So You Wanna Be A Critic? How To Write A Film Review

Summary

In this informative video, Mona Reaper, editor-in-chief of Film Inquiry, shares essential tips on writing effective film reviews. She emphasizes the importance of structure, starting with a compelling introduction, a well-argued middle section, and a concise conclusion. Reaper advises against excessive plot details to avoid spoilers and encourages deeper analysis of performances, cinematography, and direction. She highlights the need for consistency, clarity, and professionalism in writing, along with the significance of thorough research on filmmaking techniques. Finally, she recommends reading reviews aloud before submission to enhance flow and grammar, fostering a more engaging reading experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start your film review with an engaging introduction that sets the context and purpose of your article.
• 📝 Structure your review into clear sections: an introduction, a detailed middle section for arguments, and a conclusion that summarizes without introducing new information.
• 🔍 Be cautious with spoilers; reveal only enough of the plot to inform without giving away key twists.
• 🎬 Mention key contributors such as the director, actors, and cinematographer, and explain their roles in the film's success or failure.
• 💡 Avoid simplistic evaluations like 'good' or 'bad'; analyze performances and techniques in detail to illustrate your points.
• 📖 Provide context by comparing the film to the director's previous works or similar films in the genre.
• 🔗 Understand the deeper themes of the film and how they relate to current societal issues for a more enriching analysis.
• ✍️ Maintain a consistent writing style that reflects your unique voice to engage readers and build a following.
• 🔧 Ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity in your writing; avoid assuming your audience's prior knowledge of film.
• 🔊 Read your review aloud before submission to improve flow and catch errors, enhancing the overall quality of your writing.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Mona Reaper's discussion?

Mona Reaper focuses on how to write a proper film review, sharing insights on structure, analysis, and essential tips for aspiring critics.

What are the key components of a film review's structure?

The key components include an introduction, a middle section for analysis and arguments, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points without introducing new information.

How should a reviewer approach the plot summary in a film review?

Reviewers should limit plot details to the first act or key turning points to avoid spoilers while providing enough context for the reader.

Why is it important to include technical aspects in a film review?

Including technical aspects, such as cinematography and sound design, enriches the analysis and allows the reviewer to explain how these elements contribute to the film's overall impact.

What common mistake do inexperienced writers make regarding performance evaluation?

Inexperienced writers often describe performances using basic terms like 'good' or 'bad' without providing deeper insights into the emotional impact or techniques behind those performances.

What should reviewers do to provide a broader context for the film they are reviewing?

Reviewers should compare the film to other works by the same director or similar films in the genre, recognizing that films often do not exist in isolation.

How can a writer establish consistency in their reviews?

Writers can establish consistency by maintaining a similar style, structure, and approach across their reviews, which helps readers become familiar with their voice.

What grammar-related advice does Mona give to aspiring critics?

Mona advises aspiring critics to ensure their grammar is perfect, suggesting a final review for errors, especially common mistakes, before submitting their work.

What is the significance of guiding the reader through the review?

Guiding the reader helps clarify the writer's opinions and the reasoning behind them, ensuring that the analysis is accessible to those who may not have extensive knowledge of film.

What technique does Mona recommend for improving the quality of the final written piece?

Mona recommends reading the work aloud before publishing, as it engages different parts of the brain and helps identify grammatical issues and flow problems.