Basic “reaction paper” outline
For a one or two-page paper, just write a
sentence or two or three in each category, a paragraph at most, and “boom,”
your paper’s done! Try to keep it between 300 and 900 words. If it starts to
get too long, omit number 1 entirely, then cut back on
number 5 first. For a really short paper, just
do numbers 2 and 6, describing some scenes from the film that illustrate and
support your comments. Avoid vague personal impressions. ALWAYS support
opinions with specific examples from the film!
Try to identify things you notice about the
film that relate especially to the latest chapters we’ve been covering in the
textbook. As the semester progresses, it can
be worthwhile to include a sentence or two noting how your analytical
observations and critical thinking about the film has developed since the
beginning of the semester.
1. Brief Plot Summary (as brief as
possible!!)
2. Film’s theme(s) and purpose
3. How well were themes brought out?
-
Example(s) of specific scenes
4. Any notable filmmaking or acting
techniques
that add to or distract from the story (examples)
5. Comparison with other films (silent or
sound)
-
in theme
-
in style
-
in entertainment value
6. Overall reaction:
Was
film successful in its goals?
Was
it worth recommending to others?
Good
and bad points, etc.