A Beginner's Guide to Film Reviewing
So you've watched some movies, developed opinions on them and now you'd like to get involved but are unsure how? First of all, don't worry - we are all amateurs here, and are a pretty friendly bunch who will be more than happy to help you out along the way. If you're happy to write a review off your own back, then that's great; I look forward to reading it. Alternatively, if you're not sure how to start and would like a little structure, the following pointers can serve as rough guidelines for what to include.
You should:
• Include a brief summary of the plot
Set the scene for those readers who may not have seen the film, and explain the overall events in the film. Try not to reveal major spoilers as ultimately your review should determine whether or not someone else should watch the film, not act as a substitute for it.
• Express your opinions about the film
The most important part of any review, this is what makes it personal to you and different from anyone else's. Did you enjoy it? Did it interest you, or bore you? Did you connect with any of the characters? Make sure you justify each of your opinions.
• Discuss the acting
Do you think the actors were believable as the characters they were playing? What did you like or dislike about their performances? Can you think of anyone else who would be better suited to the role?
• Discuss the direction
Many directors have a distinctive visual style; did this film? What did you or didn't you like about the style of direction? Was there anything you think should have been done differently?
• Discuss the script
What was the structure of the film (did it have a linear storyline)? Was the dialogue natural or stilted? Was the story told well?
• Review a film relative to it's competitors
Films come in many different flavours. A film like Die Hard may not stack up well if compared to Rear Window, but this doesn't mean it's not a good film. Keep in mind similar films when discussing if it is good or bad.
• Do your research
When talking about facts, dates, names, etc. try and be specific.
You could:
• Talk about the wider context of the film
Many films have rich histories or are important pioneers of film-making techniques; was this one?
• Analyse some of the ideas expressed
Is this film trying to push a message on it's viewers? Is it acting as a social commentary? Does it contain any hidden meanings or metaphors?
• Discuss the sounds of the film
Was an original score used or did it use pre-recorded songs? How did it complement the film?
• Discuss the cinematography of the film
How well was it shot? How was the film lit?
• Deconstruct the film into it's elements
Take a look at each individual area that the film is trying to perform well in (e.g. acting, special effects, plot) and then build that up to look at the film as a whole.
You shouldn't:
• Pass off other people's opinions as your own
If you have a view of a film which is different to everyone else, you shouldn't suppress it. Don't be afraid to write something different to the general consensus if you can justify it.
• Describe things (plot, acting etc.) without giving your opinion
When discussing something about the film, always bring it back to what you think about it, or your interpretation of it.
• Ramble
Clarity is important in your review, as without it people can get bored and your meanings can get lost. Reread your writing and make sure you aren't repeating yourself or muddying the waters. Similarly, don't include pretentiously long words just for the hell of it, they don't add anything to the review.
• Be overly vague in your opinions
Include some overviews of the film as a whole, but also be specific when discussing certain aspects of the film.
A lot of people are worried about the style of their reviews when they start writing. Style is something which comes with experience, yet the content should always be intuitive. Think about the film thoroughly, and then decide on what you want to tell the reader about.