Writing a film analysis: On the Waterfront. how do i do it?

[jazawardbro]

I've been asked to write a film analysis by my teacher and I've been scratching my head as to how to do it or where tostart, do i write it kind of like a language analyisis? please help!

[dilks]

I've been asked to write a film analysis by my teacher and I've been scratching my head as to how to do it or where tostart, do i write it kind of like a language analyisis? please help!

Do you think you could possibly provide more information?

[VivaTequila]

what is a film analysis? in terms of VCE?

[ThyJovan]

Only think I can imagine is just a text response to a film, instead of a book...otherwise I'm stumped as to what they're asking.

[Yendall]

This won't help you for your sac, but this is how to write a Film-Analysis Essay:

I. Recipe/Format for an Introduction:

a). In about three to four sentences, write a brief summary of the entire film.

b). Write about two to three sentences that allow you to discuss the element that you will be writing about.

c). Write a one to two sentence thesis statement that states your argument about the element.  Your thesis should tell your reader what that element does for the structure of the film and/or our understanding of life.

II. Recipe/Format for Body Paragraph 1:

a). In about two to three sentences, summarize an important scene that deals with the element that you are writing about.

b).  Pick a relevant quote or aspect from that scene, which will support your argument.

c).  Write about two to three sentences that will allow you to analysis the quote or aspect of that scene.  Your analysis can either be your interpretation of that quote/aspect or an application to your own life.

d). Seal off your paragraph with one closing sentence.

III. Recipe/Format for Body Paragraph 2:

a).  Using a transitional phrase, pick another relevant scene from the film, and summarize that scene in about two to three sentences.

b).  Choose one relevant quote or aspect of that scene.

c).  Provide an analysis of that quote or aspect, just as you did in body paragraph one.  Your analysis should be about two to three sentences.

d). Write one closing sentence.

IV. Recipe/Format for Body Paragraph 3:

a). Starting with another transitional phrase, summarize another relevant scene that will support your argument.

b).  Write another direct quote or write about a certain aspect in that scene, which will prove your argument.

c).  Provide another two to three sentence analysis of that quote or aspect.

b).  End your paragraph with one closing sentence.

V. Recipe/Format for a Conclusion:

a). In about two sentences re-state your thesis statement.  Try to re-phrase your thesis to avoid redundancy.

b). In about three to four sentences, re-mention all of your main points and scenes from body paragraph one, two, and three.

c).  Write one to two sentences that leave your reader with some intelligent thoughts about the film and/or element that you wrote about.
 

On The Waterfront is a text-response based sac, and you should be focusing on writing those. However, a film analysis will help you to an extent, as your analysis might help you when it comes the time to start drafting TRs.

Hope that helps.

[jazawardbro]

cheers guys all very helpful, well we are studying the film On the Waterfront and my teacher has told me i must analyse it, and she has said we must analyse the film based on the prompt 'On the Waterfront - the struggle of an ordinary man with his conscience'

[tram]

cheers guys all very helpful, well we are studying the film On the Waterfront and my teacher has told me i must analyse it, and she has said we must analyse the film based on the prompt 'On the Waterfront - the struggle of an ordinary man with his conscience'

that's not a film analysis, that's just a regular text essay! I think your teacher just is using the term 'film analysis' to make sure that you guys include all the filmic elements in your essay i.e. camera shots/angles, mise-en-scene, etc.

[Yendall]

that's not a film analysis, that's just a regular text essay!

Yes exactly. Your teacher just wants you to use elements of the film in your TR, much like you would with a textual study. When analyzing film you need to take into account more then just the characters and themes, you need to explore camera work, lighting, Mise-en-scene etc. and explain how that strengthens the characters or themes and ultimately creates the tone of the film.
With that prompt i would focus on Terry's struggle with his conscience, and outline how the film compliments this as well through filmic techniques

[paulsterio]

It's just like analysing how an author uses language to tell his story - you have to discuss how Elia Kazan tells his story with the camera and on-screen elements.

[jazawardbro]

yeah cheers guys, turns out i just took the term "film analysis" a bit too far she only ment for me to analyse symbols, lighting etc. thanks for the help though! means a lot!