To what degree your writing on film is intelligent, thoughtful, referential, scholarly, creative and/or original is up to you – but your grade will be largely determined by these considerations. Certainly, using the ideas we cover in class will be helpful. “Criticism” in these terms does not suggest a mere statement of preference, or a thumbs-up-or-down judgment, but a thorough and insightful dissection of the film in question, taking as many factors into consideration as possible. Read the film – what are its intentions, its metaphoric meanings, its vibe, its texture, its impact, its role as a cultural statement made when and where it was made? Your main concerns are: clarity, articulation of your point of view, and keeping your prose interesting, so at least you, as a reader, would not be bored with it and might want to keep reading to the end.
