Consider what you have learned about active and passive viewing of visual media. Viewing film closely can be tricky, considering that films are produced to be highly entertaining and engaging.

Understanding the film through analysis of elements that communicate theme is important and will be valuable when you are writing the personal response in Exam Two.

Consider the following when you begin viewing the film:

• Understand the plot and identify the initial incident, the conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution.

• Collect a detailed list of character traits for the protagonist of the film and notice any changes during the film.

• View your film more than one time. Details you did not notice the first time might become apparent the second time when you already know the plot.

• While viewing the film both times, use a close-reading chart or a notepad to write observations or questions about the story-line and film elements used. This will keep you actively engaged in the viewing process.

• Do not expect to notice all the details of film elements used! Test yourself to see if you are identifying some elements correctly.