Critical Response to Film

Reading

In novels and short stories, we study how setting, character, and plot development contribute to a novel’s theme or a character's development. In films, we consider how cinematic techniques contribute to the theme or character development.

In Unit 1 we learned reading strategies and how to be an active reader by taking notes and asking questions. The same strategies apply when watching a film: We have to watch a film, and specific scenes, more than once to find the details that support our ideas.  Just as authors use literary elements, directors employ cinematic techniques to influence the viewer's sense of the context, the characters, and the plot of the film. By examining the film techniques closely, we can see how the director made specific choices to demonstrate that a character underwent a change.

The strategies you have learned to comprehend text have also helped you to connect yourself to the world within the text. Annotation, reading and viewing strategy tutorials, and using graphic organizers have helped you understand and interpret content. Now, it is time to apply these strategies by responding critically.

Responding to texts need not be a frightening experience. The hardest part of the process is behind you. Now you get to show off what you have learned. Students have great ideas, interesting and often witty outlooks, plus a view of the world that is fascinating. Use these unique talents to respond in clever ways, and the result will be nothing short of fantastic.

How to write an effective essay is not a secret held in a vault somewhere. It is a simple process that can be applied easily. Enjoy the tutorials provided and apply the graphic organizers you have already completed to help you transform your planning into successful essay writing.