movie analysis vs movie review

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Reviews vs Film Criticism

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While the terms "review" and "criticism" are often used interchangeably, there are differences between them. Note how motion pictures are often referred to as "films" when discussing criticism, and "movies" when discussing reviews.

Film criticism is the study, interpretation, and evaluation of a film and its place in cinema history. Film criticism usually offers interpretation of its meaning, analysis of its structure and style, judgement of its worth by comparison with other films, and an estimation of its likely effect on viewers. Film theory (e.g. feminist, postmodernist, etc.) often informs the critical analysis of a film. Criticism may examine a particular film, or may look at a group of films in the same genre, or a director's or actor's body of work.

Film criticism differs from movie reviews in several ways: it entails both analysis and judgement; it may be published many years after a film is released; it is usually longer and more complex than a movie review. A movie review documents the critical reception of a film at its time of theatrical or dvd release. It is more "consumer-oriented," placing more emphasis on recommendation than analysis.

Reviews of feature films or mainstream films may be found in online databases, newspapers, and general interest magazines (e.g. New York Times , Village Voice , Cineaste ).

In-depth criticism and analyses of some feature films or mainstream films, foreign films, independent films, documentaries, etc. may be found in more scholarly or academic publications (e.g. Film Quarterly , Cinema Journal , Film International ).

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How to Write a Comprehensive Film Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide

• backlinkworks
• Writing Articles & Reviews
• October 4, 2023

Introduction

writing a comprehensive film analysis can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to IT . However, with the right approach and step-by-step guidance, you can master the art of dissecting a film and showcasing your analytical skills. In this guide, we will take you through the process of writing a comprehensive film analysis, from understanding the film’s context to delivering a well-structured and insightful review. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Understand the Film’s Context

Before you start dissecting a film, IT is essential to understand its context. Research the director, screenwriter, and major themes of the film. Consider the historical, political, or social backdrop against which the film was made. This background knowledge will help you interpret the film effectively and provide insightful analysis.

Step 2: Watch the Film with a Critical Eye

When watching the film, do not just sit back and enjoy the story. Instead, pay attention to every aspect – from the script and acting to cinematography and editing. Take notes on your observations, both positive and negative, as well as any moments that stood out to you. These notes will serve as a foundation for your analysis.

Step 3: Analyze the Narrative Structure

One crucial aspect of a film analysis is examining its narrative structure. Identify the beginning, middle, and end of the film. Look for narrative arcs, character development, and the overall story progression. Consider how the narrative structure contributes to the film’s themes and message.

Step 4: Focus on Cinematography and Visual Elements

Cinematic techniques greatly contribute to a film’s overall impact. Analyze the cinematography, camera angles, lighting, and visual effects. Consider how these elements enhance the storytelling and convey emotions or themes. You can mention specific scenes or shots that particularly impressed or moved you.

Step 5: Evaluate the Acting and Characters

Good acting can elevate a film, and analyzing the performances of the actors is an essential part of a film analysis. Pay attention to the portrayal of characters, their development throughout the story, and the chemistry between actors. Assess whether the acting effectively conveys the intended emotions and adds depth to the narrative.

Step 6: Examine the Sound Design and Score

Sound design, including dialogue, background score, and sound effects, plays a crucial role in creating the film’s atmosphere. Analyze how sound is used to enhance the storytelling, set the mood, or create tension. Pay attention to the film’s score and explore how IT complements or contrasts with the visuals.

Step 7: Discuss Themes, Messages, and Symbolism

Many films have underlying themes, messages, or symbolism that enrich the viewing experience. Identify these elements and analyze how they contribute to the film’s overall meaning. Explore the director’s intentions behind incorporating these elements and discuss their effectiveness in conveying a particular message.

Step 8: Consider the Social and Cultural Impact

Movies often reflect the social and cultural context in which they were made. For a comprehensive analysis, discuss how the film resonates with the audience and its impact on society and popular culture. Examine the reception of the film and any controversies or debates surrounding IT .

Step 9: Provide a Well-Structured and Insightful Review

Once you have analyzed the various aspects of the film, IT ‘s time to put your thoughts together and craft a well-structured review. Start with an engaging introduction that provides a brief overview of the film and its context. Next, present your analysis in a logical manner, focusing on the key elements discussed earlier. Support your points with specific examples from the film. Finally, conclude your review with a concise summary and your overall evaluation.

writing a comprehensive film analysis requires a thoughtful and systematic approach. By understanding the film’s context, analyzing its various components, and delivering your insights in a well-structured review, you can produce an engaging analysis that showcases your analytical skills. Remember to watch the film with a critical eye, take notes, and consider the film’s impact on society. With practice, you will improve your ability to dissect films and provide thoughtful analysis.

Q: How long should a comprehensive film analysis be?

A: The length of a film analysis can vary depending on the specific requirements or guidelines you are given. However, IT is generally recommended to aim for 1000-2000 words to provide a detailed and comprehensive analysis.

Q: Do I need to include spoilers in my analysis?

A: IT is important to strike a balance between providing essential plot details and potential spoilers. If you feel that any spoiler may significantly impact the reader’s experience, IT is advisable to provide a warning or keep the analysis spoiler-free.

Q: Shall I include personal opinions in the analysis?

A: While your analysis should be rooted in objectivity and critical evaluation, IT is acceptable to include your personal opinions as long as they are supported by evidence from the film. However, be cautious not to let personal biases overshadow the overall analysis.

Q: Can I reference other film analysis articles or reviews?

A: Referencing or citing reputable film analysis articles or reviews to support your analysis can add credibility to your work. However, ensure that you properly cite your sources and avoid excessive reliance on other people’s views.

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Film: Movie Reviews and Film Criticism

• Movie Reviews and Film Criticism
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Finding Movie Reviews and Film Criticism

Film criticism provides evidence for Film & Digital Arts criticism assignments. This research guide distinguishes movie reviews from film criticism and pr ovides resources that will help you find criticism and reviews. See the Articles & Databases and Web Resources sections of this research guide for a list of search tools.

Movie Reviews

The purpose of a movie review is consumer in nature. The reviewer is making a judgment about the quality of the movie with the intention of telling the reader whether or not it is worth the time, effort, and money to watch. The reviewer assumes that the reader has not seen the movie and therefore is careful to reveal no spoilers. Reviews tend to be written when the movie is released into theaters, on video or DVD, or in streaming. The quality of reviews varies greatly, ranging from a simple plot summary with a thumbs up or thumbs down to an in-depth examination informed by expertise from film schools and years of film analysis and reviews. Regardless, the purpose of a review is to make a viewing recom mendation.

Examples of movie reviews of Pulp Fiction include:

• James Berardinelli
• Roger Ebert
• Andrew Wickliffe

Film Criticism

The purpose of film criticism is scholarly in nature. The film scholar is also making a judgment of the quality, but is doing so with the intention of making an argument about the meaning of the film or films by providing reasoned consideration and evidence. The scholar assumes that the reader has seen the film in order to better engage the argument – spoilers are irrelevant.

Film scholars have a distinct lens that they use in interpreting films. Their arguments might be based on filmmaker intent with an auteur lens, a formalist analysis of style and aesthetics or visual narrative, or an examination of the biographical or historical context. Their arguments might disconnect and dismantle the meaning of the film from its author’s intent by making a poststructuralist, semiotic, psychoanalytic, or literary analysis from the perspective of the viewer and of society. Their arguments might be a means to social justice intending to challenge the dominant power structures and the status quo by applying ideological Marxist, feminist, postcolonial, or queer approaches. Regardless, the purpose of criticism is to make a scholarly argument.

Examples of film criticism of Pulp Fiction include (you will need to be on campus or logged in to view):

• Davis, Todd F., and Kenneth Womack. “Shepherding the Weak: The Ethics of Redemption in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction.’” Literature Film Quarterly , vol. 26, no. 1, Jan. 1998, p. 60-66. EBSCOhost permalink .
• Jewers, Caroline. “Heroes and Heroin: From ‘True Romance’ to ‘Pulp Fiction.’” Journal of Popular Culture , vol. 33, 2000, pp. 39-61. Link
• Kimball, A.Samuel. “‘Bad-Ass Dudes’ in Pulp Fiction: Homophobia and the Counterphobic Idealization of Women.” Quarterly Review of Film & Video , vol. 16, no. 2, Sept. 1997, pp. 171-192. Link

Criticism as Evidence

As in criticism, the purpose of film assignments tends to be making your own argument about a film or films using reasoned consideration and evidence. The nature of the evidence that will best serve your needs is criticism, not reviews. This research guide shows how to find both criticism and reviews, because the simple fact is that not all films receive critical treatment, but virtually all are reviewed. In those cases where there is no criticism available, you may use reviews as a starting point, especially if they are the more in-depth examinations informed by expertise. However, you will most likely end up making your own reasoned consideration a centerpiece of the study without providing the evidence a film criticism provides.

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50 Film Analysis

Film analysis, 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 Copyright © 2020 by Liza Long; Amy Minervini; and Joel Gladd is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Link your search terms using the AND connector. For example: "horror films" and japanese. On the search results screen, use the options on the left toolbar to narrow your search results. To find the fulltext of the article, click on the "Check for Full Text" button and work your way through the screens. Not all articles will be online, some may only be in print, others may not be available at the UW. Articles from journals which the UW does not own can be requested via Interlibrary loan.

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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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What Does a Movie Critic Do — And How to Become One

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C hances are, if you’ve shelled out money to go to the movies in the last year, you’ve done so because of a positive word-of-mouth for the movie you’re about to see, or that it’s simply deemed “critically acclaimed”. Movie critics are that “critic” that often shapes the public discourse, sometimes propelling a relatively unknown indie into a buzzworthy future Oscar winner. But what does a movie critic in this modern era actually do ? In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at these professional film reviewer’s day-to-day.

INSIDE THE MOVIE CRITIC JOB

First, let’s define movie critic.

A film critic’s job isn’t just to watch non-stop movies. Movie reviewers must approach each review from an objective, journalistic standpoint that isn’t shaped by bias. Here's a quick definition of the job.

Movie Critic DEFINITION

What is a movie critic.

A movie critic  is a writer who publishes their opinions on newly released movies (and occasionally, due to the new streaming model) straight-to-streaming films and special event programming. It’s important to note that many movie critics also review TV shows and other media. Movie critics typically review new releases with the angle of whether or not the film is worthy to see based on the genre, story, directing, acting, and more.  

Movie critic jobs in the modern age:

• Writing for a print or online publication
• Hosting or writing a movie-themed podcast
• Self-publishing reviews to a blog or personal website

THE SPECIFICS OF A MOVIE REVIEWER JOB

Film reviewing vs. film criticism.

You may be interested in becoming a movie critic and eyeing a “Film Studies” program at a local university. Though many professionals come from these programs, it’s important to note the style of writing required for a film critic job hinges on the review . 

A guide to a film critic job

A movie reviewer’s job is to deem whether or not the film is entertaining enough to be seen by a widespread audience, not whether or not the film itself was “artful.” 

Film analysis is different than what’s typically required of movie critic jobs

The day-to-day of a movie critic job, what’s a typical day for a movie critic.

Similar to many other writing-centric jobs, no two days often look the same. Movie critics are often invited to “Sneak Preview Screenings” where they’re able to watch a movie well before it premieres, or are sent an online link to stream the movie at home. 

Sometimes, they attend film festivals like Sundance and Cannes, where they’re able to review both future blockbusters and independent films. Sometimes, they can be called on as a go-to film critic “guest” on popular radio stations like NPR and KCRW.

In the modern tech age, a lot of movie critics supplement their work for major publishers with their own personal movie-centric podcasts or blogs. Amy Nicholson is a full-time critic but she also co-hosts a movie podcast with comedian Paul Scheer called Unspooled where they reexamine older films.

Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson co-host a film-themed podcast called “Unspooled”

Movie critic salary, how do movie critics get paid.

Figuring out the typical income of a professional movie critic is reliant on a number of factors: level of experience, the publication that they work for, and their geographical location. 

For example, a movie critic living in New York City or Los Angeles where attending press events in person may be pertinent to their job success may net a higher income than a movie critic living in Columbus, OH.

HOW TO BECOME A MOVIE CRITIC

So how much do movie critics make.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate for a movie critic is $26/hour, with the lowest being $7.93/hour and the highest being $47.60. 

Top earners might expect $75,000/year while the average is around $53,000/year.

HOW TO GET STARTED

How to become a movie critic.

Becoming a movie critic does not focus on one specific path. As mentioned earlier, some movie critics start their career path by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.

Regardless of where you start, learning about the history of cinema and studying the nuances between film reviewing and film analysis will strengthen your chances of being successful.

What does a movie critic do and how do they write a review?

Often, recruiters for this type of job consider an applicant’s portfolio of previously written work. Gain experience and establish your voice as a movie critic by writing film reviews for publications such as school newspapers, personal blogs, or recording your own podcast. 

If eligible, seek out internships at places like media outlets or film festivals to not only get a sense of the next wave of filmmaking, but to sharpen your skills in how you discuss these works.

The History of Film, Explained

From photographic techniques to the Pre-Code era to Film Noir. What does a movie critic do? Become an encyclopedia for film history, styles, and more. Brush up on our comprehensive history of film eras below.

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A movie review is an article that is published in a newspaper, magazine, or scholarly work that describes and evaluates a movie. Reviews are typically written by journalists giving their opinion of the movie. Some reviews include score (4 out of 5 stars) or recommendations (thumbs up). Since reviews are printed in many different kinds of publications, you may need to search several sources.

A movie criticism is written by a scholar or expert in film studies to discuss the movie within a historical, social, political, or theoretical context. It differs from the opinion or recommendation that a movie review provides in terms of length, content and focus. Criticisms can be found in cinema studies journals as well as discipline-specific sources, depending on the plot or themes of the movie.

Reviews and criticisms are produced after the release of a movie, whether that is its initial release to theatres, or a release in a home video format. Knowing the initial release date(s) will help refine your search. Also note that nationwide release of movies only started in the 1980s; earlier films were released on different dates in different parts of the country. So a movie reviewed in New York City of Los Angeles may not have been reviewed for months or years later in smaller cities. The Internet Movie Database is an excellent source for release dates. Finally, movies can be remade, so you will want to be sure you are finding reviews or criticisms for the correct film; knowing the director or major stars will help refine your search results.

Many sources will only give a citation for the review or criticism. Use that citation to track down the complete text of the article.

Movie review and critique databases

General interest databases.

Reviews and criticisms can be found in general interest databases. Note the date range covered by each database and select ones that cover the time after the release of your movie. Search the title of the movie (as a phrase when possible) and include the director's last name if more than one film by that title exists.

Print indexes

Since most databases cover only more recent years, finding reviews for older movies may require using a print index. Check the catalog record for each index to see if it covers the dates required. Use the volume corresponding to the year of publication for your book and the year or two after.. (Several of these indexes have been moved to off-campus storage; you'll have to request for them to be brought back to Newman to use them.)

Freely available movie review websites

A large number of websites provide access to movie reviews, either the full text of the review, or at least a citation you can use to track down the full text.

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Film Writing: Essays vs Reviews

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In any sector where publishing one’s writing, there are various types into which one can subvert their writing style. The four most basic are expository, narrative, descriptive and persuasive. When it comes to writing for film and media, though, all four of these sorts can be used. For example, both descriptive and persuasive writing could be used in a review or essay in which the reader’s objective is to convince their audience based on what has been written.

Although film essays and film reviews take the form of a number of writing styles, there are often misconceptions between the two. Reviews often generally talk to the entire audience who have not seen a film and write in the first-person, whereas the film essay targets an academic audience and has a more specific process with a set of rules.

Having briefly outlined the difference between film essays and film reviews, this article will now elaborate on each writing style by answering the following questions – Why do they differ? What are their approaches? How long should they be? Who are the target readers? What is to be included in the main body? What style of language should be used? How do they use exterior sources? What are the results and how should they conclude?

Film Essays

How do essays work.

Although it can often depend on the subject area, writing essays is a fundamental task for any forthcoming assignments during college and higher education studies. It is represented as an assessment tool that exemplifies not only your academic writing skills, but further evaluation on critical thinking within your subject. The essay follows a simple structure – a beginning, middle and end, but how they are delivered is entirely down to the writer and the reader’s critical interpretation.

The essay is required to go into more depth about a certain topic, but how it is written is specific. Regarding film and media, the essay needs to critically analyse relevant elements from a film (or group of them), which serve as examples when arguing the essay’s question. These examples could be chosen based on one’s own ideas, which are simply formulated into an argument. For instance, one might want to write an essay about Quentin Tarantino and his repeated use of violence. The response to writing it would simply be to use scene examples and analyse them to structure that argument.

How could film academics approach essays?

It is firstly important to point out that when writing essays, there is no right or wrong answer. In the medium of film, especially, because we go into the films with different expectations and have various opinions. However, there is a right and wrong answer as to how the academic takes their approach to their work. Unlike reviews, you cannot write about how you feel and what you think in an essay.

Considering this, there are questions that the writer needs to ask themselves when approaching essays – what evidence am I showing? Why is the content relevant? How am I going to support these claims from ideas I’ve gathered? The writer originates their ideas from indications in films, but the execution of the written analysis must be at an academic style. Also, the ideas are usually meant to be timely in connection to why the idea is important now, which is what the second question indicated. You are voicing your interpretation of an idea, but the paper contents are practically like a report and critique of your observations.

For example, one may write an analysis about differences between dreams and reality in Christopher Nolan’s Inception . One would not illustrate their own opinion in an essay, but would look at relevant aspects to further examine the point. These may include analysis of mise-en-scéne, props, figural expressions from characters and how the camera shots are created. Using evidence from the film, and analysing it, the academic writer can then justify their arguments.

How long should the essay be?

Film essays require not only analysis of relevant scenes relating to the essay question or hypothesis, they are also dependent on research and literature relating to the topic. In this sense, the writer needs the required space to fit in both the literature, whether using quotes or paraphrased sentences, and one’s own analysis. This can often be difficult due to a word limit (which can vary from 1000 words or more), but the key to a good film essay is that it is only establishes the most important points, using both the literature and scenes or characters used for analysis.

Who are the essay’s target readers?

The essay is aimed at an academic reader. In particular regards to the academic, the key individuals could either be lecturers within the industry or individuals working in a research faculty. The film essay could also be a useful resource for people, such as students, who are either required to write about a related subject or will use the essay’s research in their work towards an independent project (such as a Master’s or PhD thesis). Of course, anyone can choose to read the essays but their target readers are primarily academics or learning ones.

What is to be included in the essay’s main body?

The idea of a main body in an essay format is for each paragraph to serve as a mini-answer to the question, but not one which finalises it. Each section must be a valid explanation from analysis that contributes to your final answer, which comes in the conclusion. This could either be factual information (which could surprise the reader) or a justifiable example. The purpose of the paragraph must be necessary, too, in order to help support the argument claim.

For example, an essay question may ask – “to what extent does Alfred Hitchc*ck display the auteur theory and male gaze in his films?” In this one, both of these theories must be researched, applied to Hitchc*ck , then textually analysis must be done of the relevant films. Those concerning the male gaze being films such as Rear Window and Vertigo , while sequences from North by Northwest , Psycho and The Birds may be more applicable to the auteur theory. Scenes analysed, therefore, support the essay claim based on the title and justify the arguments. This strategy is to be repeated in the main body before drawing up your summarised conclusion.

What style of language should be used in the essay?

When writing essays in general, there are boundaries concerning style of written language. Although the reader knows that the author is writing in their own voice from their own idea, they are not speaking the voice of opinion. The reader must be on an equal level to the writer. So, how does the essay formulate its written style without it being too opinionated?

The fact that they target academics already suggests a specific tool must be used. In addition to writing expressively in an analytical style, we must use referencing. It is a clear mention to an academic’s former research and a side note to how your work applies, which clearly differs from reviews. From that argument elaborated from somebody else’s work, you then create your own ideas and assumptions. However, first-person terms such as “I think…”, “my” or generally “I” should be avoided. Follow this guideline from Cite This For Me  for help with referencing.

Instead of speaking in first-person, the idea at academic level is to use a sentence structure such as – “According to Laura Mulvey , the male gaze is defined as…” before continuing with a direct or paraphrased quote. An in-text reference is to be included, too, for two reasons – to clarify the quoted source and to avoid plagiarism.

How should we use exterior sources for the essay?

When writing at academic level, there are still rules to follow concerning how authors use other academic sources. Now, whether it is at essay level or mere film review standards, editors and academics still expect to see certain regulations. An essay is heavily reliant on researched literature to support one’s own claims.

Laura Mulvey is a renowned example of a film theorist whose work on the male gaze shaped film and media studies, namely through her essay titled here .

Some of these literature sources can be implemented in an essay and can serve to underpin and support one’s own claims. For instance, some may want to write about Immanuel Kant’s philosophy on morality in relation to a drama film or Charles Darwin/Francis Galton’s theory of evolution and eugenics when discussing early science-fiction cinema. The writer is not to copy the academic’s work, but to instead utilise it in arguing their own original ideas.

What are the results and how should you conclude your essay?

It is particularly important to ensure that your results are the answers to your essay title, whether it is a question or not. The answers are all divided into several sections within the main body, but the summarised response comes at the very end in the conclusion. For example, an essay arguing about 3D cinema being the future or a financial gimmick should be concluded with a finalised summary of your findings. At the same time, there should still be room available either for readers to reflect on or for academics to elaborate further on the research.

Film Reviews

How do reviews work.

As opposed to essays, film reviews are heavily reliant on critical reception. They are written reports about a film and are from the viewpoint of the writer. The majority of reviews are published around the time of the film’s release, sometimes just before the premiere or during its theatrical run in the cinemas.

The film review critiques a film based on its featured elements, which could be acting, production aspects (such as lighting, cinematography or visual effects), narrative structure, screenwriting or directing. Its purpose is to weigh the ups and downs but, like an essay, to draw a conclusion as to whether the film is considered good, average or bad. To make it more interesting and engaging for the readers, reviews often appear in the form of star ratings with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.

To learn more about critiquing the different elements of film, read this article on film analysis.

How could writers approach reviews?

The review is mainly from a biased, one-sided viewpoint and the idea is that relevant points discussed are meant to persuade the readers. It is not strictly forceful that people must go and see a film or not, but the implication is that expectations may change whether for good or bad. The reviewer’s words are intended to be reliable to other people who have yet to see the film, despite us knowing that all opinions differ. The question remains – if all our opinions differ, why do readers engage with another’s writing? It could be out of curiosity on whether a film they’ve wanted to see is good, or perhaps they hope the film will be bad.

Similar to an essay, it is crucial for the writer to know enough details about the film before writing the review. Apart from that, for reviews, writers gather the specifics from their own thoughts whereas academics base their writing more on factual information. It is fairer to the film for the writer to eventually draw up a reasonable decision about the film after watching it.

What about while actually watching a film? Some writers collect their thoughts afterwards when writing the review, but others may work easier by taking quick notes during the screening. This is entirely down to preference and memory skills, but both do prove to be viable strategies when approaching reviews throughout the film viewing. Taking notes may actually be useful, though, because key elements can easily be missed during a first-time viewing. Watching the film for a second time may be an option if note-taking is not the writer’s approach.

How long should reviews be?

A review is usually expected to be approximately 700-1000 words. It is written at this length because each of the aspects discussed within the review (acting, production, narrative, directing) are more concise, particularly as the points are made clearer for the reader. Also, as reviews are a personal account, it may seem boring to read page after page of a review when the reader’s opinion may differ. The length could distract from the reader’s enjoyment, particularly as it is from only the writer’s opinion. So, whether the writer enjoyed the film or not, keeping the written piece brief and straight to the point is the key to an exceptional film review.

Who are the review’s target readers?

As opposed to the essay, the review’s target audience is everybody . The entire purpose of the review is for its content to be persuasive and reliable enough for an audience to base its decision on. Readers can see published reviews in one of two ways – either in print or online (usually as part of a magazine or one’s personal blog). Both of these are popular mediums of publishing film reviews and as they are easily reachable to people now, the general public can access any of these sources and read reviews from there.

What is to be included in the review’s main body?

Similar to an essay, a review’s main body should include paragraphs featuring mini-responses to the eventual conclusion. A review needs to look for and discuss the following aspects – actors, structure, music, mise-en-scéne and possible connections with the audience (especially if any moral messages are included or the film raised controversy). Each of these characteristics could be summarised in a single paragraph, but as long as it meets a reasonable length and has concise language.

It may also be vital to highlight that the biggest fault of many reviews, especially these days, is their overwhelming use of spoilers. Anything like that should not be in the review at all. From a plot point to a character twist, it unfairly ruins the expectations and often excitement for the reader, but also the regard of the writer. It defeats the purpose, so no spoilers are to be included. Only include information that the reader already knows or should be thinking about during the expectation phase. However, spoilers can be included in the essay as their readers are expected to know all about the film as it centres more on analysis.

Reviewers instead analyse their points about a film and formulate their opinion through a valid argument. Furthermore, the review is a written discussion about a film and should not be written simply as first-person sentences. For example, comments like “ The Dark Knight Rises  was a good film but could have been better”, “I liked The Hangover because it was funny” and “I didn’t like The Exorcist because it was scary” are not enough. Why could The Dark Knight Rises have been better? Why was The Hangover funny? Why was The Exorcist too scary? These points need valid justification. They don’t have to be proof of anything, but could be aspects which may elicit further argument.

What style of language should be used in the review?

To elaborate from the previous point, the written language of a film review should be subject to the writer speaking in their own voice and creating their own interpretation. Reviews are written from a personal point-of-view but in a written form of expression. The writing aims to sell the opinion to persuade the reader but, depending on the publishing site, the reviewer can use first-person terms. Particularly if it is a personal blog that centres only on the opinions and thoughts of that writer, using first-person vocabulary such as “I” and “my” can be used.

However, if the review is going to be among the work of other reviewers as part of a specific business, whether online or print, then first-person can be dismissed. It is meant to be written as personal regardless, but, particularly if for a magazine, the idea is to pen the review professionally within a balanced structure.

How should we use exterior sources for the review?

Using literature as a supportive tool is not so relevant in writing film reviews because, as repeatedly stated, they are more centred on publishing from a personal perspective. They do not need to back up one’s idea or claim as a review is subject to individual opinion. The review does require valid reasoning in its claims, but only the academic essay uses resources to support theirs.

What are the results and how should you conclude your review?

Again like the essay, the results of the review are the findings you have gathered from the main body of your writing. The reviewer condenses their thoughts by drawing up a fair summary of whether a film should be seen or not. It should always conclude with a sense of excitement for the reader or, if a film is disappointing, a sense of dignity.

However, there are rules to consider when writing the conclusion of a review. The most fundamental problem of review conclusions is when the writer addresses the film with a personal attack. Opinions differ, of course, and it is understandable that a writer would want to express theirs but boundaries are crucial. A misstep like this could lead to controversial consequences, reflecting badly on the writer’s career. The review should conclude with the reader regenerating their own expectations based on what they have read. Therefore, the reviewer should be as expressive in writing the review as they should be equally generous to the reader.

So, which of these two film writing formats is easier to use – an essay or a review? It is a simple question that is difficult to answer as it is usually dependent on the writer’s preference. Although reviews are considered easier, as one can begin their writing by voicing their opinion, it is still a style that shouldn’t be compared to writing an essay. There is a similar process to doing them each properly, but the approach and eventual presentations of each are different from one another.

To put it simply, reviews are a journalistic style of writing for a general audience, whereas essays are more academic for scholars and researchers in higher education faculties. I have not declared which is the most useful or most creative format to use in relation to cinema, but instead raised the compare-and-contrasting points between writing film essays and film reviews. Therefore, clarifying for readers that despite being commonly misinterpreted as similar, they are different and there are different writing tools to use.

What is your preferred style of film writing? Did you find this guide useful?

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Sam is 25 years old from the West Midlands region of the UK, who has a passion for the world of cinema and publishing. He is currently studying a postgraduate degree in Film & Television: Research and Production at the University of Birmingham. He is currently working in theatre and academic support.

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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.

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

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• 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
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• 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

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How to write a movie review [Updated 2023]

Writing a movie review is a great way to practice critical analysis skills. In this post, we explore what a movie review is, how to start a film review, and steps for writing and revising it.

What is a movie review?

A movie review is a concise evaluation of a film’s content and formal elements (cinematography, sound, lighting, etc.). Also known as a film review, a movie review considers not just what a film means, but how it means. Essentially, when you write a film review, you are conducting a critical analysis or close reading of a movie.

How to write a movie review

To write a successful review about a movie, you need to evaluate a film’s content, as well as its form. In this section, we break down these two components.

A film’s content includes its plot (what it’s about), characters, and setting. You’ll need to determine the main plot points of the film and how the film’s story works overall.

Are there parts that don’t make sense? Are certain characters more important than others? What is the relationship between the movie’s plot and its setting? A discussion of a film’s content provides good context for an analysis of its form.

Form refers to all of the aesthetic and/or formal elements that make a story into a movie. You can break down form into several categories:

• Cinematography : This element comprises all aspects of the movie that derive from the way a camera moves and works. You’ll need to pay attention to elements like camera angles, distances between the camera and the subject, and types of shots (i.e. close-up, aerial, etc.).
• Lighting : Films use lighting in various ways to communicate certain effects. For instance, noir films tend to utilize chiaroscuro lighting (deep contrasts between light and dark) to express a sense of secrecy or foreboding.
• Sound : The way a film uses sound can vary considerably. Most movies have a soundtrack, sometimes with music composed specifically for the film. Some films play around with ambient sounds or use silence at key points to signify important moments. What is the relation of sound to the image in specific scenes or sequences? Do sounds link images? Does it ever become more important than the image?
• Editing : The movies we watch online or in theaters have been heavily edited in order to achieve a particular flow. When you are preparing to write a movie review, pay close attention to elements like the length of shots, transitions between scenes, or any other items that were finalized after filming.
• Costumes, Props, and Sets : Are the costumes and props believable in relation to the film’s content and setting? Are costumes particularly elaborate or understated?

The important thing to remember when you are analyzing the formal elements of a movie is that every image, sound, movement, and object has meaning and has been planned. Your review needs to take into consideration how these elements work together with the film’s storyline to create a whole experience.

Once you’ve considered both the content and form of the movie that you’re reviewing, you can begin to evaluate the film as a whole. Is it a successful movie? Would you recommend it? Why or why not?

Step-by-step review writing tips

1. watch the movie.

The first time that you watch the movie, look for overarching themes or patterns, and establish what the film is primarily about. Take note of the main characters, as well as the setting.

2. Watch the movie again and take notes

Next, watch the movie again and take notes as you are doing so, keeping in mind the formal aspects discussed above. Write down anything that seems significant.

3. Evaluate the film’s form and content

Using the categories described above, and any handouts or guides provided by your instructor, evaluate the film’s formal elements along with its content. Are there elements of the movie that strike you as unfamiliar or perplexing? Are there elements that are repeated to emphasize a point or perception?

4. Write your review

A good movie review will contain:

• an introductory paragraph that tells the reader what movie you’re reviewing
• a paragraph that summarizes the movie
• several body paragraphs that explore significant formal elements and how they relate to the content
• a concluding paragraph that discusses your overall reaction to the film and whether or not you would recommend it to others

5. Create citations

You’ll need cite the film and any secondary sources that you consulted while writing. Use BibGuru’s citation generator to instantly create accurate citations for movies, as well as articles, books, and websites.

You may also want to consult a guide on how to cite a film in MLA or another major citation style .

6. Revise and proofread

Once you’ve written your review, you should set aside some time to revise and proofread it before you turn it in.

Movie review checklist

You can use this checklist to ensure that you’ve considered all of the formal elements, as well as the content, of the film that you’re reviewing:

🔲 Cinematography (camera moves and types of shots)

🔲 Lighting (natural vs. artificial light, contrasts between light and dark)

🔲 Sound (soundtrack, sound vs. silence, loud vs. soft sounds)

🔲 Editing (length of shots, transitions between scenes)

🔲 Costumes, props, and sets (believable vs. staged)

🔲 Content (plot, characters, setting)

Frequently Asked Questions about how to write a review about a movie

A movie review should contain a brief summary of the film, several paragraphs of analysis that focus on form and content, and a concluding paragraph that sums up your reaction.

Before you write anything, you need to watch the film at least once. Take notes as you’re watching and pay attention to formal elements and patterns. Then, write your review. The final step is to revise your work before you turn it in.

The tone for a movie review should be critical, yet objective. The goal of most reviews is to persuade a reader to either see a film or not.

The best film reviews balance plot summary with critical analysis of significant formal elements. A reader should be able to decide if she wants to see the film after reading the review.

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How film criticism differs from ‘reviewing’ a movie, and how relevant it is today

R balki’s latest film chup, and the tamil nadu film producers council urging reviewers to wait for three days before pushing out negative reviews of films, have put the spotlight on what exactly film criticism and movie reviews are supposed to do, and what is the need for them in the first place. we explain..

Acclaimed director R Balki’s latest film Chup (2022), which has received mixed reviews , is a commentary on the nature of art, specifically films, and the relationship art shares with its ‘criticism’.

The film revolves around a serial killer who exclusively targets film critics, and a cop who is on the killer’s trail. More than just a thriller, the film also tries to take a deeper look at the question of whether a negative review can ‘kill’ a film.

This month, the Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council (TFPC) urged film reviewers to publish negative reviews three days after the film’s release. The Council also asked theatre owners to not allow YouTubers to shoot film reviews inside their premises.

“Any film has only a three-day window to make a difference at the box office,” said Dhananjeyan, producer of films like Kaatrin Mozhi and Mr Chandramouli and member of the Council. He added, “Even Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has made a similar request before. If there is a bad film, why the urgency to release a negative review? The film will…anyway fail. Why kill it even more?”

The discussions around Chup and the TFPC’s request have brought the spotlight once again on what exactly film criticism and movie reviews are supposed to do, and what is the need for them in the first place. We explain.

What is film criticism?

Film criticism, like criticism of other art forms, is concerned with the analysis and evaluation of cinema. It involves interpretation, a deeper understanding of the context of the film, and a connection to the history of the medium itself.

In his essay “The Psychology of the Critic and Psychological Criticism” (1962), academic Philip Weissman wrote that the critic is “minimally required to be a connoisseur”, but “the step from connoisseur to critic implies the progression from knowledge to judgement.”

How is a film critique different from a review?

Shubhra Gupta, veteran film critic with The Indian Express , says that the major difference between a film critic and a reviewer is that a critic “has in his/her head an arc— he/she has watched the industry grow in a certain way, and is aware of the atmosphere around us. He/she is aware that a piece of art is not created in isolation.”

One way to understand the difference is to see reviews as more consumer-driven, where the focus is to tell the audience whether or not a film is worth watching. A proper critique leans more towards a comprehensive understanding of the film in a non-fragmentary manner, and is not concerned so much with telling the audience what to watch and what to avoid, but to place it in the proper context of the ecosystem that it has come out of.

To put simply, if someone only reviews films, they are not necessarily critics; however, critics do review films and add more analytical nuances to an audience’s understanding of a film, or even the history of films. “I expect a good critic to have knowledge of all art forms, and to be aware of socio-political developments in society,” Gupta says. She adds, “Knowledge has to be knit into the review without being patronising.”

Can critics really ‘kill’ a film?

One of the biggest complaints against film critics is that their unfavourable reviews often discourage audiences from watching the film, resulting in low box office collections and low profits. With the prevalence of social media in every sphere of life, negative reviews also translate into constant trolling and bashing on platforms like Facebook , Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, etc.

However, in a country like India, where star power is seen as a major pull even today, negative reviews alone cannot sink a film. While it is true that the superstar culture seems to be waning, there are many examples of films powering through despite receiving a bad critical response, on the strength of their leading stars alone.

Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 emerged as one of Bollywood’s biggest commercial successes this year, despite receiving unenthusiastic reviews . A lot of its success is being attributed to its leading man, Kartik Aaryan, and the fanbase that he has built for himself over the years. Similarly, the Tamil film Beast, which starred Kollywood superstar ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay, managed to do great business at the box office despite reviews criticising its storyline .

Gupta says that there are no easy answers to the question of critics and reviewers ‘killing’ a film. “If you had asked me earlier, my answer would have been an unequivocal no,” she says. “But so much has changed in the last 2-3 years… film reviewing now has a lot to do with agendas beyond the film itself. Trolling, particularly the kind that has a particular agenda, and questions of nepotism and boycotting Bollywood are now much more prominent.”

Anyone following the film industry closely would have heard many people involved in it saying that if someone knew the formula to make a successful film, every film would be a hit. What this means, essentially, is that there is no predictability about the success or failure of a particular film. “How successful a film will be is pure alchemy,” says Gupta, adding that there is no way to foresee how a film will capture the cultural zeitgeist (‘zeitgeist’ refers to the defining spirit or mood of a specific period in history) and resonate with audiences.

“With some films,” she says, “It seems like we were just waiting for them to come. One of the last examples that I can think of is Rang De Basanti (2006).”

What is the role of a professional film critic today, when the Internet provides a space for everyone to come and leave their review?

One important feature of film criticism, which differentiates it from reviewing, is that it implies a certain degree of objectivity. Of course, it is impossible to leave one’s biases completely at home while consuming art, but the very nature of analysing and contextualising a film makes a critique more objective than a review, whose thrust is to recommend or reject a film.

For example, it probably won’t matter to a good critic where the film is coming from, be it the biggest production house or a new venture.

“Critics are important for films that need a bit of a push,” says Gupta. “That’s what our job is, to cut the clutter, and bring out films that otherwise would not have too much exposure.”

She adds, “We (critics) have never been as important as we are today. We can separate the wheat from the chaff, and give the audience more knowledge and more context of what they see and want to see.”

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Arushi works with the online desk at The Indian Express. She writes on entertainment, culture, women's issues, and sometimes a mix of all three. She regularly contributes to the Explained and Opinion sections and is also responsible for curating the daily newsletter, Morning Expresso. She studied English literature at Miranda House, University of Delhi, along with a minor in Sociology. Later, she earned a post-graduate diploma in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, where she learnt the basics of print, digital and broadcast journalism. Write to her at [email protected]. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram. ... Read More

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'Monkey Man' review: Underestimate Dev Patel at your own peril after this action movie

In his directorial debut “Monkey Man,” Dev Patel gifts action-movie fans with a multilayered, hyperviolent narrative. Sure, he pulls off a deep dive into Indian mythology, yet he's pretty darn good at attacking goons with fireworks, platform shoes and all manner of sharp objects too.

More “Rocky” than “John Wick,” the gritty and gory revenge thriller (★★★ out of four; rated R; in theaters Friday) is a love letter to his two-fisted influences, from Bruce Lee movies to Asian cult flicks like “Oldboy” and “The Raid.” But the underdog story, produced by Jordan Peele, also shows a bunch of new sides to Patel, who knuckles up as a legit action star and a guy who can make a movie that’s totally cool, occasionally amusing and impressively thoughtful.

'Monkey Man': Dev Patel got physical for his new movie, and he has the broken bones to prove it

Patel also co-wrote the screenplay, a modern take on the mythos of the Hindu monkey god Hanuman. Kid (Patel) competes in an underground Indian fight club, though his job is mainly to take a bloody beating while wearing a monkey mask and hope his colorful boss Tiger (Sharlto Copley) doesn’t stiff him on pay.

At the same time, our hero is also haunted by the murder of his mom and a traumatic childhood, which fuels Kid’s mission of vengeance to take down those responsible. He gets a chance to infiltrate a repressive political system by working in a high-end brothel and starts causing problems for power players including a narcissistic, no-good celebrity guru (Makarand Deshpande) and a corrupt police chief (Sikander Kher).

With the holiday of Diwali on the way, as well as an important election, they don’t need someone like Kid messing things up. He becomes a wanted man and ends up left for dead in the street, where he’s found by a tribe of trans women who like Kid have been marginalized. Their leader Alpha (Vipin Sharma) nurses him back to health yet also imparts a key lesson: Instead of enduring pain and suffering as his primary existence, Kid needs a purpose in life.

While the piecemeal rollout of Kid’s backstory and bits of the Hanuman tale muddy the plot at first, “Monkey Man” swings into a groove when the main character is at his lowest point. Kid gets himself (and the movie) into gear in a lively montage where he uses a bag of wheat for punching practice as Alpha offers up a nifty percussion accompaniment. (It’s the next best thing to Survivor songs psyching up Rocky Balboa back in the day.)

Thusly inspired and trained, Kid goes on a righteous rampage and literally fights his way to the top floor of the villainous big boss. Patel can craft a mean action sequence, whether between ring ropes as masked men duke it out for crowds, a speedy car chase involving a tuk-tuk named after Nicki Minaj, or Kid kicking, stabbing and brawling his way through hordes of bad guys. As the guy at the center of these battles, the Oscar-nominated Patel ("Lion") never seems or looks out of place, even borrowing Keanu Reeves’ fashionable panache when it comes to gnarly combat couture.

The fact that “Monkey Man” includes social-cultural context, as something meaty to chew on rather than a throwaway thematic thread, is the cherry on top of Patel’s bloody sundae. He’s managed to craft a rare action movie that makes you think and also will joyfully plunge a metal rod into a dude’s brain.

Screen Rant

Scary movie franchise reboot in development at paramount & miramax.

Paramount and Miramax are now working on a reboot of the Scary Movie franchise, which is well known for its parodies of other popular horror movies.

• A reboot of Scary Movie is in the works at Paramount and Miramax.
• The reboot is set to start production this fall, with a release expected next year.
• Movies that seem like prime targets to be parodied include M3GAN , Hereditary , Five Nights at Freddy's , Night Swim , and more.

A reboot of Scary Movie is in the works at Paramount and Miramax. Released in 2000, Scary Movie is directed by Keenan Ivory Wayans and serves as a parody of a host of popular horror movies, particularly Wes Craven's Scream . The movie was a hit, and it was ultimately followed by four sequels before the franchise seemingly came to an end in 2013.

Variety now reports that Paramount and Miramax are developing a Scary Movie reboot. Fast & Furious producer Neal H. Moritz is partnering with Paramount to bring the reimagining to life, which is expected to go into production in fall 2024. The reboot is expected to hit theaters in 2025, with no director or actors currently attached.

Predicting What Horror Movies The New Scary Movie Can Parody

There are a lot of great options.

While no official story information has been revealed about the new Scary Movie , the original five entries tease the type of humor that is to come. In addition to Scream , the original movies skewered the likes of I Know What You Did Last Summer , The Exorcist , The Shining , Halloween , Friday the 13th , The Ring , Saw , The Grudge and many more. With plenty of popular horror movies having been released since 2013, there is no shortage of mtitlesvies that could be targeted in the reboot.

Every Movie Scary Movie Makes Fun Of & How

Something like The Purge , for example, seems ripe for parody because the concept is instantly recognizable to so many people. Jordan Peele's Get Out could also make for a fun parody, albeit a potentially risky one given its subject matter and racialized themes. But the movie was widely seen, which is an important factor when it comes to what movies are ripe for parodying. It's also not hard to imagine a comedic riff on A Quiet Place , or the especially sinister movies of Ari Aster like Hereditary and Midsommar .

The new Scary Movie could also poke fun at broader themes in horror, such as the reliance on remakes, reboots, and nostalgia. Since the reboot is just that, a reboot, this could also serve as an opportunity for some meta self-commentary.

The last few years have arguably seen the release of several horror movies that would make for perfect Scary Movie parodies. M3GAN , for example, about a murderous robot that looks like a little girl, could make for a fun target, as could something like the poorly-reviewed Five Nights at Freddy 's . Night Swim , too, which is about a haunted swimming pool, already has a degree of comedy baked into its premise. It remains to be seen what the Scary Movie reboot will parody, but there are evidently a ton of great choices.

Source: Variety

Godzilla x Kong New Empire: Best Fights In The Movie, Ranked

One of the most fascinating aspects about the Kaiju genre is the amazing fights that these titanic creatures engage in. And this is something where Legendary Pictures’ Monsterverse never disappoints. Thanks to these movies, iconic characters like Godzilla and King Kong have been part of some of the most incredible action scenes ever put on film.

This is true once again in their most recent adventure, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire . The new film sees Godzilla and Kong teaming up once again in order to defeat a powerful villain, but other monsters make memorable appearances as well . This means that there are a fair share of great fights in this movie, and this is the definitive ranking of the best ones.

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Godzilla vs. tiamat, godzilla encounters a small obstacle before reaching his new form.

During his mission to get more powerful , Godzilla travels to the Arctic Ocean in order to absorb a large stockpile of solar energy, which is located inside the lair of an underwater titan known as Tiamat . Monsterverse fans immediately recognized this monster from her original appearance in the tie-in comic Godzilla Dominion .

As expected, Tiamat tried to drive Godzilla from her lair, and instantly constricted him with her serpentine body. But this was no match for the King of the Monsters, who used his atomic breath to chop her into pieces. This was a brief but satisfying encounter that showed off what happens when someone gets in Godzilla’s way. Not to mention, is the only underwater fight in the entire film.

Godzilla vs. Scylla

A short but epic fight to start the movie on.

After a brief prologue centered around Kong, Godzilla x Kong switches to an intense scene of Scylla attacking Rome, until Godzilla arrives to put a stop to her rampage. It didn’t take long for the movie to get into the giant monster action, and it’s greatly appreciated because it was a good way to get the audience hyped.

The fight itself doesn’t last long, but it’s solid anyway . The two monsters charge at each other, but Godzilla overpowers Scylla with an uppercut and a throw, only to destroy her with his atomic breath. This was only a small taste of the epic monster brawls that Godzilla x Kong was preparing for its audience.

Kong vs. Suko & The Great Apes

A hilarious brawl that has gone viral.

Most of the marketing for this movie was centered on Suko , which led people to believe that he was going to have a cute father-son relationship with Kong. But this is not what happens in the actual movie when the infant ape first appears, as he immediately tries to attack Kong. To make things even worse, other Great Apes were waiting on the sidelines to ambush the main character.

King Kong: Ranking The Terrible To The Epic

Despite his initial confusion, Kong dealt with these enemies with little to no issue, even when they took his ax away from him, because he was clearly much more experienced at fighting than any of them . But the most memorable part of this fight – which already inspired countless memes on the internet – was when Kong used Suko’s small body as a weapon against the other apes. It was true mindless fun.

Kong vs. Skar King

Establishes the main villain’s strength.

It’s important for a movie like this one to establish how much of a threat its main antagonist is , and Godzilla x Kong does it effectively. When Kong arrives at this civilization of giant apes that were enslaved by Skar King , the evil ape monarch didn’t seem like he could put up a good fight. He was obviously thinner and older than the Eighth Wonder of the World.

But Skar King immediately proves that he is a dangerous fighter. He uses his wits, his agility and his deadly bone whip to overpower Kong, and even manages to steal his battle-ax. To top it all off, he also unleashes the freezing power of his underling, Shimo , on Kong, forcing the ape to retreat with a severely damaged hand.

Godzilla vs. Kong

The rematch that everybody was waiting for.

Even though the title Godzilla x Kong implies an alliance between the titular characters rather than a battle, it would have been disappointing if they didn’t face each other a second time, after the events of Godzilla vs. Kong . After his brief encounter with Skar King, Kong goes up to the surface to ask Godzilla for help. But the powered-up King of the Monsters only wants to battle him, since the ape just entered his territory.

What ensues is one of the most over-the-top kaiju battles in cinema history: Godzilla suplexes Kong like a professional wrestler. Kong uses his new mechanic glove to pummel his opponent, only to later grab him by the tail to carry him into Hollow Earth. It's a chaotic encounter, and it’s always fun to see these two movie icons fight each other. At the end, Kong was yet again no match for Godzilla , and the ape would have died for a second time if it wasn’t for Mothra’s intervention.

Godzilla, Kong, & Suko vs. Skar King & Shimo

An epic monster brawl in rio de janeiro.

Even though this is technically a continuation of another fight, the change in location and reduction in fighters mean it can be classified as an entirely different battle. This is the climax of the movie, as all the important kaiju finally get out of Hollow Earth and arrive at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This felt like a breath of fresh air, because on the Earth's surface, the audience could truly feel the sheer size of these titanic monsters.

9 Strongest Versions Of Godzilla, Ranked

Most of the focus of this fight is on seizing Skar King’s crystal, so he can stop controlling Shimo, who is actually the most dangerous threat to both Godzilla and Kong. Skar King uses his whip to throw buildings, Godzilla uses his atomic breath and raw strength to distract Shimo , and Suko even helps out by giving Kong his iconic battle-ax. Ultimately, the moment in which Shimo is finally freed from control and turns on her captor by freezing him with her frost breath is one of the most satisfying parts of the film.

Godzilla, Kong, & Mothra vs. Skar King, Shimo, & The Great Apes

A chaotic monster war without gravity.

This is the moment in the movie that everyone was waiting for: when Godzilla and Kong finally reach Hollow Earth in order to face Skar King and Shimo together. This setup was already promising enough, since getting to watch this duo fight together a second time was going to be amazing. Yet it was made even better when the Iwi used their technology to remove the gravity from the region , which made the battle even more memorable.

Skar King and Kong can be seen using their agility alongside the low gravity to jump around and attack each other, while Godzilla and Shimo become a tangled mess of brawling lizards. Even Mothra comes into the equation, protecting the humans from the attacks of Skar King’s great ape army, and later assists Godzilla in his fight against Shimo. This is the most fun scene in the entire movie, and it will always be remembered as one of the most creative fights in the entire Godzilla franchise.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Release Date April 12, 2024

Director Adam Wingard

Studio(s) Legendary Pictures

Distributor(s) Warner Bros.

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The launching pad for Bertrand Bonello ’s new picture “The Beast” (“La Bete”) is a 1903 short story by Henry James called “The Beast in the Jungle.” Seen by some James scholars as an autobiographical expression of rue for a life of inaction, it treats the case of John Marcher, who confides in his acquaintance May Bartram that he lives in fear of an unnamable catastrophe that could upend his life, and the life of anyone close to him. She claims to get what he’s talking about.

“‘You mean you feel how my obsession — poor old thing — may correspond to some possible reality?’

‘To some possible reality.’

‘Then you will watch with me?’”

And so May does. And Marcher’s fear translates into a passivity that compels him to hold May at arm’s length for the rest of his life. At the end of the story, he mourns a love he never allowed himself to have and understands that the catastrophe was his own fear.

In Bonello’s film, the fear belongs to the popular Parisian concert pianist Gabrielle Monnier ( Lea Seydoux ), who, around the time of the great 1910 flood of France’s City of Lights, confesses this fear to Louis ( George MacKay ), a young Englishman with whom she soon begins a tentative liaison. But the trouble they encounter has nothing to do with Gabrielle’s reticence to enter into a romantic relationship with Louis—although that does exist.

Bonello’s not here to tell us that the only thing to fear is fear itself. He’s here to tell us to be afraid—be very afraid. What he delivers is not just a densely packed art movie but the most potent horror picture of the decade so far. A vision of three (actually four) nightmare times, all of them in the same vexed world.

The cataclysms that fall upon Gabrielle—played by a superbly controlled and often heartbreaking Lea Seydoux—aren’t spiritual or conceptual (well, of course, at first, they are), they’re “real,” or Real. They’re corporeal/physical, or simulations of the corporeal physical. And they’re unavoidable. Boy oh boy can you not stop what’s coming. Close that browser window, rewind that video, press mute on the sound system, reset the house alarm, none of it will do you any good. Not even an alteration in the fabric of reality itself—and this seems to occur at least a half dozen times in the picture—will stave off horror. The beast isn’t in the jungle, it’s in the house, and it’s in the air we can only barely breathe when the movie gets to 2044. It is in us; it is us.

Sounds cheerful, right? Well, what can I tell you? Bonello has a way of throwing us into an enhanced vision of the degrading noise of contemporary life that’s all the more engaging for being so even-handed and deliberate. I mentioned three timelines that are actually four—the movie is framed, kind of, by a green-screen session in which Seydoux, possibly playing Gabrielle, possibly playing herself, is coached through paces for a scene in which she actually apprehends “the beast” and lets out a blood-curdling scream. The image degenerates into a gorgeous abstract mural of pixels. Digitization is here both a source of ravishing sights and sounds and an Excedrin headache of aural and visual glitch. The movie then bounces through three time periods: 1910, 2044—where Gabrielle’s character seeks to abolish her reincarnation torment through a “DNA purge”—and most terrifyingly, 2014, wherein “Gabby” is housesitting in L.A. and targeted by the angry incel version of MacKay’s Louis—Louis Lewansky, who’s 30 and never been with a woman despite his “magnificence,” and who’s now getting ready to avenge himself.

Dolls are a recurring motif here—there are old-fashioned ones made for fans of the pianist Gabby, and unhelpful talking doll in the Hollywood house, and a walking, talking A.I. helper (played by Guslagie Malanda , as impressive here in a relatively small role as she was in the lead of 2022’s “ Saint Omer ”). An electrical fire figures in the 1910 sequence; a malware attack on a laptop is one of the insane blowups in the 2014 scenario. There are bits and pieces here that feel Lynchian, especially in the Los Angeles scenes, during which Gabrielle is fascinated/repulsed by a TV singing contest show that feels like it might have sprung full blown from the creator of “Twin Peaks.” Then there’s the fact that the love song recurring throughout shows up at the very end, sung in its original version by, well Roy Orbison. But unlike Lynch, Bonello has a decidedly un-obscure point to make. Mainly about how the pursuit of the authentic in life is invariably thwarted by roadblocks of humanity’s own making. (Although one supposes that the eighth episode of the 2018 “Twin Peaks” season treated that theme in a relatively unambiguous way.)

“There must be beautiful things in this chaos,” Gabrielle tries to reassure the movie’s scariest version of Louis at one point. Bonello, and this movie’s, greatest dread is that someday a terrible order will emerge, one that will make whatever beauty remains disappear. 

Glenn Kenny

Glenn Kenny was the chief film critic of Premiere magazine for almost half of its existence. He has written for a host of other publications and resides in Brooklyn. Read his answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .

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Film credits.

The Beast (2024)

146 minutes

Léa Seydoux as Gabrielle

George MacKay as Louis

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Guslagie Malanda as Poupée Kelly

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