FILM ESSAYS FOR DUMMIES (OR YEAR 10s – he he)
STRUCTURE
Your extended text and film essays should consist of, at the minimum, an introduction, three
body paragraphs and a conclusion. In the introduction, list the main points you will talk
about. In the body paragraphs, discuss the main points in detail. In the conclusion, briefly
sum up what you’ve said then try to add a one-sentence statement to conclude your ideas.
INTRODUCTION: This says what you are going to say. For example. “In the film
Remember the Titans directed by Boaz Yakin, an important idea was … This was shown
through the techniques of ….…, ……. and …….
BODY PARAGRAPHS: In these paragraphs, you explain your ideas and give examples and
detail. Remember the S-E-X-Y rule: this will help you to structure your paragraphs in an
organised way.
S=Statement – e.g., Yakin used long camera shots to emphasise the idea of teamwork.
E=Example – e.g., The technique of long camera shots was used in the scene where Coach
Boone took the Titans on an early morning run, to show the graves of Gettysburg in the
background against the coach in the foreground.
X=Explanation – e.g., This was used to emphasise the idea of the waste of potential through
lack of working together. The long shot shows the coach alone among some of the graves to
emphasise his message that this “hallowed ground” held the remains of 50000 men who
died through hatred and disunity.
Y=Your conclusion/judgement/continuation of the idea – e.g., Through this technique, the
director was giving an emotional message of what can happen when people do not come
together, for whatever reason. He wants us to get the same message as the Titans: if we do
not find a common goal and work together, we are destined to destroy each other.
NOW do this twice more, in your second and third body paragraphs.
CONCLUSION: This sums up your THREE main points and gives a final statement – e.g.,
Therefore, in Remember the Titans by Boaz Yakin, three ways in which the idea of …….. is
shown is through the techniques of ………, ……….. and ………. By underlining his message
in such obvious ways, Yakin has definitely reminded us of the need to come together. This
message is an important one not just for the film but for everyday life and for that reason
alone, this film is an important one for all people to see.
‘AVE A GO
You will start this essay in class with some planning, then finish it for homework. I will
collect them on Monday. No excuses – this is important for your exam practice and even
those of you who have ducked out of these in the past will need to get this one done.
1. PLAN
Decide on your topic, then how you are going to answer the question. Make sure, in
your plan, that you have addressed all parts of the question. Sketch your main idea then
your three body paragraphs that support it. An example is given below, for a
DIFFERENT film from the one you are doing:
Question: Describe a setting in the text. Explain how the setting helped you
understand the text. Setting may refer to place or time.
MY GRAND PLAN:
Film: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (underline your title)
Main idea: the director used the setting of Hogwarts to help me understand the world of
witchcraft and wizardry.
Three body paragraphs: the director used the techniques of special effects, lighting and
camera angles within the setting of Hogwarts to help me understand the wizarding
world. Paragraph 1: discuss the use of special effects, such as the moving staircases and
the moving pictures. Paragraph 2: discuss the use of dark lighting inside the castle to give
the idea of no electricity – light is given by candles or wands. Also, the light in the
Gryffindor Common Room is warm (firelight) whereas the light in Snape’s dungeon is
cold and green. Paragraph 3: discuss the use of camera shots – e.g., long shots of the castle
to give an impression of the sheer size of the castle in the middle of the landscape, yet no
Muggles are aware that it exists, therefore it must be enchanted.
2. TOPICS: Choose ONE to write your essay on. About 200 words.
Describe an important idea in the text. Explain how at least TWO of the following
were used to help you understand this idea: colour; camera work; special effects;
costumes; sound effects; music; lighting; dialogue.
Describe a memorable character in the text. Explain how verbal and/or visual
features were used to help you remember this character.
Describe an important incident in the text. Explain why it is important.
Describe at least one way that time and/or place were used in the text. Explain how
the director used verbal and/or visual features to show you that the time and/or
place were important.
TOP TIPS!
When the question says “how”, this usually refers to techniques (e.g., verbal and
visual). Look for the list of film techniques on the missy-p wiki, but usually you are
given a selection of these: costume, sound effects, etc.
When the question says “why”, it is usually looking for you to do some analysis.
Think of questions like what is the director trying to get me to think? How is the
audience being manipulated by this? What has happened to lead to this point? What
is the consequence/aftermath of this point? How has it changed things?