This introduction to film appreciation uses both contemporary and classic movies to help students develop critical skills in the analysis and evaluation of film. By suggesting what to look for and how to look for it, the text challenges students to sharpen their powers of observation, establish habits of perceptive watching, and discover complex aspects of film art that will further enhance their enjoyment of watching films. In addition it makes the link from literature to film in chapters on Thematic Elements, Fictional and Dramatic Elements and a unique chapter on Adaptions.

Preface
The Art of Watching Films The Uniqueness of Film
The Challenges of Film Analysis
The Value of Film Analysis Becoming a Receptive Viewer
The Film - Viewing Environment
Preparing to See a Film Deepening Our Responses to Films
Questions for Analyzing Your Responses to a Film
Thematic Elements Theme and Focus
Focus on Plot
Focus on Emotional Effect or Mood
Focus on Character
Focus on Style or Texture or Structure
Focus on Ideas Identifying the Theme
Evaluating the Theme
Questions for Analyzing Theme
Video Exercises
Films for Study
Fictional and Dramatic Elements
Film Analysis and Literary Analysis
The Elements of a Good Story
A Good Story Is Unified in Plot
A Good Story Is Credible
A Good Story Is Interesting
A Good Story Is Both Simple and Complex
A Good Story Handles Emotional Material with Restraint
The Significance of the Title Dramatic Structure Linear, or Chronological, Structure Nonlinear
Structures Endings: Fine-Tuning the Dénouement Conflict Characterization
Characterization through Appearance
Characterization through Dialogue
Characterization through External Action
Characterization through Internal Action
Characterization through Reactions of Other Characters
Characterization through Contrast: Dramatic Foils
Characterization through Caricature and Leitmotif
Characterization through Choice of Name Varieties of Characters
Allegory Symbolism Universal and Natural Symbols
Creating Symbolic Meanings Symbolic Patterns and Progressions
Symbolic Values in Conflict Metaphors Overreading
Symbolism Irony
Dramatic Irony
Irony of Situation
Irony of Character
Irony of Setting
Irony of Tone
Cosmic Irony
Questions for Analyzing Fictional and Dramatic Elements
Video Exercises
Mini-Movie Exercise
DVD Film making
Extras Films for Study
Visual Design Color Versus Black and White Screen Format (Aspect Ratio)
Film Stock Production Design/Art Direction
The Script: The Starting Point Setting and Its Effects Studio Versus Location
Shooting Period Pieces
Living Spaces and Offices
Fantasy Worlds Costume and Makeup Design Lighting
The Budget’s Effect on the Film’s Look
Questions for Analyzing Visual Design
Video Exercises
Mini-Movie Exercise
DVD Filmmaking
Extras Films for Study
Cinematography
The Importance of the Visual Image
The Cinematic Film
Cinematic Points of View
Objective Point of View
Subjective Point of View
Indirect-Subjective Point of View
Director’s Interpretive Point of View
Elements of Cinematic Composition
Focusing Attention on the Most Significant Object Keeping the Image in Motion
Creating an Illusion of Depth Specialized Cinematic Effects
Handheld Camera
Camera Angles Color, Diffusion, and Soft Focus
Special Lenses
Fast Motion
Special Lighting Effects
Movie Magic: Visual Effects in the Modern Film
The FX of Animated Feature Films…Especially for Adults
Flashback: Animation Becomes the Main Event
Questions for Analyzing Cinematography and Special Visual Effects
Video Exercises
Mini-Movie Exercise: Cinematography Mini-Movie E
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