🎥Film Criticism

What do you learn in Film Criticism

Film Criticism teaches you how to analyze and interpret movies beyond just liking or disliking them. You'll learn about film theory, narrative structure, cinematography, and how to critically evaluate different genres. The course covers the historical context of cinema, auteur theory, and how to write compelling reviews that go beyond surface-level observations.

Is Film Criticism hard?

Film Criticism can be challenging, but it's not impossibly difficult. The trickiest part is developing a critical eye and learning to articulate your thoughts clearly. You'll need to watch a lot of movies and read a bunch of reviews, which sounds fun but can be time-consuming. The concepts aren't super complex, but applying them takes practice.

Tips for taking Film Criticism in college

1. Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
2. Watch a variety of films, not just your favorites
3. Read professional film reviews regularly to understand different styles
4. Take detailed notes during screenings, focusing on specific elements like lighting or sound
5. Practice writing reviews, even for movies you've already seen
6. Familiarize yourself with film terminology (mise-en-scène, diegetic sound, etc.)
7. Explore classic films like "Citizen Kane" or "The Godfather" to understand their impact
8. Check out books like "Understanding Movies" by Louis Giannetti for extra insight

Common pre-requisites for Film Criticism

Introduction to Film Studies: This course covers the basics of film history, techniques, and analysis. It provides a foundation for understanding cinematic language and conventions.

Media Studies: This class explores various forms of media and their impact on society. It often includes elements of film analysis alongside other media formats.

Classes similar to Film Criticism

Film Theory: Dives deep into different theoretical approaches to understanding and analyzing cinema. You'll explore concepts like psychoanalysis, feminism, and postmodernism in relation to film.

Screenwriting: Focuses on the art of writing for the screen. Understanding story structure and character development can enhance your critical analysis skills.

Documentary Studies: Examines non-fiction filmmaking techniques and styles. You'll learn about the ethics of representation and the blurred lines between fact and fiction in documentaries.

World Cinema: Explores films from different cultures and countries. This course broadens your perspective on global filmmaking traditions and styles.

Majors related to Film Criticism

Film Studies: Focuses on the history, theory, and criticism of cinema. Students learn to analyze films from various perspectives and understand their cultural impact.

Media and Communication: Examines how different forms of media, including film, shape our society and culture. Students develop critical thinking skills applicable to various media formats.

Journalism: Emphasizes writing and analytical skills, often including courses on arts and entertainment criticism. Students learn to craft compelling reviews and articles about films and other media.

English Literature: Involves critical analysis of texts, which can be applied to film. Many English programs offer courses that explore the relationship between literature and cinema.

What can you do with a degree in Film Criticism?

Film Critic: Write reviews and analytical pieces about movies for publications or online platforms. You'll need to stay up-to-date with new releases and be able to articulate your opinions clearly.

Film Festival Programmer: Curate films for festivals, selecting which movies to showcase. This role requires a deep understanding of cinema and the ability to recognize quality and artistic merit.

Content Creator: Produce video essays or podcasts about films and cinema. You'll use your analytical skills to create engaging content that explores various aspects of movies.

Film Archivist: Work to preserve and catalog films in museums or archives. This job involves researching film history and understanding the cultural significance of different works.

Film Criticism FAQs

How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to do a lot of writing, from short response papers to longer analytical essays. You'll likely have to write at least one substantial film review or analysis per week.

Do I need to know a lot about film history before taking this class? While some background knowledge is helpful, it's not absolutely necessary. The course will likely cover important historical context as you go.

Will we only be studying Hollywood films? Most Film Criticism courses cover a wide range of cinema, including international films, independent productions, and documentaries. You'll probably watch a diverse selection of movies from different eras and cultures.