Critiquing a film is much easier than actually making one. You can easily spend some time picking apart poorly developed characters, but how many can actually write great characters? Nevertheless, I grade a film on four aspects:
1. Substance- The essence behind a film’s story. Includes the premise, controlling idea, and how compelling its ideas comes across.
2. Style- The aesthetics, and manner in which a film is executed. Includes creativity, ambition, atmosphere, costume design, production design and score.
3. Technique- The execution of a film. Includes structure, dialogue, direction, cinematography, acting, etc.
4. Influence- The significance of a film. Includes impact on people, culture, and film. (NOTE: More recent films will not have this category to grade, as only time will decide its impact.)
I believe every element of filmmaking can be classified into one of these four aspects. Each film has its strong suit, and through my review I will be parlaying my own analysis. Through this valuing system I can conclude a letter grade (A-, B+, C, etc.), with the average movie you see in the theaters being approximately a C+. I tend to review films I like or thought were interesting, so most films will be around a B.
Finally, there is one, and only one rule I follow when I critique film: Respect each and every one. Sure, give constructive criticism, but there is no worse feeling as a filmmaker than seeing critics who haven't produced anything better trashing your work. I truly believe every film has something to say, whether it be Apocalypse Now or Fast and Furious 7. Some just know how to say it better.
1. Substance- The essence behind a film’s story. Includes the premise, controlling idea, and how compelling its ideas comes across.
2. Style- The aesthetics, and manner in which a film is executed. Includes creativity, ambition, atmosphere, costume design, production design and score.
3. Technique- The execution of a film. Includes structure, dialogue, direction, cinematography, acting, etc.
4. Influence- The significance of a film. Includes impact on people, culture, and film. (NOTE: More recent films will not have this category to grade, as only time will decide its impact.)
I believe every element of filmmaking can be classified into one of these four aspects. Each film has its strong suit, and through my review I will be parlaying my own analysis. Through this valuing system I can conclude a letter grade (A-, B+, C, etc.), with the average movie you see in the theaters being approximately a C+. I tend to review films I like or thought were interesting, so most films will be around a B.
Finally, there is one, and only one rule I follow when I critique film: Respect each and every one. Sure, give constructive criticism, but there is no worse feeling as a filmmaker than seeing critics who haven't produced anything better trashing your work. I truly believe every film has something to say, whether it be Apocalypse Now or Fast and Furious 7. Some just know how to say it better.