Film Studies is an academic subject that examines the technical aspects of film production, history, theory, and criticism. It is an exciting and dynamic field that explores the medium of film as a means of cultural expression. Learning Film Studies can be an excellent foundation for a career in the film industry or for academic pursuits. In this blog post, we will explore the key concepts, methods, and resources for learning Film Studies.
The first step in learning Film Studies is to understand the basic technical aspects of film production. This includes knowledge of camera angles, lighting, sound, editing and special effects. A good place to start is with introductory textbooks on Film Studies that cover the fundamental technical concepts. Some recommended textbooks include "Film Art" by David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson, and "Film Studies: An Introduction" by Ed Sikov.
Film Studies also involves an in-depth understanding of the history of cinema and its evolution over time. Learning about the influential filmmakers and the development of visual storytelling is crucial to understanding the art of filmmaking. The best way to start learning about film history is to watch classic movies from different eras and movements. For instance, you can explore the silent era, the golden age of Hollywood, the French New Wave, and the contemporary era. There are many online portals that offer a wide range of films to choose from such as MUBI and Criterion Channel.
Film Theory interrogates the conceptual frameworks of cinema. In this aspect, Film Studies students examine the ways in which movies interact with their global audience and construct meaning. Students in Film Studies become acquainted with topics such as Marxism, Feminism, and Structuralism. Also, Film Studies students explore seminal theories that shaped the discipline, such as Laura Mulvey's "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema" and Sergei Eisenstein's Montage Theory.
Online journals such as Film Quarterly and Screen offer scholars in film theory an accessible window to current debates and developments.
Although learning the technical aspects, history and theory of film is vital, developing the necessary critical and analytical skills is equally important in Film Studies. This involves carrying out comprehensive analysis of movies in different ways. Students need to learn how to observe, appreciate, and describe the film language as well as the messages conveyed by movies. Developing analytical and critical skills enables students to comprehend the performances, camera movement and the emotions elicited by the films. Training in critical and analytical skills imply that Film Studies students acquire the competencies needed to write scholarly texts and produce qualitative research.
There are several online resources that students can utilise in learning Film Studies. Platforms such as watching films online, subscribing to video essays on YouTube, and using academic databases such as JSTOR and Project Muse can be beneficial. The British Film Institute (BFI), for example, provides an extensive database of films, online theory and Film Studies courses.
In conclusion, Film Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that combines the technical aspects of film production, history, theory, and criticism. Learning Film Studies requires developing a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of film production, history, and theory. Critical and analytical skills such as developing a strong observation of visual language, critical evaluation of the themes presented and analysis of the emotional meaning of a movie, is central to the study of films. With online resources such as The BFI, student-centred electronic journals and film screening websites, gaining deeper knowledge in Film Studies is achievable. Therefore, whether you plan to pursue a career in film or academic research, Film Studies can be a great stepping stone towards your goal.
✅ Experts available : | 20 |
✅ Average price : | £25/hr |
✅ Session format : | Face-to-Face or Online |
✅ First lesson free : | Yes |