Film Criticism Quiz

1 What is the main goal of this guide to film and television analysis?

To help you become a professional film critic who writes for major publications To watch film and television to make you a better reader To memorize every technical term used in filmmaking and television production To learn how to produce your own films and television shows professionally

Correct Answer: B - To watch film and television to make you a better reader

The chapter states that "The goal of this guide is to offer suggestions on how you can watch film and television to make you a better reader." This connects visual media analysis to reading comprehension skills.

2 How are film and television similar to novels?

They use identical vocabulary and language structures for communication They always tell stories in exactly the same chronological order They are narrative forms that follow the same rules and share many elements They require the same amount of time to consume and fully understand

Correct Answer: C - They are narrative forms that follow the same rules and share many elements

The chapter explains that "Film and television are narrative forms, which means they follow the same rules as novels, and share many of the same elements." This is why literary analysis skills transfer to visual media.

3 What is described as the most important part of the analysis process?

Memorizing all the technical terminology used in film and television production Researching the director's biography and personal background before viewing Reading professional reviews and criticism before forming your own opinion Thinking critically and having a chance to talk about what you watch

Correct Answer: D - Thinking critically and having a chance to talk about what you watch

The chapter states that "The most important part of the process is that you give yourself an opportunity to think critically about what you watch, and that you have a chance to talk about it."

4 According to the chapter, what is the best way to analyze what you watch?

Through conversation Through detailed written papers with extensive research and multiple drafts Through silent contemplation and individual reflection without outside input Through comparing your analysis to professional critics and industry experts

Correct Answer: A - Through conversation

The chapter states that "You can do this through a paper, but the best way to go is through a conversation." Discussion allows for immediate exchange of ideas and deeper understanding.

5 What should you do first when analyzing a film?

Research the budget and box office performance to understand commercial success Identify its goals Look up what professional critics have written about the technical elements Watch it multiple times to catch every single detail and nuance

Correct Answer: C - Look up what professional critics have written about the technical elements

The chapter states that "The first thing to do when analyzing a film is to identify its goals." Understanding what the director was trying to do helps you evaluate whether they achieved it.

6 Why is it important to figure out what the director was trying to do?

So you can copy their techniques in your own filmmaking projects So you can write a more impressive analysis that shows off your knowledge You'll have an easier time evaluating whether they achieved it So you can avoid making the same mistakes when discussing films with others

Correct Answer: C - You'll have an easier time evaluating whether they achieved it

The chapter explains that "If you can figure out what the director was trying to do, you'll have a much easier time evaluating whether or not they achieved it." This provides a framework for meaningful analysis.

7 Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the technical elements to analyze?

Box office performance and commercial success metrics Costume and Makeup Design Sound and Music Production Design

Correct Answer: A - Box office performance and commercial success metrics

The chapter lists cinematography, lighting and color, costume and makeup design, production design, sound and music, editing, and acting as technical elements. Commercial performance is not mentioned as a technical element to analyze.

8 When analyzing technical elements, what key question should you ask yourself?

How much did this cost to produce and was it worth the investment? How did this help the film meet its goals or communicate a theme? What would I have done differently if I were the director of this project? How does this compare to similar elements in other films I've recently watched?

Correct Answer: B - How did this help the film meet its goals or communicate a theme?

The chapter instructs that when analyzing technical elements, you should "ask yourself 'How did this help the film meet one of its goals or communicate a theme?'" This connects technical choices to narrative purpose.

9 What devices should you look at when identifying a movie's message?

Figurative language, motifs, and flashbacks Camera equipment, editing software, and recording technology used in production Box office statistics, audience demographics, and marketing campaign strategies Director interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and production diary entries

Correct Answer: A - Figurative language, motifs, and flashbacks

The chapter states to "Look at the use of devices like figurative language, motifs, and flashbacks. How did these help the director speak on the movie's themes?" These are storytelling devices that convey meaning.

10 What are the two ultimate questions you're trying to answer in film analysis?

How much money did it make and was it popular with audiences worldwide? What was the movie trying to say and did it do a good job? Who was the target audience and what genre conventions did it follow? What technical innovations did it introduce and how did it influence future films?

Correct Answer: B - What was the movie trying to say and did it do a good job?

The chapter concludes that "Ultimately, you are trying to get at these questions: What was the movie trying to say to its audience? And, did it do a good job?" These questions focus on meaning and effectiveness.