“Searching_for_a_Meaning_in_Film_Review”

“This movie is extremely remarkable and the effects are truly exciting at times” (Real Movie Review, 2010). In the film-making industry, movie reviews can achieve a significant impact. One reputable reviewer’s opinion can blow the movie out of the box office or make the movie into a dud. Even though a movie review is essentially a person's opinion there are many actors that play into creating a fair and validated movie review. Throughout the course, of this class and the research that I have been doing on movie making, I have gained the knowledge to examine methodically by separating into parts and studying their interrelations of a film thoroughly, collect and explain the different possible meanings, and have developed my own personal criteria for analyzing a film. Many movie watchers will begin to analyze a film subconsciously, prior to even watching it. Film review starts when searching for a meaning in the title; most movie titles have a large amount of importance to the film and its interpretation. An analyst will often time search for the importance and try to clarify the meaning. Once the analyst has taken into consideration the title he or she will then begin to watch the film which is when the fun begins. Throughout the film, the movie critic will search for multiple cues that lead to the meaning or main storyline the writer and director are attempting to portray. Some of the things that the reviewer may watch for are the different lighting effects, scene transitions, music, use of color and distinctive effects. All of these factors will help reveal underlying visual and audible affects. There will be tips the viewer in the underlying meaning and overall message that the movie writer is attempting to portray. Lighting can also, be used to create the tone or disposition by creating a more depressing environment by the use of lower light levels, while in a happier and more pleasant environment may be indicated by use of brighter lighting. Scene transitions can be indicated when two scenes may be related, such as switching the frames back and forth between two individuals that may be on the phone together. Music can be an excellent signal using the distinct method of communication with the viewer. Music is an auditory mood setting tool and may be used to achieve similar goals outside of film production realm, as well. Music with a faster and more intense beat will often support a more intense action-packed and perhaps fear-inducing scene. Music that is soft and subtle will more often make a more sexy, romantic or sensual scene. Music in my opinion is an excellent indicator in a film. The use of color also has a more subtle and unconscious affect that viewers may not readily identify with but will pick up on as they continue to analyze the film. A great example of this can be seen and noticed in the movie The Little Fockers. Throughout the series of these movies, there has been a prominent power struggle conflict between the main characters father and her husband. In the latest movie of the series, the husband and father are still having the power struggle portrayed by the father wearing the color; red in the scenes towards the end the husband wears soft red color, as well. This may indicate that the two men are starting to level out with similar power levels. In the movies, another way color can be used in the film is to illustrate salient cues. They use cues, such as when a person sees certain colors, for instance when the color red is presented in a horror film, there is usually a significant event that will occur shortly afterwards. In some other movies, color has been utilized to distinguish between the different social or economic classifications. In each movie, it had a purpose or interpretation that was intended by the author and makers. The meanings can be hidden and subdued by most films, however, deals with ethical and moral issues and have intrinsic meaning despite the genre. In some movies, it can be hard to discern the true meaning but, in others, it can be relatively straightforward. An example of this movie could be that of Charlie St. Cloud. This movie was about a young gentleman that lost his sibling and he made a commitment to his brother, that when he passed away, he would never forget him. Every night, at sunset, he would meet his brother’s soul in the same place, and they would play ball while they had discussions about life and the current happenings. Charlie had everything going for him in life, prior to the accident that claimed his brother’s life. After the accident, life went downhill, and he gave up everything so that he could keep his promise to his brother. Eventually, his friends encouraged Charlie that he needed to move on reclaim his life and find his meaning for surviving the crash. Once Charlie found his intention, only then, was he able to carry on with his life and do something constructive. Even though, finding a hidden message to a movie can sometimes be difficult, it is well worth while. My personal style when reviewing a movie starts with the title. I personally avoid any previous reviews that may have been done by any others in the film industry so as not skew my personal thoughts until after I have gotten my review finished. I examine the movie for any key points that it may contain regarding color, usage, screen plays, genres, settings and costumes. I also look for lighting, significant effects and sound effects. I usually will end up watching a movie several times before I can produce a final opinion or statement. Conclusion: It can be tough when trying to explain the meaning of the author’s message when analyzing film. I know for myself that when watching a movie it will never be the same. With the knowledge that I gained throughout this class, I have begun to learn how to analyze a film/movie thoroughly, clarify the meaning and overall content, and have been able to create my own form of analyzing a film. The fact is, when it comes to movies review the author usually has a meaning in mind, but the goal is similar to music; that is to make it so that the majority can relate. After all the more people who can relate and enjoy the movie the more successful, the film will be. When reviewing a movie no review is right or wrong it is mostly based on a personal interpretation and what the film means to a person. Reference: Real Movie Review. (2010). Real Movie Review. Retrieved November 26, 2011, from, www.realmoviereview.com