Buzz
While film and movie are often used interchangeably, 'film' carries connotations of artistic expression rather than mere entertainment. Thus, understanding the art of film is much different than simply watching films for entertainment. To appreciate the art of film, you should try to experience many types of films, explore film culture, and gain a basic understanding of cinematography and the technical aspects of filmmaking.
Key Steps
Diverse Film Viewing
Explore Critically Acclaimed Films While appreciating film extends beyond lauding films endorsed by critics, critically acclaimed films are recognized for their groundbreaking nature or representation of specific styles. Watching such films is an excellent method to refine your film appreciation. Examples of critically acclaimed films include those that have received awards at prestigious events like the Golden Globes, the Academy Awards, the Cannes Film Festival, the Sundance Film Festival, or similar ceremonies worldwide. Additionally, films that embody particular filmmaking styles or have pioneered genres or subjects are worth exploring. To discover these films, conduct an internet search on your preferred film style or genre, and familiarize yourself with important titles within that category.
PRO TIP
Lucy V. Hay
Professional Wordsmith
Professional Wordsmith
Take Notes While Watching Movies Consider jotting down your initial impressions while viewing a movie. For example, if you find yourself losing interest, pause the movie and write down your thoughts like, 'At 1 hour 23 minutes, I feel disengaged.' Capture character names, memorable scenes, dialogues, or noteworthy genre elements. After the movie, consolidate these notes into a paragraph for future reference.
Explore Indie Films Independent films, produced by filmmakers unaffiliated with major studios, often operate on smaller budgets. Despite their financial constraints, indie filmmakers frequently tackle unconventional subjects or employ unique styles. Notable indie films include 'Sideways', 'Mean Streets', 'Roger and Me', 'Grizzly Man', and 'City of God'.
Discover Unexplored Genres Films are categorized into genres, but beyond the familiar ones like action and drama, there's a wealth of lesser-known genres waiting to be explored. Consider genres such as biographical, film noir, cinema verite, musicals, silent films, historical films, and American Westerns.
Follow Your Favorite Directors While exploring various genres broadens your cinematic horizon, paying attention to directors who resonate with you can deepen your appreciation for film. Directors shape the artistic essence of their films. Noteworthy directors include Orson Welles ('Citizen Kane'), Agnes Varda ('Vagabond' and 'La Pointe Courte'), Akira Kurosawa ('Rashomon' and 'The Seven Samurai'), Federico Fellini ('La Dolce Vita' and 'Amarcord'), Stanley Kubrick ('2001: A Space Odyssey' and 'A Clockwork Orange'), and Jane Campion ('The Piano' and 'Sweetie').
Immersing in Film Culture
Participate in Film Clubs Engage with your local film community by joining a film club. These clubs often host screenings of diverse films and provide opportunities for discussions among like-minded enthusiasts. You can usually find film clubs through local colleges or universities.
Stay Informed with Film Periodicals Stay updated on films and filmmaking by subscribing to film-related publications. These periodicals offer reviews, discussions on new releases, film theory, and more. Options include 'Film Comment' (www.filmcomment.com) and 'Filmmaker Magazine' (www.filmmakermagazine.com), among others.
Explore Online Resources for Film Enthusiasts Discover various websites dedicated to film culture by conducting a web search. You'll find blogs, forums, and Reddit communities catering to diverse film interests. Explore sites like www.movieforums.com, IMDb message boards (www.imdb.com), Reddit's TrueFilm (www.reddit.com/r/TrueFilm/), and film review platforms like www.slantmagazine.com/film.
Enroll in Film-related Courses Expand your knowledge of film by taking courses offered at local colleges or universities. These courses cover topics ranging from film appreciation to filmmaking, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of cinematic art. Consider courses such as Introduction to Film Criticism, History through Film, and Introduction to Filmmaking.
Exploring Cinematography and Beyond
Study Camera Shots Familiarize yourself with different types of camera shots used by filmmakers. Static shots maintain a stationary camera, while dynamic shots involve camera movement. Both types convey meaning and emphasize elements within a scene. Pay attention to angles, points of view, and scale variations when analyzing films.
PRO TIP
Lucy V. Hay
Professional Wordsmith
Professional Wordsmith
Approach Films with an Open Mind To truly grasp a film's essence, enter the viewing experience with an open mind, devoid of preconceived notions. Minimize distractions by refraining from conversation or checking your phone, and aim to watch the movie uninterrupted.
Examine the Importance of Lighting Lighting plays a crucial role in storytelling, allowing filmmakers to highlight elements and set the mood. Various lighting techniques, including back lighting, key and fill lighting, under-lighting, top lighting, and side lighting, contribute to the visual narrative.
Appreciate the Impact of Sound The auditory dimension of a film significantly influences its visual perception. As part of your journey in film appreciation, analyze how filmmakers incorporate sound, including the score, sound effects, and absence of sound, to enhance cinematic experiences.
Explore the Concept of Formalism Formalist cinema prioritizes aesthetics over content or subject matter. Filmmakers experiment with various elements such as lighting, special effects, editing, and color schemes to create visually stunning works. Examples of formalist films include 'Trip to the Moon', 'Cabinet of Dr. Caligari', 'The Blue Angel', and 'Golddiggers of 1933'.
Understand Realism in Film Realist cinema aims to faithfully depict reality, focusing on set design, locations, and intricate details. Realist filmmakers eschew distortion and creative camerawork, resulting in films with a candid or natural appearance. Examples of realist films include 'Arrival of a Train', 'The Bicycle Thief', 'Breaking the Waves', and 'The Blair Witch Project'.
