So you want to know more about motion pictures? It is an art form that many of whom are outside of the film industry don't fully believe that it can be artistic. Films are very much full of beautiful cinematography, acting, and storytelling. You may think a movie is just to entertain you, but it can mean much more than that. If you want to appreciate films more, here’s how you can start.
1. Start with classics.
Have you seen any 1930’s German films like M? Do you know who Charlie Chaplin is? Have you seen films like The Philadelphia Story, Vertigo, or Some Like it Hot? Movies like these ones listed revolutionized the film industry itself and brought it to be more about sending a message to the audience rather than just for mere entertainment. Directors from different time periods definitely sparked this change. Director, Alfred Hitchcock, who primarily made movies in the 1950’s, was known to be the “The Master of Suspense”. In the late 60’s, early 70’s, Director Stanley Kubrick rose to fame for his use of storytelling through photographs. Starting out with classics is a great way to understand where certain modern day directors have gotten their ideas from. It gives a different outlook on movie watching.
2. Mix up your genres.
You can’t analyze a movie in its entirety. Nine times out of ten, that’s not how the director intended the movie to be. Take in the movie each shot at a time like you’re looking at photography. There are certain shots that are suppose to stand out. What’s in the shot? Why do you think it’s there? What is the character going through? What stands out to you?
4. Pay attention to cinematography and why people put certain things in certain shots.
In other words, don’t take a film for granted. A director put certain things in certain shots for a reason and if he just put it there for the sake of being there, then most likely it’s not a good movie. For example, in this shot, the man that's blurred out is someone that the actress has been trying to find. There’s a message underneath each film that you may not fully get in the first sitting so, if you study a movie multiple times, then you’ll develop more of an understanding of the cinematography aspects
5. Focus your attention on the whole film.
Sometimes when you sit through a movie you miss important clues from the actors as to what they are going through and why that made them feel that way. Sometimes you’ll miss important plot points if you have to get up and go to the bathroom or refill your drink. If you’re sitting on your couch with your phone in your hands, texting away petty things, you’re not fully investing yourself into the movie because you’re distracted. It’ll be good for you, I promise. If you want to be a real film connoisseur, put your phone away, get all the snacks you’ll need, turn down the lights, shut the blinds and delve into an hour and a half of art.
