The analysis process
Reflect on the analysis process and how you have learned to more thoroughly analyze film as well as how rigorous study of film enhances your development as a student and thinker. In this 300- to 500-word reflection, review your initial post from the “Post Your Introduction” discussion in Week 1, and consider how your ability to analyze movies has changed or grown. In this course, you have learned a variety of skills such as analysis, critique, the elements of storytelling, and have a greater understanding of many of the various roles that contribute to making a film. Discuss how the skills you have learned apply to areas of your life beyond film and how they could impact your future career. Your reflection should be personal and exploratory in nature.
Address the following questions in your reflection:
What can be gained through analyzing film?
How has this changed the way you view movies?
How are you able to use film theory and criticism to find and interpret meaning in movies?
In what ways has this course changed your understanding of how movies are related to society?
What are the top two skills you have developed during this course, and how might those skills be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile to benefit your future career or current profession?
Sample Solution
When I enrolled in this course, I had a basic understanding of how to analyze film but lacked the rigorous study and critical thinking skills needed to break down films for deeper exploration. Through our lectures, readings and assignments, my ability to informatively evaluate film has drastically improved. By taking this course,
I have learned that analyzing movies is an art form that requires patience and an open mind in order to dissect all the aspects of any given movie. Analyzing film forces you to look at things from different perspectives and allows us to see nuances or meanings we never thought possible before.
Analyzing film not only provides insight into how filmmakers create their stories but also gives us a better understanding of society as well as its culture(s). This course has shown me that there is much more depth beyond what we first perceive when seeing a movie; one can gain knowledge on particular cultures by studying certain scenes or characters’ behaviors/motivations which can lead them towards forming theories as they further explore the world through watching films. This type of analysis helps viewers recognize underlying messages within each scene, whether those messages are intended or unintended by the filmmaker(s), which allows them to gain insight into topics like race, gender identity, sexuality etc..
In terms of gaining tangible skills from this course aside from learning how to analyze movies more thoroughly is being able to critically think about various topics related to filmmaking such as budgeting strategies used by filmmakers or even writing critiques that accurately reflect upon said films based on elements like technicality/artistry or storytelling techniques employed (like use of pacing). These two skill sets are incredibly useful for anyone looking for work in production-related fields or if someone wishes pursue journalism involving cinema (i.e., analyzing new releases for newspapers). For example, if I were applying for a job at a production company then I could feel confident enough showing off both my mastery over critical thinking related tasks dealing withanalyzing movies while also having sufficient know-how on financial matters associated with producing films which would make me stand out among other applicants because it shows my versatility. Additionally , these same skills mentioned could be added onto my resume/LinkedIn profile too so potential employers may be aware of what abilities I bring forth should they decide choose me over somebody else due information provided within either document .
Overall , gaining knowledge about how exactly filmmakers craft their stories through studying cinematography , sound design & editing etc ... offers viewers memorable experiences each time watch a movie & makes trips theater ultimately worth it . Being knowledgeable about such facets not only shows appreciation art form but also impresses people interested similar -notable conversations arise when discussing individual shots during certain scenes dialogue sequences / plot points etc .... Having taken this class , now have confidence necessary complete task assigned without feeling overwhelmed & instead welcome challenge researching until all questions asked answered best way possible ..