Analyzing Film
J P
ENG 225: Introduction to Film
March 15, 2009
Outline and Draft for Reflective Paper
Before taking this class, one could wonder what The Art of Watching Films (2008), would have to do with being an English class. Although it may not be really clear as to why this is considered to be an English class, it is however very clear that a student will defiantly learn a lot about film. Besides learning terminology that is used in the everyday life of the film industry, a student would also learn that film is a form of art that should be viewed just as equally as one views the uniqueness of paintings, sculptures, music, literature and drama (Boggs and Petrie, 2008). To appreciate the uniqueness of a film, a student must learn how to analyze a film as well as what is actually put into the production of a film such as theme, visual design, acting etc.
Until taking a class such as The Art of Watching Films (2008), viewers may just watch a film as a sort of entertainment. Upon taking such a class, although we surely do not become experts we would however, now understand the basics of how to analyze a motion picture. A film is also referred to as a motion picture because it continuously moves in time and space. However, if the film stops continuously moving, not only is it no longer called a motion picture, but the unique property of the medium is gone as well (Boggs and Petrie, 2008). Developing the proper way of viewing motion pictures analytically can be a very challenging task, but we must be sure not only are we totally engaged in the motion picture, but that we are also being highly objective and staying critically detached (Boggs and Petrie, 2008). To make things a little easier, it is recommended that whenever possible, a motion picture should be viewed at least twice. In this manner, the first viewing could focus on elements such as the plot, emotional effect, and the theme. Since we would no longer be focused on what is...