HOW TO WRITE A FILM

REVIEW
 A FILM REVIEW HAS 5 MAJOR
COMPONENTS
1.Introduction
2.Plot Summary
3.Description
4.Analysis
5.Conclusion/Evaluation
Components of the Intro INTRODUCTION
• Start with a hook – A striking image, key piece
of dialogue or important moment from the film.
• Provide some basic information about the film. Questions to ask
You may include film’s name, year, director,
• What moment in the film best encapsulates
screenwriter, and major actors. 
the big idea of the movie?
• Allude to the central concept of the review. A
film review does not have to contain a thesis or • Who are the key creative forces involved? 
main claim, but it should focus on a central • What has been the legacy/reaction to the
analysis and assessment.  film? 
 PLOT SUMMARY

Components of a Summary Questions

• BRIEF synopsis of the plot. • What happens in the movie? 
• Avoid spoilers if possible. • Who are the major characters? 
• What are the major conflicts? 

Components
• While the plot summary will give the
reader a general sense of what the film is
about, also include a more detailed
description of your particular cinematic
experience watching the film. 
•  include your personal impression of what
the film looks, feels, and sounds like.
DESCRIPTION
Questions?
• What stands out in your mind when you
think about this particular film?
• Moments that are particularly
styalized/different/noteworthy? 

Components
• Take those descriptions an analyze them for
meaning/intent.
• Some form of consideration of the meaning
of the formal techniques and thematic
content.
ANALYSIS
Questions
• How do the film’s formal techniques (such as
cinematography, editing, mise-en-scène, lighting,
diegetic and non-diegetic sound, genre, or
narrative) affect the way the film looks, feels, and
sounds to you?
•  How does the thematic content (such as history,
race, gender, sexuality, class, or the environment)
affect your experience and interpretation?
• Do the formal techniques work to forward the
thematic content? 
 CONCLUSION/EVALUATION

Components
• The closing of your film review should
remind the reader of your general thoughts
and impressions of the film
• You may also implicitly or explicitly state
whether or not you recommend the film.
• Make sure to remind the reader of why the
film is or is not worth seeing. 
Questions
• How did it all add up? 
• Did it have an emotional effect on you? Do
you think it would feel the same for
others? 
 READ OTHER FILM REVIEWS

• One of the best ways to learn how to write a film review

is simply by reading good film reviews. You can find
examples in most major newspapers and magazines.
Check out the arts and entertainment sections of The
New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian,
The New Yorker, The Atlantic, or Rolling Stone