Product Description

This book explains how to prepare for and write various types of critical pieces on film. It distinguishes the four main critical formats of writing about film—the review, the critique, the comparative analysis and the documented research paper—from each other (why, when, and how to use each and the different aspects within each). The book provides theory, discussion, component examples and full samples of all formats discussed. The book also provides exercises and strategies to prepare the critic to watch the film and write a first draft. B> preparation for and the process of film criticism, style and structure in film criticism, the review, the analytical critique, the comparative analysis, the documented research paper, primary and secondary sources of works guidelines and an index of names and titles. For anyone interested in critiquing films for personal interest or professional writing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #632491 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-12
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 212 pages

From the Back Cover
This book explains how to prepare for and write various types of critical pieces on film. It distinguishes the four main critical formats of writing about film—the review, the critique, the comparative analysis and the documented research paper—from each other (why, when, and how to use each and the different aspects within each). The book provides theory, discussion, component examples and full samples of all formats discussed. The book also provides exercises and strategies to prepare the critic to watch the film and write a first draft. preparation for and the process of film criticism, style and structure in film criticism, the review, the analytical critique, the comparative analysis, the documented research paper, primary and secondary sources of works guidelines and an index of names and titles. For anyone interested in critiquing films for personal interest or professional writing.

Customer Reviews

Background Information
I am a sort of contributor to this book- three of my essays were excerpted for use as examples. (two were improperly credited in my review copy, but that is of no real concern here) I will confirm that they were written as class assignments for a community college course titled "Film As Literature." I'll make no claim that they are superlative examples of analysis, but they were FAR better than the average.

Dr. Moscowitz was not in fact the instructor of the class when I took it, but he apparently took over when that person retired- and inherited a body of past work accumulated over time. He contacted me a few years after I had moved on for permission to use my work.

The class, as part of the state's college curriculum, was meant primarily as an exercise in writing. It was not meant as any great in-depth study of film as an art form. It was not meant for film-school students in serious study of film.

This is meant as background information- you'll still have to make your own decision about how appropriate the book itself is to your situation.

Dr Moscowitz's continues to amaze
Sure, if you want a manufactured, canned review of film and movie creation, then turn away and buy an Ebert book. But if you want an independent review of film by a PhD, then this is your book. Dr. Moscowitz's introduction to film in this book is wonderful. This book covers all facets of film from the review to the documented research paper. An excellent addition to any film class or general reader's library.

Poorly executed guide to writing critical film reviews.
John Moscowitz poorly executes a mini-textbook on how to write critical film reviews. He takes a series of student papers (presumably from his own classes) and presents them with repetitive commentary echoing what the writer has just said.

A better idea would be to read an actual book of reviews by a single author such as the Roger Ebert ones or any of a number of other critics.