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Dec 18, 2020 · Learn how to watch for important details and fully experience the magic of movies you already love—and find new favorites, too. Watching a film is perhaps one of the most straightforward tasks there is. You don’t need to do much. Even so, it’s one of the most exhilarating pastimes available.
- Max Phillips
Dec 24, 2020 · The 20 Most Underrated Movies of the Past 20 Years. Though awards season is already upon us, it certainly doesn’t feel that way. Like so many other things in 2020, Hollywood is in the midst of a...
- Overview
- Watching Many Types of Films
- Engaging Film Culture
- Learning About Cinematography and More
The terms film and movie are often used interchangeably. The word, film, though, has a slightly different meaning and is often associated with artistic expression rather than simple entertainment. As a result, appreciating the art of film is much different than simply watching films for entertainment. To appreciate the art of film you should try to...
View films that have been critically acclaimed.
While film appreciation is more than just applauding films that critics have endorsed, critically acclaimed films are acclaimed because they are either groundbreaking or are characteristic of specific styles. Viewing critically acclaimed films, then, is a great way to hone your appreciation for film. Critically acclaimed films may include:
Films that have won awards at the Golden Globes, the Academy Awards, the Cannes Film Festival, the Sundance Film Festival, or similar festivals and award ceremonies around the world.
Films that exemplify a certain type of filmmaking or have pioneered a genre or subject matter. To find these films, run an internet search of your favorite film style or genre, and see what comes up. Read up on that style or genre so you can identify important films.
Try jotting down notes as you're watching a movie to record your initial thoughts.
For instance, if you start to lose interest, you might pause the movie and write, "At 1 hour 23 minutes in, I feel bored." You might also jot down character names, interesting or impactful scenes, snippets of dialogue, or genre and plotting conventions or twists. When the movie is over, organize those notes into a paragraph so you can revisit it later.
Attend a film club in your community. Film clubs will often sponsor screenings of different types of films. You’ll not only be able to watch films, but discuss them with other people interested in the art of film.
You may be able to find a film club through a local college or university.
There are a range of periodicals you can subscribe to educate yourself about films and filmmaking. These periodicals will contain reviews, and will discuss new films, film theory, and more.
Consider subscribing to internet newsletters, internet magazines, and traditional magazines. Some examples include: 'Film Comment' (www.filmcomment.com) and 'Filmmaker Magazine' (www.filmmakermagazine.com).
Visit websites devoted to film culture.
Take time to run a web search for different websites on any aspect of film that might interest you. Depending on your specific taste, there may be blogs, message boards, and reddit threads on which you can engage other people with similar interests. Check out:
Observe different types of camera shots.
Filmmakers use both static shots and dynamic shots. Static shots are camera shots where the camera remains stationary and does not alter its aim. Dynamic shots are shots where the camera is moving and changing its aim. Filmmakers use both types of shots to convey meaning and to emphasize elements of what they are filming.
With both types of shots, the angle, point of view, and scale may vary. Pay attention to these different elements when watching different films.
To really understand a film, go in with an open mind and avoid any distractions.
Try to empty your mind of all preconceptions before you watch a movie. Also, try not to talk or look at your phone during the movie, and watch it all in one sitting if you can.
Pay attention to the lighting.
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- Entertainment. You are not inclined to spend more than the time of the film. You appreciate the general entertainment, whatever the film is about, and that’s it.
- Physical Experience. When you like a film more, you’ll spend more to watch it in a better cinema, or maybe you’ll drive farther for the experience. You probably don’t want to watch your favorite films on a mobile phone.
- Personal Experience. Your level of film appreciation is higher when somebody you like or love is in the film (in whatever capacity). These could be stars or someone you know personally.
- History. Your level of film appreciation is higher when you follow the history of the film. Maybe you know what has come before, or the stories surrounding the film.
- Lessons From The Screenplay. Michael Tucker has a different take on how to appreciate films. He reckons that the film's screenplay hides the secret sauce that makes some scenes stand out in our memory forever.
- Deep Focus Review. Brian Eggert seems to only do two things in the day: watch films, and write about films. Deep Focus Review is primarily a film review website, but the depth of the reviews is what matters here.
- Now You See It. There are some things you've often seen in films, but never given much thought to. Some are smart, like the use of aspect ratios, while some are silly, like having a character on screen talk to the viewer directly.
- Every Frame a Painting. One of the most famous YouTube channels for movie lovers, Every Frame a Painting (EFAP) hasn't been updated for a year now. But the archives are a must-watch for everyone.
This post consists of a list of inspirational movies with important life lessons to learn. The first part features 13 films complete with a trailer, description, and my personal review. Following that is a list of movies that didn’t make the top 13 but are worth checking out.
Aug 18, 2023 · These films might not be widely appreciated, but Ebert gave them two thumbs up. Roger Ebert was one of the most influential film critics of the 20th century and the first to win the Pulitzer...
