Elements of a Film Review
Suggestions for Students of Patricia Clark

Review Title:

  1. an imaginative title that would attract a newspaper reader
  2. title may indicate whether the review will be positive or negative

Body:

  1. Credits: refer, as appropriate, to -
    1.  title of film and year (essential)
    2. genre (e.g. documentary, animated film, or feature film)
    3. director - with background details if appropriate
    4. screenwriter
    5. music or soundtrack
    6. main actors (if feature/'fiction' film)
  2. A brief summary of the film: you should refer to -
    1. the overall subject matter, people (age, culture, social class etc.), places (city, country, etc) and time period(s) covered in film
  3. Analysis of the film: you could comment on -
    1. the director's main purpose, theme, or message
    2. various components of the film used to convey its message and information (provide examples) -
      • direction
      • theme or plot
      • sound and music
      • interviews or acting
      • narration or dialogue
      • screenplay, script,
      • cinematography, editing
      • photos, etc.
    3. authenticity or realism of the information or outlooks presented
    4. who might enjoy or benefit from viewing this film
  4. Evaluation of the film: share your opinion of the film with the reader -
    1. Does the director achieve his/her purpose?
    2. Is it thought provoking, educational, inspiring, moving, boring, relevant? Why? (provide clear examples)
    3. Are there any images, sounds, words, or ideas that particularly affected you?
    4. Does it educate and/or arouse emotions? (provide examples)
    5. What do we learn anything from this film?

Conclusion:

  1. You could let us know if you ultimately recommend this film.
  2. You could let us know where we can see this film.
  3. You could leave us with a compelling quotation or images from the film.

Note: The elements you choose to include in your review will depend on the nature of the film, e.g. documentary, feature film or animated film; its content; and the particular focus of your review.