How to Read a Movie

What seems “natural” in the world of the film you are watching?

Filmmakers communicate their message(s) by their choices in symbolism and presentation. By intentional design, a filmmaker will create a world that seems natural and normal; otherwise, we wouldn’t be immersed in that experience. You the critical viewer must be prepared to analyze what and how a message is being presented to you. 

Critical Movie Watching Guide

1. Before watching the film, research the subject to have some understanding of what you are looking for in the film. Spend some time developing your thoughts about the topic and if possible, discuss with your classmates. 
2. Try to maintain objectivity and try to refrain from forming any opinions about the film based on reviews from other people or based on who is involved in the move. 
3. While watching the film be inquisitive about what kind of world view the film offers representation for. Be ready to ask questions like:
   • What kind of audience is this movie intended for?
   • What is the key “identity” being represented by the central character? How does their identity (class, gender, ethnicity)….affect their world view?
   • What are some norms in the protagonist’s world that are different from the reality you know? 
4. Do not just go for the ride, almost everything in a film is intentional from the costuming to the dialogue, to the camera angle. So pay attention to the symbolism in the visuals, musical scorings or dialogues in different scenes and try to discern the narrative they are pushing forward.
5. Be an active watcher and form your thoughts about the meaning behind the symbolism. Write down your ideas while you are watching the movie so you can explore them when you reflect on the film later. Markdown parts of the movie you think are essential to the narrative and relating to the subject matter you are viewing the film for. 
6. After the film ends, take some time to reflect on your experience and write down your thoughts and observations.