Film Research Paper
Format for the Film Review Paper:
- Use the MLA format.
- Each review should be 3-4 pages.
- A Works Cited Page is required FOR EACH FILM. A paper without one will receive an automatic THREE POINTS DEDUCTION FOR EACH FILM REVIEW (That could add up to 15 points for five films.)
- EACH film review must have at least FIVE works cited and at least FIVE Use the MLA format. Points will be deducted for fewer than what is required.
- Use the MLA format for your citations of research.
- Please follow the narrative organization I laid out above.
REMEMBER—FIVE DIFFERENT GENRE. EACH REVIEW MUST BE LABELED FROM A SPECIFIC FILM ERA STATED AT THE TOP OF THE REVIEW
- Watch the film and research the definition of the film genre you have selected. An example: what has been the formula for the romantic comedy over time? Has that formula changed in time?
- Research and discuss the key film cast: Actor, Actress, Supporting roles
- Research the director and producer—which studio (s) distributed the film
- Any key artists involved: cinematographer, editor, art director, etc.
A STUDENT CAN WRITE A REVIEW FOCUSING ON THE ARTIST: An example: Would “Citizen Kane” be the same film if Greg Toland had not been the cinematographer? Film is a collaborative process and your paper should reflect that.
- Did the film correspond to similar films in that genre? An example: does “Blazing Saddles” stay within the formula of the western genre? Whichever five genres you select, ask that question.
- In each essay there should be a review of two scenes that you feel helped make the film work. Discuss: lighting, use of color, shot selections, editing, angles, etc.
- Critical reviews, box office and any award nominations
- Your assessment of the story and the film.
- Use a narrative format. You can use an outline format but only in a narrative style.
