Documentary Film Analysis Worksheet
Step 1. Pre-viewing
Title of Film:
Date Released
Principle filmmaker(s)
Why did you select this particular film for this assignment?
What do you think you will see in this motion picture? List three concepts or ideas that you might expect to see based on the title of the film or what you already know about this film.
Concepts/Ideas
1.
2.
3.
Step 2. Viewing
Type of documentary (check where applicable):
__________ Advocacy for social concerns
__________ Biography
__________ Career Profile
__________ Community History
__________ Research/Factual
__________ “How To”
__________ Training/Orientation
__________ Investigative
__________ News/Special Events
___________Skits & Spoofs
__________ Travel/tourism
__________ Nature
Physical qualities of the film: Describe all that apply.
Music
Live action
Narration/voice Over:
Background noise/Special effects
Animation
Color/Black and white
Interviews (Who did the filmmaker interview and for what purpose?)
Dramatizations
Note how camera angles, lighting, music, narration, and/or editing contribute to creating an atmosphere in this film.
What is the mood or tone of the film? What emotions does the film evoke in it’s viewers?
Step 3. Post-viewing (or repeated viewing)
Circle the things that you listed in the previewing activity that were validated by your viewing of the motion picture, then answer the following:
What is/are the central message(s) of this documentary? Be specific. Use examples from the film to support your choice.
Discuss the bias in the film (point of view of the filmmakers).
Consider the effectiveness of the film in communicating its message. As a tool of communication, what are its strengths andweaknesses?
How do you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to respond?
Does this film appeal to the viewer's reason or emotion? Explain the role of each in this piece.
How does it make you feel?
Write a question to the filmmaker that is left unanswered by the motion picture.
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