How Do You REALLY Analyze Films? The Keys to Film Analysis

Everyone who has an interest in movies has probably tried to analyze a film at least once. Maybe you analyzed films for your own pleasure or maybe you needed to do it for a university assignment. Either way, you will probably have realized how daunting it can be. You need to take into consideration so many aspects that you might not even know where to start. Nevertheless, if you know what to look for, film analysis can be highly enjoyable and useful for your own screenwriting and filmmaking.

The most important knowledge you need is that film analysis consists of identifying the elements that compose a film and seeing how they are put together to create the story. This is easier said than done. So in this article, we will give a step-by-step description of how to analyze films. What do you need to look out for and how do you put it all together?

Background Information

The first key to film analysis is to have some previous knowledge of the movie you’ll be watching. This might be surprising to read as most people want to watch films without having any previous information on them for fear of coming across spoilers.

However, when it comes to analyzing films, it is important to have some essential knowledge. This is because previous information prepares you for what is to come and helps you to keep an eye out for certain elements. The usual suggestion would be to know what genre the movie is, who acts in it and who directs it. This basic knowledge might not seem much, but it can be crucial to understanding and grappling with the film.

For example, Quentin Tarantino is known for putting repeated personal touches in his movies; a “signature” style. His movies have recognizable features. Consequently, if you previously know that the director is Tarantino, then you know that a movie with gore and quick, witty dialogue is what you will be watching.

By knowing what to expect you will try to look out for certain details that those directors or screenwriters are known for. The same goes for the genre. If you watch a thriller, you will keep an eye out for elements that create suspense.

Once you distinguish these elements and trademarks, you can judge why they are there and if they are correctly and successfully employed. This is all about having a reference point from which to frame your film analysis.