Movie Criticism and Film Theory

Mrs. Kellie-Ann Cripe

 Character
Can be revealed
through their actions,
speech and
appearance.
Can be discovered by
comments of other
characters and
interaction with other
characters.
Can be flat (one-
sided) or round (fully
developed
 Protagonist
Is the main character in a work of
literature or movie.
Can sometimes be the narrator
 Antagonist
The character in a story who is in
conflict with the main character.
Can be another
character, nature, fate,
society or even the
protaganist
 Character Foil
Traits are in direct contrast to
protagonist

Highlights traits of
protagonist by
opposition, can be
minor or major
character.
 Stereotype
Demonstrates common traits of a
group rather than being individual
Sometimes derogatory in nature
 Setting
The time and the place of the story.
A story can be set in a realistic or imaginary
place and can occur in the past, present,or
future.
Setting affects
the characters
and storyline
in unique
ways
 Setting Types

Integral Setting is
essential to the plot
and influences
characters.
Backdrop
Setting relatively
unimportant to the
plot and characters
just a background
 Mood
A feeling or emotion that a story stirs
in the viewer.
Point Of View
The vantage point in
which the story is told.
First Person- I
Third Person- He,
she it
Omniscient -knows
everything
Objective - presents
without comment or
emotion
 Foreshadowing

An authors way
of hinting to the
reader of what is
to come in the
story.
 Theme
The main idea that the film wishes to
share with the audience
Rarely stated directly, inferred by the
audience
Universal in nature applying to society,
human nature
Can often be applied to individuals
watching the film as they relate to it.
 Sample Themes

Acceptance Good Versus Evil

Betrayal Justice
Coming of Age Love
Destiny Perserverance
Duty Power
Faith Redemption
Freedom Revenge
Friendship Transformation
 Conflict
A struggle between opposing forces;
conflicts can be external or internal.
 External Conflict
Struggle with outside forces
Person-vs-fate
Person-vs-person
Person-vs-nature
Person-vs-society
Person-vs-technology
Internal Conflict
Takes place in the
characters mind.
Character often
pulled by two
courses of action or
by conflicting
emotions
 Plot
The series of
events in sequential
order.
What happens 1st,
2nd, 3rd, and so on.
The plot centers on
at least one major
problem called a
conflict.
 Timing of Plot
Chronological - Events are told in the
order of occurance.
Flashback/Flashforward - Events
are told out of order either jumping
ahead or back at various points in the
story.
Time Lapse - Story skips a time
period that seems unusual compared
to rest of plot
 Five Main Parts of the Plot
Climax
Not all stories fit
this pattern.
The exposition may Falling
Rising
appear in the Action Action
middle of the story
instead of the
beginning.
A story can end Resolution
Exposition
with a climax,
leaving no falling
action.
 Exposition
The opening film often
provides background
information that the
audience needs to
know.
It introduces the
characters, describes
the setting, and may
recap important events
before the action of the
story.
 Rising Action
The chain of events
become more
complex. The
Rising
actions and feelings
Action
of the characters
intensify as their
problems become
more complicated.
 Climax
The highest point of
interest
Where most action
takes place in the
store
Involves an
important event,
decision, or
discovery that
affects the final
outcome.
Falling Action
Following the
Falling climax, the intensity
action
of the story may
subside.
The falling action
describes the
results of the major
events as the action
winds down.
 Resolution
The final part of the story.
It tells how the story ends. All the loose ends
are tied up.
May also set the stage for future stories or
sequels.
 Film Elements

Film Score
Lighting
Costumes
Sound Effects
Special Effects
Filming
Editing
 Additional Questions
How does the movie portray Men? Women? Children?

Product Placements/Advertising?

What is the protagonist main strength and flaw?

What character do you most relate to? Admire? Despise?

Is there a portrayal of faith or religion? Is it positive, negative, neutral?

How do the values and themes compare to your own values and beliefs?