) before a plenitude that can never be encompassed.

Remove the high-modernist sense of mission and we can see this same dynamic as animating the essay film – recall that last, parenthetical term in Gorin’s formulation of the essay film, “multiply[ing] the entries and the exits into the material it has elected (or by which it has been elected)”. The nimble movements and multi-angled perspectives of the essay film are founded on this negotiation between active choice and passive possession; on the recognition that even the keenest insight pales in the face of an ultimate unknowability.

The other key inheritance the essay film received from the classical montage tradition, perhaps inevitably, was a progressive spirit, however variously defined. While Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph of the Will (1935) and Olympia (1938) amply and chillingly demonstrated that montage, like any instrumental apparatus, has no inherent ideological nature, hers were more the exceptions that proved the rule. (Though why, apart from ideological repulsiveness, should Riefenstahl’s plentifully fabricated ‘documentaries’ not be considered as essay films in their own right?)

The overwhelming fact remains that the great majority of those who drew upon the Soviet montagists for explicitly ideological ends (as opposed to Hollywood’s opportunistic swipings) resided on the left of the spectrum – and, in the montagists’ most notable successor in the period immediately following, retained their alignment with and inextricability from the state.

Progressive vs radical

The Grierson ian documentary movement in Britain neutered the political and aesthetic radicalism of its more dynamic model in favour of paternalistic progressivism founded on conformity, class complacency and snobbery towards its own medium. But if it offered a far paler antecedent to the essay film than the Soviet montage tradition, it nevertheless represents an important stage in the evolution of the essay-film form, for reasons not unrelated to some of those rather staid qualities.

The Soviet montagists had created a vision of modernity racing into the future at pace with the social and spiritual liberation of its proletarian pilot-passenger, an aggressively public ideology of group solidarity. The Grierson school, by contrast, offered a domesticated image of an efficient, rational and productive modern industrial society based on interconnected but separate public and private spheres, as per the ideological values of middle-class liberal individualism.

The Soviet montagists had looked to forge a universal, ‘pure’ cinematic language, at least before the oppressive dictates of Stalinist socialist realism shackled them. The Grierson school, evincing a middle-class disdain for the popular and ‘low’ arts, sought instead to purify the sullied medium of cinema by importing extra-cinematic prestige: most notably Night Mail (1936), with its Auden -penned, Britten -scored ode to the magic of the mail, or Humphrey Jennings’s salute to wartime solidarity A Diary for Timothy (1945), with its mildly sententious E.M. Forster narration.

Night Mail (1936)

What this domesticated dynamism and retrograde pursuit of high-cultural bona fides achieved, however, was to mingle a newfound cinematic language (montage) with a traditionally literary one (narration); and, despite the salutes to state-oriented communality, to re-introduce the individual, idiosyncratic voice as the vehicle of meaning – as the mediating intelligence that connects the viewer to the images viewed.

In Night Mail especially there is, in the whimsy of the Auden text and the film’s synchronisation of private time and public history, an intimation of the essay film’s musing, reflective voice as the chugging rhythm of the narration timed to the speeding wheels of the train gives way to a nocturnal vision of solitary dreamers bedevilled by spectral monsters, awakening in expectation of the postman’s knock with a “quickening of the heart/for who can bear to be forgot?”

It’s a curiously disquieting conclusion: this unsettling, anxious vision of disappearance that takes on an even darker shade with the looming spectre of war – one that rhymes, five decades on, with the wistful search of Marker’s narrator in Sans soleil, seeking those fleeting images which “quicken the heart” in a world where wars both past and present have been forgotten, subsumed in a modern society built upon the systematic banishment of memory.

It is, of course, with the seminal post-war collaborations between Marker and Alain Resnais that the essay film proper emerges. In contrast to the striving culture-snobbery of the Griersonian documentary, the Resnais-Marker collaborations (and the Resnais solo documentary shorts that preceded them) inaugurate a blithe, seemingly effortless dialogue between cinema and the other arts in both their subjects (painting, sculpture) and their assorted creative personnel (writers Paul Éluard , Jean Cayrol , Raymond Queneau , composers Darius Milhaud and Hanns Eisler ). This also marks the point where the revolutionary line of the Soviets and the soft, statist liberalism of the British documentarians give way to a more free-floating but staunchly oppositional leftism, one derived as much from a spirit of humanistic inquiry as from ideological affiliation.

Related to this was the form’s problems with official patronage. Originally conceived as commissions by various French government or government-affiliated bodies, the Resnais-Marker films famously ran into trouble from French censors: Les statues meurent aussi (1953) for its condemnation of French colonialism, Night and Fog for its shots of Vichy policemen guarding deportation camps; the former film would have its second half lopped off before being cleared for screening, the latter its offending shots removed.

Night and Fog (1955)

Appropriately, it is at this moment that the emphasis of the essay film begins to shift away from tactile presence – the whirl of the city, the rhythm of the rain, the workings of industry – to felt absence. The montagists had marvelled at the workings of human creations which raced ahead irrespective of human efforts; here, the systems created by humanity to master the world write, in their very functioning, an epitaph for those things extinguished in the act of mastering them. The African masks preserved in the Musée de l’Homme in Les statues meurent aussi speak of a bloody legacy of vanquished and conquered civilisations; the labyrinthine archival complex of the Bibliothèque Nationale in the sardonically titled Toute la mémoire du monde (1956) sparks a disquisition on all that is forgotten in the act of cataloguing knowledge; the miracle of modern plastics saluted in the witty, industrially commissioned Le Chant du styrène (1958) regresses backwards to its homely beginnings; in Night and Fog an unprecedentedly enormous effort of human organisation marshals itself to actively produce a dreadful, previously unimaginable nullity.

To overstate the case, loss is the primary motor of the modern essay film: loss of belief in the image’s ability to faithfully reflect reality; loss of faith in the cinema’s ability to capture life as it is lived; loss of illusions about cinema’s ‘purity’, its autonomy from the other arts or, for that matter, the world.

“You never know what you may be filming,” notes one of Marker’s narrating surrogates in A Grin Without a Cat, as footage of the Chilean equestrian team at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics offers a glimpse of a future member of the Pinochet junta. The image and sound captured at the time of filming offer one facet of reality; it is only with this lateral move outside that reality that the future reality it conceals can speak.

What will distinguish the essay film, as Bazin noted, is not only its ability to make the image but also its ability to interrogate it, to dispel the illusion of its sovereignty and see it as part of a matrix of meaning that extends beyond the screen. No less than were the montagists, the film-essayists seek the motive forces of modern society not by crystallising eternal verities in powerful images but by investigating that ever-shifting, kaleidoscopic relationship between our regime of images and the realities it both reveals and occludes.

— Andrew Tracy

1. À propos de Nice

Jean Vigo, 1930

Few documentaries have achieved the cult status of the 22-minute A propos de Nice, co-directed by Jean Vigo and cameraman Boris Kaufman at the beginning of their careers. The film retains a spontaneous, apparently haphazard, quality yet its careful montage combines a strong realist drive, lyrical dashes – helped by Marc Perrone’s accordion music – and a clear political agenda.

In today’s era, in which the Côte d’Azur has become a byword for hedonistic consumption, it’s refreshing to see a film that systematically undermines its glossy surface. Using images sometimes ‘stolen’ with hidden cameras, A propos de Nice moves between the city’s main sites of pleasure: the Casino, the Promenade des Anglais, the Hotel Negresco and the carnival. Occasionally the filmmakers remind us of the sea, the birds, the wind in the trees but mostly they contrast people: the rich play tennis, the poor boules; the rich have tea, the poor gamble in the (then) squalid streets of the Old Town.

As often, women bear the brunt of any critique of bourgeois consumption: a rich old woman’s head is compared to an ostrich, others grin as they gaze up at phallic factory chimneys; young women dance frenetically, their crotch to the camera. In the film’s most famous image, an elegant woman is ‘stripped’ by the camera to reveal her naked body – not quite matched by a man’s shoes vanishing to display his naked feet to the shoe-shine.

An essay film avant la lettre , A propos de Nice ends on Soviet-style workers’ faces and burning furnaces. The message is clear, even if it has not been heeded by history.

— Ginette Vincendeau

2. A Diary for Timothy

Humphrey Jennings, 1945

A Diary for Timothy takes the form of a journal addressed to the eponymous Timothy James Jenkins, born on 3 September 1944, exactly five years after Britain’s entry into World War II. The narrator, Michael Redgrave , a benevolent offscreen presence, informs young Timothy about the momentous events since his birth and later advises that, even when the war is over, there will be “everyday danger”.

The subjectivity and speculative approach maintained throughout are more akin to the essay tradition than traditional propaganda in their rejection of mere glib conveyance of information or thunderous hectoring. Instead Jennings invites us quietly to observe the nuances of everyday life as Britain enters the final chapter of the war. Against the momentous political backdrop, otherwise routine, everyday activities are ascribed new profundity as the Welsh miner Geronwy, Alan the farmer, Bill the railway engineer and Peter the convalescent fighter pilot go about their daily business.

Within the confines of the Ministry of Information’s remit – to lift the spirits of a battle-weary nation – and the loose narrative framework of Timothy’s first six months, Jennings finds ample expression for the kind of formal experiment that sets his work apart from that of other contemporary documentarians. He worked across film, painting, photography, theatrical design, journalism and poetry; in Diary his protean spirit finds expression in a manner that transgresses the conventional parameters of wartime propaganda, stretching into film poem, philosophical reflection, social document, surrealistic ethnographic observation and impressionistic symphony. Managing to keep to the right side of sentimentality, it still makes for potent viewing.

— Catherine McGahan

3. Toute la mémoire du monde

Alain Resnais, 1956

In the opening credits of Toute la mémoire du monde, alongside the director’s name and that of producer Pierre Braunberger , one reads the mysterious designation “Groupe des XXX”. This Group of Thirty was an assembly of filmmakers who mobilised in the early 1950s to defend the “style, quality and ambitious subject matter” of short films in post-war France; the signatories of its 1953 ‘Declaration’ included Resnais , Chris Marker and Agnès Varda. The success of the campaign contributed to a golden age of short filmmaking that would last a decade and form the crucible of the French essay film.

A 22-minute poetic documentary about the old French Bibliothèque Nationale, Toute la mémoire du monde is a key work in this strand of filmmaking and one which can also be seen as part of a loose ‘trilogy of memory’ in Resnais’s early documentaries. Les statues meurent aussi (co-directed with Chris Marker) explored cultural memory as embodied in African art and the depredations of colonialism; Night and Fog was a seminal reckoning with the historical memory of the Nazi death camps. While less politically controversial than these earlier works, Toute la mémoire du monde’s depiction of the Bibliothèque Nationale is still oddly suggestive of a prison, with its uniformed guards and endless corridors. In W.G. Sebald ’s 2001 novel Austerlitz, directly after a passage dedicated to Resnais’s film, the protagonist describes his uncertainty over whether, when using the library, he “was on the Islands of the Blest, or, on the contrary, in a penal colony”.

Resnais explores the workings of the library through the effective device of following a book from arrival and cataloguing to its delivery to a reader (the book itself being something of an in-joke: a mocked-up travel guide to Mars in the Petite Planète series Marker was then editing for Editions du Seuil). With Resnais’s probing, mobile camerawork and a commentary by French writer Remo Forlani, Toute la mémoire du monde transforms the library into a mysterious labyrinth, something between an edifice and an organism: part brain and part tomb.

— Chris Darke

4. The House is Black

(Khaneh siah ast) Forough Farrokhzad, 1963

Before the House of Makhmalbaf there was The House is Black. Called “the greatest of all Iranian films” by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum, who helped translate the subtitles from Farsi into English, this 20-minute black-and-white essay film by feminist poet Farrokhzad was shot in a leper colony near Tabriz in northern Iran and has been heralded as the touchstone of the Iranian New Wave.

The buildings of the Baba Baghi colony are brick and peeling whitewash but a student asked to write a sentence using the word ‘house’ offers Khaneh siah ast : the house is black. His hand, seen in close-up, is one of many in the film; rather than objects of medical curiosity, these hands – some fingerless, many distorted by the disease – are agents, always in movement, doing, making, exercising, praying. In putting white words on the blackboard, the student makes part of the film; in the next shots, the film’s credits appear, similarly handwritten on the same blackboard.

As they negotiate the camera’s gaze and provide the soundtrack by singing, stamping and wheeling a barrow, the lepers are co-authors of the film. Farrokhzad echoes their prayers, heard and seen on screen, with her voiceover, which collages religious texts, beginning with the passage from Psalm 55 famously set to music by Mendelssohn (“O for the wings of a dove”).

In the conjunctions between Farrokhzad’s poetic narration and diegetic sound, including tanbur-playing, an intense assonance arises. Its beat is provided by uniquely lyrical associative editing that would influence Abbas Kiarostami , who quotes Farrokhzad’s poem ‘The Wind Will Carry Us’ in his eponymous film . Repeated shots of familiar bodily movement, made musical, move the film insistently into the viewer’s body: it is infectious. Posing a question of aesthetics, The House Is Black uses the contagious gaze of cinema to dissolve the screen between Us and Them.

— Sophie Mayer

5. Letter to Jane: An Investigation About a Still

Jean-Luc Godard & Jean-Pierre Gorin, 1972

With its invocation of Brecht (“Uncle Bertolt”), rejection of visual pleasure (for 52 minutes we’re mostly looking at a single black-and-white still) and discussion of the role of intellectuals in “the revolution”, Letter to Jane is so much of its time as to appear untranslatable to the present except as a curio from a distant era of radical cinema. Between 1969 and 1971, Godard and Gorin made films collectively as part of the Dziga Vertov Group before they returned, in 1972, to the mainstream with Tout va bien , a big-budget film about the aftermath of May 1968 featuring leftist stars Yves Montand and Jane Fonda . It was to the latter that Godard and Gorin directed their Letter after seeing a news photograph of her on a solidarity visit to North Vietnam in August 1972.

Intended to accompany the US release of Tout va bien, Letter to Jane is ‘a letter’ only in as much as it is fairly conversational in tone, with Godard and Gorin delivering their voiceovers in English. It’s stylistically more akin to the ‘blackboard films’ of the time, with their combination of pedagogical instruction and stern auto-critique.

It’s also an inspired semiological reading of a media image and a reckoning with the contradictions of celebrity activism. Godard and Gorin examine the image’s framing and camera angle and ask why Fonda is the ‘star’ of the photograph while the Vietnamese themselves remain faceless or out of focus? And what of her expression of compassionate concern? This “expression of an expression” they trace back, via an elaboration of the Kuleshov effect , through other famous faces – Henry Fonda , John Wayne , Lillian Gish and Falconetti – concluding that it allows for “no reverse shot” and serves only to bolster Western “good conscience”.

Letter to Jane is ultimately concerned with the same question that troubled philosophers such as Levinas and Derrida : what’s at stake ethically when one claims to speak “in place of the other”? Any contemporary critique of celebrity activism – from Bono and Geldof to Angelina Jolie – should start here, with a pair of gauchiste trolls muttering darkly beneath a press shot of ‘Hanoi Jane’.

6. F for Fake

Orson Welles, 1973

Those who insist it was all downhill for Orson Welles after Citizen Kane would do well to take a close look at this film made more than three decades later, in its own idiosyncratic way a masterpiece just as innovative as his better-known feature debut.

Perhaps the film’s comparative and undeserved critical neglect is due to its predominantly playful tone, or perhaps it’s because it is a low-budget, hard-to-categorise, deeply personal work that mixes original material with plenty of footage filmed by others – most extensively taken from a documentary by François Reichenbach about Clifford Irving and his bogus biography of his friend Elmyr de Hory , an art forger who claimed to have painted pictures attributed to famous names and hung in the world’s most prestigious galleries.

If the film had simply offered an account of the hoaxes perpetrated by that disreputable duo, it would have been entertaining enough but, by means of some extremely inventive, innovative and inspired editing, Welles broadens his study of fakery to take in his own history as a ‘charlatan’ – not merely his lifelong penchant for magician’s tricks but also the 1938 radio broadcast of his news-report adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds – as well as observations on Howard Hughes , Pablo Picasso and the anonymous builders of Chartres cathedral. So it is that Welles contrives to conjure up, behind a colourful cloak of consistently entertaining mischief, a rueful meditation on truth and falsehood, art and authorship – a subject presumably dear to his heart following Pauline Kael ’s then recent attempts to persuade the world that Herman J. Mankiewicz had been the real creative force behind Kane.

As a riposte to that thesis (albeit never framed as such), F for Fake is subtle, robust, supremely erudite and never once bitter; the darkest moment – as Welles contemplates the serene magnificence of Chartres – is at once an uncharacteristic but touchingly heartfelt display of humility and a poignant memento mori. And it is in this delicate balancing of the autobiographical with the universal, as well as in the dazzling deployment of cinematic form to illustrate and mirror content, that the film works its once unique, now highly influential magic.

— Geoff Andrew

7. How to Live in the German Federal Republic

(Leben – BRD) Harun Farocki, 1990

Harun Farocki ’s portrait of West Germany in 32 simulations from training sessions has no commentary, just the actions themselves in all their surreal beauty, one after the other. The Bundesrepublik Deutschland is shown as a nation of people who can deal with everything because they have been prepared – taught how to react properly in every possible situation.

We know how birth works; how to behave in kindergarten; how to chat up girls, boys or whatever we fancy (for we’re liberal-minded, if only in principle); how to look for a job and maybe live without finding one; how to wiggle our arses in the hottest way possible when we pole-dance, or manage a hostage crisis without things getting (too) bloody. Whatever job we do, we know it by heart; we also know how to manage whatever kind of psychological breakdown we experience; and we are also prepared for the end, and even have an idea about how our burial will go. This is the nation: one of fearful people in dire need of control over their one chance of getting it right.

Viewed from the present, How to Live in the German Federal Republic is revealed as the archetype of many a Farocki film in the decades to follow, for example Die Umschulung (1994), Der Auftritt (1996) or Nicht ohne Risiko (2004), all of which document as dispassionately as possible different – not necessarily simulated – scenarios of social interactions related to labour and capital. For all their enlightening beauty, none of these ever came close to How to Live in the German Federal Republic which, depending on one’s mood, can play like an absurd comedy or the most gut-wrenching drama. Yet one disquieting thing is certain: How to Live in the German Federal Republic didn’t age – our lives still look the same.

— Olaf Möller

8. One Man’s War

(La Guerre d’un seul homme) Edgardo Cozarinsky , 1982

One Man’s War proves that an auteur film can be made without writing a line, recording a sound or shooting a single frame. It’s easy to point to the ‘extraordinary’ character of the film, given its combination of materials that were not made to cohabit; there couldn’t be a less plausible dialogue than the one Cozarinsky establishes between the newsreels shot during the Nazi occupation of Paris and the Parisian diaries of novelist and Nazi officer Ernst Jünger . There’s some truth to Pascal Bonitzer’s assertion in Cahiers du cinéma in 1982 that the principle of the documentary was inverted here, since it is the images that provide a commentary for the voice.

But that observation still doesn’t pin down the uniqueness of a work that forces history through a series of registers, styles and dimensions, wiping out the distance between reality and subjectivity, propaganda and literature, cinema and journalism, daily life and dream, and establishing the idea not so much of communicating vessels as of contaminating vessels.

To enquire about the essayistic dimension of One Man’s War is to submit it to a test of purity against which the film itself is rebelling. This is no ars combinatoria but systems of collision and harmony; organic in their temporal development and experimental in their procedural eagerness. It’s like a machine created to die instantly; neither Cozarinsky nor anyone else could repeat the trick, as is the case with all great avant-garde works.

By blurring the genre of his literary essays, his fictional films, his archival documentaries, his literary fictions, Cozarinsky showed he knew how to reinvent the erasure of borders. One Man’s War is not a film about the Occupation but a meditation on the different forms in which that Occupation can be represented.

—Sergio Wolf. Translated by Mar Diestro-Dópido

9. Sans soleil

Chris Marker, 1982

There are many moments to quicken the heart in Sans soleil but one in particular demonstrates the method at work in Marker’s peerless film. An unseen female narrator reads from letters sent to her by a globetrotting cameraman named Sandor Krasna (Marker’s nom de voyage), one of which muses on the 11th-century Japanese writer Sei Shōnagon .

As we hear of Shōnagon’s “list of elegant things, distressing things, even of things not worth doing”, we watch images of a missile being launched and a hovering bomber. What’s the connection? There is none. Nothing here fixes word and image in illustrative lockstep; it’s in the space between them that Sans soleil makes room for the spectator to drift, dream and think – to inimitable effect.

Sans soleil was Marker’s return to a personal mode of filmmaking after more than a decade in militant cinema. His reprise of the epistolary form looks back to earlier films such as Letter from Siberia (1958) but the ‘voice’ here is both intimate and removed. The narrator’s reading of Krasna’s letters flips the first person to the third, using ‘he’ instead of ‘I’. Distance and proximity in the words mirror, multiply and magnify both the distances travelled and the time spanned in the images, especially those of the 1960s and its lost dreams of revolutionary social change.

While it’s handy to define Sans soleil as an ‘essay film’, there’s something about the dry term that doesn’t do justice to the experience of watching it. After Marker’s death last year, when writing programme notes on the film, I came up with a line that captures something of what it’s like to watch Sans soleil: “a mesmerising, lucid and lovely river of film, which, like the river of the ancients, is never the same when one steps into it a second time”.

10. Handsworth Songs

Black Audio Film Collective, 1986

Made at the time of civil unrest in Birmingham, this key example of the essay film at its most complex remains relevant both formally and thematically. Handsworth Songs is no straightforward attempt to provide answers as to why the riots happened; instead, using archive film spliced with made and found footage of the events and the media and popular reaction to them, it creates a poetic sense of context.

The film is an example of counter-media in that it slows down the demand for either immediate explanation or blanket condemnation. Its stillness allows the history of immigration and the subsequent hostility of the media and the police to the black and Asian population to be told in careful detail.

One repeated scene shows a young black man running through a group of white policemen who surround him on all sides. He manages to break free several times before being wrestled to the ground; if only for one brief, utopian moment, an entirely different history of race in the UK is opened up.

The waves of post-war immigration are charted in the stories told both by a dominant (and frequently repressive) televisual narrative and, importantly, by migrants themselves. Interviews mingle with voiceover, music accompanies the machines that the Windrush generation work at. But there are no definitive answers here, only, as the Black Audio Film Collective memorably suggests, “the ghosts of songs”.

— Nina Power

11. Los Angeles Plays Itself

Thom Andersen, 2003

One of the attractions that drew early film pioneers out west, besides the sunlight and the industrial freedom, was the versatility of the southern Californian landscape: with sea, snowy mountains, desert, fruit groves, Spanish missions, an urban downtown and suburban boulevards all within a 100-mile radius, the Los Angeles basin quickly and famously became a kind of giant open-air film studio, available and pliant.

Of course, some people actually live there too. “Sometimes I think that gives me the right to criticise,” growls native Angeleno Andersen in his forensic three-hour prosecution of moving images of the movie city, whose mounting litany of complaints – couched in Encke King’s gravelly, near-parodically irritated voiceover, and sometimes organised, as Stuart Klawans wrote in The Nation, “in the manner of a saloon orator” – belies a sly humour leavening a radically serious intent.

Inspired in part by Mark Rappaport’s factual essay appropriations of screen fictions (Rock Hudson’s Home Movies, 1993; From the Journals of Jean Seberg , 1995), as well as Godard’s Histoire(s) de cinéma, this “city symphony in reverse” asserts public rights to our screen discourse through its magpie method as well as its argument. (Today you could rebrand it ‘Occupy Hollywood’.) Tinseltown malfeasance is evidenced across some 200 different film clips, from offences against geography and slurs against architecture to the overt historical mythologies of Chinatown (1974), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and L.A. Confidential (1997), in which the city’s class and cultural fault-lines are repainted “in crocodile tears” as doleful tragedies of conspiracy, promoting hopelessness in the face of injustice.

Andersen’s film by contrast spurs us to independent activism, starting with the reclamation of our gaze: “What if we watch with our voluntary attention, instead of letting the movies direct us?” he asks, peering beyond the foregrounding of character and story. And what if more movies were better and more useful, helping us see our world for what it is? Los Angeles Plays Itself grows most moving – and useful – extolling the Los Angeles neorealism Andersen has in mind: stories of “so many men unneeded, unwanted”, as he says over a scene from Billy Woodberry’s Bless Their Little Hearts (1983), “in a world in which there is so much to be done”.

— Nick Bradshaw

12. La Morte Rouge

Víctor Erice, 2006

The famously unprolific Spanish director Víctor Erice may remain best known for his full-length fiction feature The Spirit of the Beehive (1973), but his other films are no less rewarding. Having made a brilliant foray into the fertile territory located somewhere between ‘documentary’ and ‘fiction’ with The Quince Tree Sun (1992), in this half-hour film made for the ‘Correspondences’ exhibition exploring resemblances in the oeuvres of Erice and Kiarostami , the relationship between reality and artifice becomes his very subject.

A ‘small’ work, it comprises stills, archive footage, clips from an old Sherlock Holmes movie, a few brief new scenes – mostly without actors – and music by Mompou and (for once, superbly used) Arvo Pärt . If its tone – it’s introduced as a “soliloquy” – and scale are modest, its thematic range and philosophical sophistication are considerable.

The title is the name of the Québécois village that is the setting for The Scarlet Claw (1944), a wartime Holmes mystery starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce which was the first movie Erice ever saw, taken by his sister to the Kursaal cinema in San Sebastian.

For the five-year-old, the experience was a revelation: unable to distinguish the ‘reality’ of the newsreel from that of the nightmare world of Roy William Neill’s film, he not only learned that death and murder existed but noted that the adults in the audience, presumably privy to some secret knowledge denied him, were unaffected by the corpses on screen. Had this something to do with war? Why was La Morte Rouge not on any map? And what did it signify that postman Potts was not, in fact, Potts but the killer – and an actor (whatever that was) to boot?

From such personal reminiscences – evoked with wondrous intimacy in the immaculate Castillian of the writer-director’s own wry narration – Erice fashions a lyrical meditation on themes that have underpinned his work from Beehive to Broken Windows (2012): time and change, memory and identity, innocence and experience, war and death. And because he understands, intellectually and emotionally, that the time-based medium he himself works in can reveal unforgettably vivid realities that belong wholly to the realm of the imaginary, La Morte Rouge is a great film not only about the power of cinema but about life itself.

Sight & Sound: the August 2013 issue

In this issue: Frances Ha’s Greta Gerwig – the most exciting actress in America? Plus Ryan Gosling in Only God Forgives, Wadjda, The Wall,...

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The Evolution of Brotherhood in Cinema: a Close Look at Film’s Fraternal Bonds

This essay about brotherhood in films examines how sibling relationships are portrayed in cinema, evolving from simple narratives of good versus evil to complex depictions that explore deeper societal and psychological themes. Early cinema, like “East of Eden,” often focused on rivalry for familial approval. In contrast, later films such as “The Godfather” and “Warrior” present multifaceted brotherly bonds that address themes of power, betrayal, identity, and redemption. These movies use the dynamics between brothers to reflect broader social issues and personal growth, showing how external factors like socio-economic conditions can influence these relationships. Through films like “On the Waterfront,” brotherly relationships also serve as a medium to critique societal norms and values, adding layers of commentary on corruption and moral dilemmas.

How it works

Cinema has long used family dynamics as a focal point for storytelling, with sibling relationships being particularly compelling due to their complex emotional layers. Brotherly bonds in movies often reflect the nuanced realities of sibling relationships in real life, ranging from rivalry and resentment to support and sacrifice. This essay delves into how films portray brothers, showing not just the evolution of these relationships but also how they mirror societal changes and personal growth.

In the early days of cinema, brotherly relationships often adhered to straightforward narratives of good versus evil.

Classic films like “East of Eden” present brotherhood through intense rivalry, with characters shaped by their familial roles and expectations. In this movie, the brothers’ conflict stems from seeking approval from their father, a theme that resonates with audiences familiar with sibling rivalry. However, as cinema evolved, so did the portrayal of brothers, with more films highlighting the depth and complexity of these relationships.

The shift towards more layered portrayals can be seen in films like “The Godfather.” Here, the bond between Michael and Fredo Corleone explores themes of power, betrayal, and loyalty. Unlike the earlier straightforward depictions, “The Godfather” presents a brotherly relationship that is integral to the plot and fraught with moral and ethical dilemmas. This film marks a pivotal point where brotherly relationships in cinema began to reflect deeper psychological and societal issues, making the characters more relatable and the stories more compelling.

In contemporary cinema, the depiction of brothers often moves beyond familial duty to explore broader themes such as identity, redemption, and personal conflict. “Warrior,” for instance, uses a sports drama backdrop to delve into the fractured relationship between two estranged brothers, Tommy and Brendan. Their reunion in the ring is symbolic, representing not only their personal battles but also their fight for reconciliation and understanding. The film cleverly uses the physical sport of mixed martial arts as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological struggles the brothers face, showcasing how modern films use brotherly relationships to explore complex emotional landscapes.

Another noteworthy aspect of brotherly portrayals in film is the role of external circumstances, such as socio-economic factors, which can define and shape these relationships. “Slumdog Millionaire” portrays two brothers who grow up in the slums of Mumbai, with their diverging paths influenced heavily by their reactions to their harsh realities. Jamal’s and Salim’s choices reflect their individual responses to poverty and exploitation, highlighting how external pressures can affect familial bonds and individual destinies.

Moreover, cinema often uses brotherly bonds to comment on or question societal norms and values. For instance, “On the Waterfront” features Terry and Charley Malloy, whose moral and ethical dilemmas are set against the corrupt practices of union leadership. Through the brothers’ interactions, the film critiques broader social issues, such as corruption and individual conscience, thus adding a layer of social commentary to the personal narrative of sibling loyalty and betrayal.

In conclusion, films about brothers serve as a rich canvas for exploring a range of themes from familial loyalty and rivalry to personal identity and societal critique. As these narratives evolve, they continue to reflect changing societal values and the complexities of personal relationships. Whether through the tragic downfall of the Corleones or the redemptive final fight of the Conlon brothers, cinema continues to find new ways to examine and celebrate the timeless and tumultuous bonds of brotherhood. Through these stories, audiences are invited not only to witness the trials and tribulations of these relationships but also to reflect on the universal themes of love, conflict, and reconciliation that they represent.

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6.5: Film Analysis

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What this handout is about

This handout provides a brief definition of film analysis compared to literary analysis, provides an introduction to common types of film analysis, and offers strategies and resources for approaching assignments.

What is film analysis, and how does it differ from literary analysis?

Film analysis is the process in which film is analyzed in terms of semiotics, narrative structure, cultural context, and mise-en-scene, among other approaches. If these terms are new to you, don’t worry—they’ll be explained in the next section.

Analyzing film, like analyzing literature (fiction texts, etc.) , is a form of rhetorical analysis—critically analyzing and evaluating discourse, including words, phrases, and images. Having a clear argument and supporting evidence is every bit as critical to film analysis as to other forms of academic writing.

Unlike literature, film incorporates audiovisual elements and therefore introduces a new dimension to analysis. Ultimately, however, analysis of film is not too different. Think of all the things that make up a scene in a film: the actors, the lighting, the angles, the colors. All of these things may be absent in literature, but they are deliberate choices on the part of the director, producer, or screenwriter—as are the words chosen by the author of a work of literature. Furthermore, literature and film incorporate similar elements. They both have plots, characters, dialogue, settings, symbolism, and, just as the elements of literature can be analyzed for their intent and effect, these elements can be analyzed the same way in film.

Different types of film analysis

Listed here are common approaches to film analysis, but this is by no means an exhaustive list, and you may have discussed other approaches in class. As with any other assignment, make sure you understand your professor’s expectations. This guide is best used to understand prompts or, in the case of more open-ended assignments, consider the different ways to analyze film.

Keep in mind that any of the elements of film can be analyzed, oftentimes in tandem. A single film analysis essay may simultaneously include all of the following approaches and more. As Jacques Aumont and Michel Marie propose in Analysis of Film, there is no correct, universal way to write film analysis.

Semiotic analysis

Semiotic analysis is the analysis of meaning behind signs and symbols, typically involving metaphors, analogies, and symbolism.

This doesn’t necessarily need to be something dramatic; think about how you extrapolate information from the smallest signs in your day to day life. For instance, what characteristics can tell you about someone’s personality? Something as simple as someone’s appearance can reveal information about them. Mismatched shoes and bedhead might be a sign of carelessness (or something crazy happened that morning!), while an immaculate dress shirt and tie would suggest that the person is prim and proper. Continuing in that vein:

What might you be able to infer about characters from small hints?
How are these hints (signs) used to construct characters? How do they relate to the relative role of those characters, or the relationships between multiple characters?

Symbols denote concepts (liberty, peace, etc.) and feelings (hate, love, etc.) that they often have nothing to do with. They are used liberally in both literature and film, and finding them uses a similar process. Ask yourself:

In Frozen Elsa’s gloves appear in multiple scenes.
Her gloves are first given to her by her father to restrain her magic. She continues to wear them throughout the coronation scene, before finally, in the Let It Go sequence, she throws them away.

Again, the method of semiotic analysis in film is similar to that of literature. Think about the deeper meaning behind objects or actions.

Elsa’s gloves represent fear of her magic and, by extension, herself. Though she attempts to contain her magic by hiding her hands within gloves and denying part of her identity, she eventually abandons the gloves in a quest for self-acceptance.

Narrative structure analysis

Narrative structure analysis is the analysis of the story elements, including plot structure, character motivations, and theme. Like the dramatic structure of literature (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution), film has what is known as the Three-Act Structure: “Act One: Setup, Act Two: Confrontation, and Act Three: Resolution.” Narrative structure analysis breaks the story of the film into these three elements and might consider questions like:

How does the story follow or deviate from typical structures?
What is the effect of following or deviating from this structure?
What is the theme of the film, and how is that theme constructed?

Consider again the example of Frozen. You can use symbolism and narrative structure in conjunction by placing the symbolic objects/events in the context of the narrative structure. For instance, the first appearance of the gloves is in Act One, while their abandoning takes place in Act Two; thus, the story progresses in such a way that demonstrates Elsa’s personal growth. By the time of Act Three, the Resolution, her aversion to touch (a product of fearing her own magic) is gone, reflecting a theme of self-acceptance.

Contextual analysis

Contextual analysis is analysis of the film as part of a broader context. Think about the culture, time, and place of the film’s creation. What might the film say about the culture that created it? What were/are the social and political concerns of the time period? Or, like researching the author of a novel, you might consider the director, producer, and other people vital to the making of the film. What is the place of this film in the director’s career? Does it align with his usual style of directing, or does it move in a new direction? Other examples of contextual approaches might be analyzing the film in terms of a civil rights or feminist movement.

For example, Frozen is often linked to the LGBTQ social movement. You might agree or disagree with this interpretation, and, using evidence from the film, support your argument.

Some other questions to consider:

How does the meaning of the film change when seen outside of its culture?
What characteristics distinguishes the film as being of its particular culture?

Mise-en-scene analysis

Mise-en-scene analysis is analysis of the arrangement of compositional elements in film—essentially, the analysis of audiovisual elements that most distinctly separate film analysis from literary analysis. Remember that the important part of a mise-en-scene analysis is not just identifying the elements of a scene, but explaining the significance behind them.

What effects are created in a scene, and what is their purpose?
How does the film attempt to achieve its goal by the way it looks, and does it succeed?

Audiovisual elements that can be analyzed include (but are not limited to): props and costumes, setting, lighting, camera angles, frames, special effects, choreography, music, color values, depth, placement of characters, etc. Mise-en-scene is typically the most foreign part of writing film analysis because the other components discussed are common to literary analysis, while mise-en-scene deals with elements unique to film. Using specific film terminology bolsters credibility, but you should also consider your audience. If your essay is meant to be accessible to non-specialist readers, explain what terms mean. The Resources section of this handout has links to sites that describe mise-en-scene elements in detail.

Rewatching the film and creating screen captures (still images) of certain scenes can help with detailed analysis of colors, positioning of actors, placement of objects, etc. Listening to the soundtrack can also be helpful, especially when placed in the context of particular scenes.

Some example questions:

How is the lighting used to construct mood? Does the mood shift at any point during the film, and how is that shift in mood created?
What does the setting say about certain characters? How are props used to reveal aspects of their personality?
What songs were used, and why were they chosen? Are there any messages in the lyrics that pertain to the theme?

Writing the film analysis essay

Writing film analysis is similar to writing literary analysis or any argumentative essay in other disciplines: Consider the assignment and prompts, formulate a thesis (see the Brainstorming Handout and Thesis Statement Handout for help crafting a nuanced argument), compile evidence to prove your thesis, and lay out your argument in the essay. Your evidence may be different from what you are used to. Whereas in the English essay you use textual evidence and quotes, in a film analysis essay, you might also include audiovisual elements to bolster your argument.

When describing a sequence in a film, use the present tense, like you would write in the literary present when describing events of a novel, i.e. not “Elsa took off her gloves,” but “Elsa takes off her gloves.” When quoting dialogue from a film, if between multiple characters, use block quotes: Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented one inch from the left margin. However, conventions are flexible, so ask your professor if you are unsure. It may also help to follow the formatting of the script, if you can find it. For example:

ELSA: But she won’t remember I have powers? KING: It’s for the best.

You do not need to use quotation marks for blocked-off dialogue, but for shorter quotations in the main text, quotation marks should be double quotes (“…”).

Here are some tips for approaching film analysis:

Make sure you understand the prompt and what you are being asked to do. Focus your argument by choosing a specific issue to assess.
Review your materials. Rewatch the film for nuances that you may have missed in the first viewing. With your thesis in mind, take notes as you watch. Finding a screenplay of the movie may be helpful, but keep in mind that there may be differences between the screenplay and the actual product (and these differences might be a topic of discussion!).
Develop a thesis and an outline, organizing your evidence so that it supports your argument. Remember that this is ultimately an assignment—make sure that your thesis answers what the prompt asks, and check with your professor if you are unsure.
Move beyond only describing the audiovisual elements of the film by considering the significance of your evidence. Demonstrate understanding of not just what film elements are, but why and to what effect they are being used. For more help on using your evidence effectively, see ‘Using Evidence In An Argument’ in the Evidence Handout .

New York Film Academy Glossary Movie Outline Glossary Movie Script Database Citation Practices: Film and Television

Works Consulted

We consulted these works while writing the original version of this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find the latest publications on this topic. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial .

Aumont, Jacques, and Michel Marie. L’analyse Des Films. Paris: Nathan, 1988. Print. Pruter, Robin Franson. “Writing About Film.” Writing About Film. DePaul University, 08 Mar. 2004. Web. 01 May 2016.

“Film Analysis.” The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License

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Cannes: Greta Gerwig, Lily Gladstone and the Weight of Politics at the Fest

The festival opened with questions for the jury about Indigenous representation, #MeToo rumors and other timely topics.

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Six people sit at a table with name cards and microphones in front of each of them. A Cannes laurel is emblazoned on the side of the table.

By Kyle Buchanan

Early on in the meta French comedy “The Second Act,” which was opening the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday night, a father (Vincent Lindon) and daughter (Léa Seydoux) are sitting in his car and chatting about her boyfriend. But just a few lines into the scene, Lindon cracks and refuses to perform it.

As he leaves the car to stalk across a field, Seydoux pursues him and tries to continue running their lines. But he is undeterred, claiming the current state of the world is too dire for light comedy.

“You’ll carry on as if nothing was wrong, as if everything was fine and dandy?” Lindon says to her. “Mankind is nearly done, and you want to play my daughter in an indie movie?”

Though the festival has only just begun, the question of how much the outside world should intrude on cinema has become a pertinent one. At a meeting with the news media on Monday, the Cannes artistic director, Thierry Frémaux, was peppered with so many queries about real-world issues — from the war in Gaza to the #MeToo controversies currently swirling in the French film industry — that he snapped, insisting that he would prefer Cannes to stand apart from such things.

“We’re trying to have a festival without this polemical aspect,” Frémaux said. “We’re very careful to maintain that the reason people come here is because of the cinema.”

That may be, but the real world can still be felt here: For two weeks, Cannes is a bubble, but a bubble can be popped.

At a news conference for the competition jury held Tuesday afternoon, only one question was asked about the Palme d’Or that the jury president, Greta Gerwig, will soon bestow. The other journalists mainly raised their hands to raise issues, interrogating a set of jury members that includes the actors Lily Gladstone, Omar Sy and Eva Green.

How did Gerwig feel about the festival’s often meager amount of female filmmakers in competition? “I’ve been making movies and going to festivals for 20 years, and this has never not been a question,” the “Barbie” director said. “In my lifetime of making movies, it’s changed and gotten better. There’s more, and it’s not done yet, but it’s certainly moving in the right direction.”

Gladstone, recently Oscar-nominated for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” joked that she was still wrapping her head around serving on the Cannes jury: “I thought I just got over my impostor syndrome last year after the moment I had, but it just started all over again.” She turned more serious when asked if she relates as a Native American artist to film projects made by Indigenous filmmakers from other countries.

“As Indigenous people, we recognize representation coming from each other very quickly. Even though we’re an incredibly diverse global community, there’s still a sense of identity in how we experience the world,” she said. “It’s impossible to try to homogenize us to one perspective, although I do think there is very much a shared experience.”

Rumors are swirling that major figures in the French film industry will soon be accused of sexual misconduct, and Gerwig and Sy were asked if such a reckoning was overdue in France. Gerwig demurred but praised the way the #MeToo movement has transformed Hollywood.

“The one I always think of is the rise of intimacy coordinators,” she said, noting that the job didn’t exist when she was starting out and that now it’s built into films. She added, “I think of it the exact same way I think of a stunt coordinator or a fight coordinator. It’s an art, and it’s part of building a safe environment just as you would if you were going to have two people fight with swords.”

Gerwig play-acted two swords inelegantly banging against each other. “You don’t just see what happens ," she said. “That would be terrifying!”

Asked whether it was fair to consider real-world controversies while evaluating the films in competition, Gerwig took a big-picture approach. Movies are personal points of view made by artists all over the world, she said. In that way, they can’t help but be political.

“I think the very act of watching cinema and engaging with it seriously is part of the discussion of what’s difficult: If you’re truly engaging with it, you’re engaging with everything,” she said. “It’s important to consider it, and the very nature of Cannes does consider it.”

Kyle Buchanan is a pop culture reporter and also serves as The Projectionist , the awards season columnist for The Times. More about Kyle Buchanan

The 15 new movies you'll want to stream this summer, from 'Atlas' to 'Beverly Hills Cop 4'

All the coolest summer films – and hot starry vehicles – aren't just at the movie theaters. It's about to get very real on your streaming services.

Nicole Kidman might say heartbreak feels good in a place with a big screen, but it's on Netflix where you'll find her and Zac Efron in a movie this June. The streamer also boasts a Jennifer Lopez sci-fi thriller, a killer Glen Powell comedy, a Mark Wahlberg/ Halle Berry spy flick, and Eddie Murphy 's latest "Beverly Hills Cop" installment in the coming months. Meanwhile, Apple TV+ offers a team-up with Matt Damon and Casey Affleck and a movie featuring recent Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone , and things aren't too shabby over at Prime Video with action movies starring A-list ex-wrestlers Dave Bautista and John Cena .

Here's an exclusive peek at 15 movies to stream from your couch this summer:

'Atlas' (May 24)

Data analyst Atlas Shepherd (Lopez) has spent her life trying to take down a rogue robot (Simu Liu) bent on replacing humans with machines. When a mission to capture him goes haywire, her only way to survive and save mankind is to pilot a mech suit and reluctantly trust an onboard AI.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Where to watch: Netflix

'Jim Henson Idea Man' (May 31)

Director Ron Howard's documentary chronicles the life and work of beloved filmmaker Jim Henson. Featuring archival footage and interviews with Rita Moreno, Jennifer Connelly and others, the movie follows Henson from his early days as a puppeteer to becoming the icon behind "Sesame Street" and the Muppets.

Where to watch: Disney+

'Hit Man' (June 7)

Based on a true story, Richard Linklater's crime comedy stars Glen Powell as a nerdy philosophy professor who moonlights as an undercover fake hitman for the police. He tries to help and ends up falling for a woman (Adria Arjona) wanting her ex dead, and their romance turns hazardous for both of them.

'BRATS' (June 13)

This documentary is a must-see for anyone who grew up with the "Brat Pack" movies of the 1980s. Director Andrew McCarthy reunites with fellow actors and friends including Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy and Jon Cryer to tell their story, and sits down with the guy who actually coined the "Brat Pick" nickname back in the day.

Where to watch: Hulu

'Ultraman: Rising' (June 14)

Fun fact: Like Godzilla, Ultraman has been a pop-culture staple in Japan for decades. The latest incarnation comes to the U.S. via an animated adventure featuring a baseball superstar/superhero who defends Earth but is also tasked with raising the monstrous baby offspring of his greatest nemesis.

'Trigger Warning' (June 21)

The action thriller casts Jessica Alba as a highly trained special forces operative on duty overseas when she gets the news of her father's unexpected death. The commando, who's really handy with a knife, returns to her hometown, runs afoul of a violent gang, inherits her dad's bar and seeks the truth of what happened to him.

'A Family Affair' (June 28)

Kidman and Efron were lovers in 2012's "The Paperboy" and they're rekindling that onscreen flame in this romantic comedy. Joey King stars as the assistant to a movie star (Efron) and unhappily discovers that her mother (Kidman) has a secret romance going on with her boss.

'Fancy Dance' (June 28)

"Killers of the Flower Moon" breakout Gladstone stars in this drama as Jax, a woman who's long taken care of her niece Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson) on the Seneca-Cayuga reservation in Oklahoma. When Jax loses custody of her niece to the state, the two go on the lam to find Roki's missing mon.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' (July 3)

Axel Foley is back, y'all! Murphy's Detroit detective returns to Beverly Hills when his daughter (Taylour Paige) is threatened, teaming up with a new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and his old cop friends (John Ashton and Judge Reinhold) to expose corruption and conspiracy in the police department.

'Descendants: The Rise of Red' (July 12)

The new installment of Disney's "Descendants" franchise features Red (Kylie Cantrall), the rebellious offspring of the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora). The crimson-haired young punk partners with her roommate, Cinderella's strait-laced daughter Chloe (Malia Baker), on a time-travel mission to stop Red's mom from going down a villainous path.

'My Spy the Eternal City' (July 18)

The sequel to the 2020 family spy comedy returns Chloe Coleman as the now-teenage Sophie and Bautista as CIA agent/father figure JJ. Their new adventure takes them to Italy, where JJ is chaperoning Sophie's school choir trip and they become embroiled in a terrorist plot to assassinate JJ's boss (Ken Jeong).

Where to watch: Prime Video

'The Instigators' (Aug. 9)

In Doug Liman's heist film, desperate father Rory (Matt Damon) and ex-con Cobby (Casey Affleck) are paired up on a job to rob a corrupt politician. The situation goes sideways, the duo is pursued by cops, crooks and politicians alike, and even Rory's therapist (Hong Chau) lends a hand as they try to escape capture.

'Jackpot!' (Aug. 15)

Paul Feig's action comedy envisions a near-future Los Angeles where lottery winners have to survive until sundown or their killer can claim billions. Awkwafina plays a new LA resident who mistakenly obtains a "lucky" ticket and Cena is the amateur protection agent helping her out in exchange for a piece of her prize.

'The Union' (Aug. 16)

Mark Wahlberg stars in the action comedy as a New Jersey construction worker who hasn't seen his high school sweetheart (Halle Berry) in forever. Catching up isn't in her plans, as she's now a spy who recruits him for a dangerous intelligence mission in Europe with sparks of both the explosive and romantic sort.

'The Supremes at Earl’s All You Can Eat' (Aug. 23)

This adaptation of Edward Kelsey Moore's 2013 novel stars Sanaa Lathan, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Uzo Aduba as a trio of best friends. They've weathered four decades of ups and downs since coming together as high school pals in the 1960s, but now heartbreak, illness and other challenges test those close bonds.

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January 18th, 2024. IB Topics. Welcome to our guide on Film Extended Essay topic ideas. If you're passionate about cinema and eager to explore its many facets in your Extended essay, you've come to the right place. From the nuances of film genres and styles to the intricate workings of the film industry, our list covers a wide range of ...
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17 Essential Movies For An Introduction To Essay Films. Posted on February 3, 2015 June 18, 2015 by George Jepson. ... Stemming from the literary as a form of personal expression borne from in-depth explorations of its chosen topic, the film can be agitprop, exploratory, or diaristic and generally rejects narrative progression and concretised ...
Film Essay Topics
Film Essay Topics. Sort By: Page 1 of 50 - About 500 essays. Better Essays. Film Production Of Film Films. 1886 Words; 8 Pages; Film Production Of Film Films. The history of film began in the 1890s, when motion picture cameras were invented and film production companies started to be established. Because of the limits of technology, films of ...
105 Movies Comparison Essay Topics
Comparing "Shawshank Redemption" and "Murder in the First" Movies. Latino Movies Comparison: "Born in East L.A." and "El Norte". Being Filmed 24/7 in "The Truman Show" and "EDtv". Representations of Women in the Movies "The Color Purple" and "Monster". Movie Comparison: "Baby Boom" and "Three Men and a Baby".
Film Analysis
Writing a film analysis requires you to consider the composition of the film—the individual parts and choices made that come together to create the finished piece. Film analysis goes beyond the analysis of the film as literature to include camera angles, lighting, set design, sound elements, costume choices, editing, etc. in making an argument.
Free Films Comparison Essay Examples & Topic Ideas
Films Comparison: "The Fields" by Roland Joffe and "Hotel Rwanda" by Terry George. In the killing fields, three journalists Schanberg, Swain and Pran who witnessed the Cambodian genocide under the regimes of Pol Pot and Rouge recount the stories and events of the genocide. Pages: 5. Words: 1432.
Deep focus: The essay film
The Sight & Sound Deep Focus season Thought in Action: The Art of the Essay Film runs at BFI Southbank 1-28 August 2013, with a keynote lecture by Kodwo Eshun on 1 August, a talk by writer and academic Laura Rascaroli on 27 August and a closing panel debate on 28 August. To take this film-lovers' tiff to a more elevated plane, what it ...
The Evolution of Brotherhood in Cinema: A Close Look at Film's
Brotherly bonds in movies often reflect the nuanced realities of sibling relationships in real life, ranging from rivalry and resentment to support and sacrifice. This essay delves into how films portray brothers, showing not just the evolution of these relationships but also how they mirror societal changes and personal growth.
6.5: Film Analysis
Writing the film analysis essay. Writing film analysis is similar to writing literary analysis or any argumentative essay in other disciplines: Consider the assignment and prompts, formulate a thesis (see the Brainstorming Handout and Thesis Statement Handout for help crafting a nuanced argument), compile evidence to prove your thesis, and lay ...
'Film Geek' Review: A Cinephile's Guide to New York
"Film Geek," a feature-length video essay composed primarily of footage of films that Shepard saw growing up in the 1970s in New York City, delves deep into his obsession. In a voice-over, he ...
What I've Learned From My Students' College Essays
May 14, 2024. Most high school seniors approach the college essay with dread. Either their upbringing hasn't supplied them with several hundred words of adversity, or worse, they're afraid ...
'Megalopolis': Reviews seriously divided on Francis Ford Coppola film
0:04. 1:05. Francis Ford Coppola's 40-year passion project "Megalopolis" has finally arrived, but critics are divided on whether the science fiction epic was worth the wait. The film, which ...
Cannes: Greta Gerwig, Lily Gladstone and the Weight of Politics at the
The festival opened with questions for the jury about Indigenous representation, #MeToo rumors and other timely topics. By Kyle Buchanan Early on in the meta French comedy "The Second Act ...
What to watch this summer: New movies perfect for streaming at home
The 15 new movies you'll want to stream this summer, from 'Atlas' to 'Beverly Hills Cop 4'. All the coolest summer films - and hot starry vehicles - aren't just at the movie theaters. It's ...

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Film Analysis: Example, Format, and Outline + Topics & Prompts

📚 Types of Film Analysis

📝 Film Analysis Example

🔗 References

Film Analysis vs Film Review

📋 Film Analysis Format

📑 Film Analysis Essay Outline

Film Analysis Introduction

Film Analysis Thesis

Movie Analysis Main Body

Film Analysis Conclusion

✍️ How to Write a Film Analysis Essay

1. Understand the Prompt