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Writing About Film by Jules LeFort-Cleary: How to Watch a Film

Before You Watch

  • When and where was the movie made?
  • Who is the director?
  • What are your expectations for this movie?

After You Watch

  • What did the title mean in relation to the story?
  • Note three to four sequences (series of scenes) that seem the most important.
  • Which elements were repeated to emphasize a point or perception?

While You Watch

  • What do you notice about the opening credits?
  • What does the start of the movie tell you about the film you are about to watch?
  • Which elements or scenes in the movie seem unfamiliar or confusing to you?
  • What are some random things or bits of dialogue that are standing out to you?

Resources

Works Cited

Corrigan, Timothy. A Short Guide to Writing About Film, Tenth ed. Waveland Press, 2025. 

Foster, Thomas C. Reading the Silver Screen. Harper, 2016. 

Thomson, David. How to Watch a Movie. Vintage Books, 2015.