FLM 203: Film Criticism
Discover the secret sauce of great films
To make great films, you need to understand what makes them tick—how they are put together. And the best, most transformational way to do that is to closely study some of the greatest movies ever made. In this class, you will learn and apply concepts and principles for the critical analysis of films. You will explore six classic and contemporary films in great depth, engaging in focused discussions of specific scenes, and writing critical analyses that demonstrate your understanding and appreciation of the elements of filmmaking. Through critical analysis you will learn how to look and write about films, gaining insights that will enrich your future filmmaking.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
Analyze, reflect, and write how various writers’ and directors’ ethical and aesthetic choices inform a viewer's experience of a film and creative work.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Analyze films and apply a critical methodology for filmmaking in discussions and written analysis.
- Make informed critical judgements about how key movie scenes are constructed and why they are effective.
- Research the roles played by different types of filmmakers in a movie (director, screenwriter, editor, cinematographer) and identify how their contributions shaped the final work.
- Express their own critical perspectives on filmmaking, articulating the types of movies would like to see or make.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
To take this course, you'll need:
- A computer with Internet connection (56 Kbps modem or faster).
- Microsoft Word or equivalent word processing application.
Are There Course Prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites for this course.
If you have any questions about this course, please contact Admissions@sessions.edu.
Course Instructor(s)
The course is taught by the following instructor(s):
Course Outline
Critical Methods
You'll learn how to identify and interpret the various elements within a film—such as cinematography, sound design, and storytelling—to unravel the layers of meaning embedded throughout multiple film genres. Whether or not your filmmaking journey leads you to write film criticism, by actively participating in the analytical process, you'll enhance your understanding of the medium of film.
Visual Choices
Considering the director's intention and how their visual choices affect the film is crucial. From the lighting to the editing, every filmmaker's decision impacts the audience's perception of the movie. It's essential to take a step further and analyze the mise-en-scene to understand the creative decisions behind a particular scene. In this lesson, we will explore The Passion of Joan of Arc and how it captivates its viewers through its groundbreaking mise-en-scenes.
Thinking About Character
Movies are watched mainly for the characters they feature. A well-developed protagonist plays a crucial role in helping the audience experience the film's unique world and perspective. In this lesson, we will examine some of the complexities that drive protagonists in Cutters Way, an early 80s neo-noir.
Political Readings
Life doesn't exist in a vacuum, and the same applies to the world of movies. When analyzing a film, it is crucial to take into account the political and cultural environment in which it was created. A movie made in 1950 cannot be viewed with the same perspective as a film made in 2020. In this lesson, we will discuss how cultural context influences the backdrop of a film, as we examine the 1950s science fiction pulp classic, Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
History, Genre, and Ethics
Movies based on actual events are common, but as viewers and critics, it's essential to be cautious. We should ask ourselves if the director has taken too many liberties in fictionalizing the story or if they have been respectful towards the actual events. Ethics play a crucial role in historical war films. In this lesson, we will examine Christopher Nolan's DUNKIRK and explore the challenges associated with this genre.
Interpretation
Interpretation is essential in the ever-changing world of cinema. It unlocks the hidden treasures within a movie and turns the viewing experience into a cerebral journey. For critics, it becomes a puzzle to solve, piecing together scenes, symbolic imagery, and character arcs. This lecture will focus on Jordan Peele's intriguing movie, NOPE. With its extraterrestrial premise, the film offers multiple layers of meaning, challenging critics to decipher the cryptic symbols and metaphors with its deliberate ambiguity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do The Courses Work?
Our courses are project-based and instructor-led. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills. Weekly assignment deadlines keep you on track, and with no set-logins or Zoom meetings, you can build your studies around your schedule.
Who Are The Instructors?
Our courses are developed and taught by our industry-leading faculty of creative professionals. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work. View our Student Gallery for featured student projects.
When Can I Start?
Classes start January, April, and August, and this course is completed in a 15-week term. College credit from this course can be applied to a range of Degree and Certificate programs at Sessions College. You can enroll in this course on an individual basis or as part of a program.
Explore our Programs: Bachelor's Degree | Associate Degree | Undergraduate Certificate
How Do I Register?
To register for a program, complete our program application. To register for this course on an individual basis, please contact our admissions team at admissions@sessions.edu. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to setup your enrollment.
| Course Tuition and Fees | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $300/credit |
| Registration Fee* | $200 |
| Total Course Price | $1100 |
Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment.
Is Sessions College Accredited?
Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).