Watching a movie is one of the simplest pleasures of the modern era. Telling a story with a film is not easy, while everyone has the opportunity to sit on the sofa and enjoy it. However, as with almost all art forms, the greater your connection with a film, the more you will be able to appreciate it. You can learn how to look at them with a critical and cinematic eye, so you can learn more about feature films and how they are produced.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Project the Film on the Screen
Step 1. Play a DVD with a player or computer for easy way to watch a movie
If you have a physical copy of a movie, just insert it and play it. Of course you need a device that can play it. Today almost all computers and laptops have DVD players and many are capable of playing Blu-Ray as well as video game consoles. If in doubt, consult your player's manual and check the nature of the optical media you are using (DVD, HDDVD, Blu-Ray, etc.).
Most computers only need one program that can play DVDs. If you don't already have one on your system as you usually do, search the internet for "DVD Playback Program"
Step 2. Sign up for a streaming service such as Netflix, Hulu or Prime Video
If you are connected to the internet, these are the best ways to find and enjoy movies. You can search for content by genre, actor, rating and get it started with one click, all for a modest monthly fee. There are even a few free sites, including:
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YouTube:
you can stream all movies that are no longer copyrighted (including many classics from the 1950s, 1960s and earlier) for free.
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Crackle:
a collection of free movies.
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Top Documentary Films:
free documentaries.
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SnagFilms:
a movie platform for phones and tablets.
Step 3. Check the offer of your satellite and digital services
Usually in the "On demand" section you can find a number of free and paid movies that you can watch at any time. There are also channels dedicated solely to cinema, which broadcast films and documentaries related to the film industry throughout the day. Press "Menu" and search for "Cinema", often under "find channels", "on demand" or "program guide".
Access the website of your satellite or digital terrestrial service and consult the collection of films available "on demand"
Step 4. Look for an illegal stream of the movie you are interested in
These streams are illegal, but technically the viewer is not committing any crime, as long as they don't download the video and show it to many people. Streaming is the technology that YouTube uses; shows you a copy of the video without you having to download it. While this is oversimplification, the important thing is that you can't get in trouble by streaming a movie, but only risk the site owner. If the dubious morality of this action doesn't bother you, just search the internet for "[movie name]" + free stream. "Even movies just released in theaters get uploaded, but the quality is often not great. illegal streams are closed often, the search may take some time.
On illegal streaming sites just click the triangular "Play" or "Close to Watch Movie" button. Many pop-up advertisements try to trick you with bogus "Download / Play" buttons and special offers that redirect you to other sites
Step 5. Download movies with torrents to watch them wherever you like
With torrents, you can get a digital copy of a movie and watch it directly on your computer, or put it on a disc, phone or tablet. If you've never used torrents before, be sure to educate yourself on the safest practices. Here are some tips for finding the movies you are looking for:
- To manage torrent files you need a client, such as uTorrent or BitTorrent.
- Always click on the "magnet link" for safer downloads.
- Only download torrents with lots of seeds and positive reviews. If there are no reviews or comments, don't risk it.
- If a link doesn't seem safe to you, look for another one.
Method 2 of 3: Watch Movies Like a Critic
Step 1. Take notes on the movie as you watch it
You can write anything that comes to your mind, although many critics devote small sections to important topics such as "script", "acting" and "directing". Regardless of your style, notes will go a long way in helping you write and talk about the film in the future.
Don't worry about the things to take notes at first. Just write down whatever comes to your mind and think about shaping the review later
Step 2. Focus on the link between form and substance
The form is the way the film is shot: the lighting, the scenography, the sound effects, etc. The substance is the story being told and the information it seeks to convey. In the best films the two sides are inextricably linked. Think Fourth Estate, whose message about the interminable march of time and memories is reinforced by slow cuts, low angles, unusual, dramatic and flashbacks. Every aspect of the film helps tell the story.
- If you press pause, what sensations does the "photograph" you see convey to you? What state of mind? Is the shot meant to be interesting even if the film is on hiatus?
- What do you think is the theme or the central point of the film? What evidence supports your idea?
- Do you notice original or bizarre artistic choices in the film? Why do you think the director decided to use unique or different elements in the film?
Step 3. Focus on each aspect of the production for a few minutes of the film
Feature films are the result of the enormous work of a team. All departments, even the smallest, must work together to make the project a reality. For this, the best critics and aficionados find the time to analyze all the parts of a film, not just the obvious ones like acting and directing. When viewing the film, take notes on:
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Scenography and production:
What does the set look like? How were the props and scenographies chosen? Do they make the film better or worse?
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Sounds and Music:
these are obvious details in films where they are poor, but ask yourself how they are made by the best films. A fantastic soundtrack and effects allow you to fully immerse yourself in the movie.
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Assembly:
when are long shots used? What about short-interval edits, where the images change every 2-3 seconds? Every time the editor makes a cut, it's to give you new information. Did he succeed?
Step 4. Consider your opinion, but be prepared to defend it
The feeling that a movie leaves you can be the most important, but most overlooked, part of a first review. Your opinions are important, but you need to find ways to back them up with facts. Whenever you get an impression (eg "the actor spoiled the dialogue", "the directing was amazing", "the film had to finish 30 minutes earlier"), don't just consider it a personal preference. Think about the hard evidence that can give you credit:
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"The actor ruined the dialogue":
he might have made a serious sentence too ironic, not changed his facial expression, seemed uncomfortable or out of place, etc.
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"The direction was incredible":
talks about the lighting of some scenes. Mention the unique angles of the shots or explain how some key shots caught your attention.
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"The film was supposed to finish 30 minutes earlier":
think about the scenes and sections you would have cut. Consider the parts of the film that should have had more space, or why you would have preferred a different ending than the one you saw.
Step 5. Find out about the origin of the film
Films are not made in a clean room. They are based on true stories, unexpected events, modifications and changes occur during production due to current events. While reviews should only focus on images, top critics also consider context.
- Does the film offer commentary on historical or current events?
- Read up on other films from the director, author and cinematographer. What points do they have in common with what you are watching?
Method 3 of 3: Watching Movies Like a Director
Step 1. Read the script while the movie is playing or in preparation
The script is a film project. That said, a director's job is to turn the words on the page into a story with photography, sound, light, actors, costumes and many other elements. At first, the director has only the script available and tries to find the best way to keep the spirit of the text intact (funny, full of political connotations, dramatic, etc.) while telling a unique story. When reading the script, think:
- How would you set up the scene? What kind of props, light and soundtrack would you use?
- What is the key image or idea of the script? How would you show it on film?
- What kind of tone suits the dialogue? Fast, cheerful and bright or slow and dramatic?
- Are there any points where the film deviates from the script? Would you have made the same choices?
Step 2. Take notes on the pace and timing of major events
When does the first major climax occur? When is the enemy first revealed? At what point does the viewer begin to see things from the point of view of the villain? Films usually have to fit into a limited time, less than three hours, so they've developed a pace that you need to follow as a director. Try to take note of the alternation of emotions in the best films. What role does timing play in key moments, like a hilarious joke or a cathartic, emotional moment?
Step 3. Think about editing choices for the whole movie
The easiest way to do this is to ask yourself "What was the result of this scene or shot?". As a director, this is the most important question: How can you make the images on the screen meaningful? The easiest way to do this is to make sure the scene offers something to the audience. When watching a great movie, try to understand the reasons that led to the cuts and scenes that seem useless to you.
There are no exact answers in this case, you just need to note the work of the other directors. Even if you don't think a scene is useful, can you see why it was important to your colleague?
Step 4. Find out how your favorite parts of the film were shot
If you notice a shot that you really like, try to figure out how to recreate it. Think about how you could use similar special effects for your productions. If you're stuck, look for behind-the-scenes videos or specials on the internet or in the bonus content on the DVD.
Step 5. Watch the movie a second time
Once you know how a story ends, you can focus on the path to that destination. During the second viewing, you can pay attention to minor details, such as lighting or sound. Plus, you already know the plot. You may notice some clever clues and references to events that will happen later. You may notice that some scenes were thought up or shot without prioritizing acting. You can't say you've actually seen a movie if you don't watch it twice.
Step 6. Save video clips, notes and thoughts about the film as references for the future
Many directors have huge notebooks made up of the shots and ideas that impressed them positively. When you're on set and trying to mimic The Shining's incredible dolly shot, don't just describe it to your crew, show it straight away. Just as great writers jot down quotes and ideas in their journals, you too should "quote" and record the greatest films in history.
Advice
- Don't fall asleep during the movie!
- Stop talking during the movie and you will be able to understand what happens!
