Monday, June 1, 2009

Film Reviews

Film reviews attempt to do the following:
A. Act as journalism - either the opinion of "experts" or scholarly "criticism" or simply used to give an opinion of the film
B. Act as advertising - publicizes a film; encourages sales
C. Act as criticism - includes a description, analysis, and evaluation of a film
D. Act as rhetoric - yes, there are books written about films. Film buffs like this sort of writing. It is similar to literary criticism or any topic written for the enjoyment of the reader (popular mechanics, animals or nature writing, sports, etc.)

A film review includes the following components:
1. A condensed plot synopsis (summary of the plot, naming director, producer, etc.)
2. Background information about the production/director/auteur/etc.
3. A set of abbreviated arguments about the film (what others have said/or problems, weaknesses/strengths/artistry of the film)This is usually tied into the value of the film.
4. An evaluation (thumbs up or down, five stars or one, or three rotten tomatoes, etc.)

After watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, write a 2-3 page review of the film. Due: June 9

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