Hello there! Today I am posting a template I have devised which I use to plan and write my film reviews. This template can be used by anybody looking to write film reviews who could benefit from prompts and structure tips, or insight into general film analysis and what kind of things we're looking at. Please enjoy the template below!

1. INTRODUCTION

• basic information (name, year, director, screenwriter, main cast members)

• begin to evaluate the film and introduce central concept of review

2. PLOT SUMMARY

• brief overview

3. DESCRIPTION

• detailed description of cinematic experience watching the film

• what does the film look/feel/sound like?

• what stands out in your mind when thinking about the film?

4. ANALYSIS

• how well does this film utilise formal techniques? i.e. cinematography, editing, misè-en-scene, lighting, diegesis, sound, genre, narrative...

• how well does the film utilise thematic content? i.e. history, race, gender, sexuality, class, environment, context...

• how do these elements work together to affect your experience and interpretation of the film?

• how do formal techniques work to progress thematic content?

5. CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION

• closing the review, you might want to remind the reader of general thoughts and impressions.

• would you recommend somebody watch this film? If so, who? (E.g. "science fiction fans may enjoy this film because...")

• why is this film worth seeing or not worth seeing?

6. FINAL RATING

• I use a points out of ten system, but you might like to use a 1-5 star rating or anything else. I decide the final rating always starting at 10 and deducting points for areas of the film I feel are weaker. You could also start at 0, and add points for every element you like.