I love films, I have my whole life. It has been my plan to write a little something on the art of film and now it seems most appropriate. This seems appropriate because as I write this, a group of high school students have rifled me of my work area in my favorite cafe. Why? Because they are filming a movie. At first, I was outraged when I walked in to a Picasso painting of lights, cameras, some action that only filming a short film can conduce, high-school students and the repeated phrase, "Ready, clear, action," all taking up my work area. Yet, as I watched them go through the steady filming process, I come to several realizations.

First, what is the difference between a film and a movie? We typically use them interchangeably, but if you take a film class in college, then you will swiftly be shut down by your professor if you do so. A film is designed to have an artistic result; whether it strictly or abstractly depicts a book, play or event, whether it integrates new styles of filmography such as new shots or digresses, a film aims to enlighten in some way. We know of popular films that aim not only to do this, but also to make revenue. For example, the film "The Dark Knight Rises" has one of the greatest gross revenues, yet it is still a film. This is usually what separates a movie from a film, however, movies consequently primarily focus on bringing in revenue and, to do so, aim to appeal to audiences for purposes of entertainment. For example, I would never classify "Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer" as a film. This schism between film and movie is highly esoteric, however. Most people use the two interchangeably, including me.

Filmography is a true art form. Even watching these novices has brought me to the conclusion that taking one mere 10-second shot is a grueling and nit-picking task. Having to account for exposure, while aiming at an amount of saturation that provides an artistic quality to the shot is not easy. I think we underplay the role that the people whose names are on a black screen for five seconds have. The amount of training that goes into these tasks is astounding. It is when these collaborative tasks come together and meld well that we are presented with a fine film.

Lastly, film is an art form that anyone who can see can also enjoy. We have all walked out of a movie theater telling our friends something like, "That movie sucked," or even the opposite. Yet our comments are often in direct relation to the acting and not the film itself. The next movie you go to, ask yourself this simple question, "Why are they presenting me the scene like this?" Pay more attention to the role that the camera has, to what you actually see (what is known as the mis en scene). I feel film has the ability to be infinitely more dynamic than photography because it is simply a collection of millions of photographs. Whether you decide to take a class on film and learn the intricacies of motion picture or you simply just want to keep watching movies on Netflix because you are bored, pay attention to how the director uses the camera and effects to make you feel a certain way. Question whether the music makes sense, question the tidiness in scene flow, question it all. I believe that you will then see just how awesome film can be!