Understanding Film

Course Details

Overview

For the complete beginner to the passionate cinephile, through this course you will get to
grips with understanding film beyond watching. By focusing on a single film you will
develop skills that could be applied elsewhere, and develop new levels of joy and
appreciation for the sensory delights of cinema.

Full Details

For the complete beginner to the passionate cinephile, through this course you will get to
grips with understanding film beyond watching. By focusing on a single film you will
develop skills that could be applied elsewhere, and develop new levels of joy and
appreciation for the sensory delights of cinema.

Week one will include watching the film itself, so no need to have specific access at home.
All you’ll need to bring with you is your curiosity and openness to discussion. The weeks will
be organised as follows below.

Course Goals
Understand core film analysis tools (narrative, cinematography, sound, editing)
Confidently discuss themes and symbolism
Develop critical thinking and interpretation skills
Reflect on the ways in which cinema is shaped by life and life is shaped by cinema.

Weekly Breakdown
Week 1: Watch the film!
Week 2: Introduction to Film Analysis + Context 

What is film analysis (vs. just watching)
Key concepts: narrative, genre, mise-en-scène
Introduction to director (OF CHOSEN FILM) and context (OF CHOSEN FILM)
Group discussion: first impressions

Week 3: Narrative & Structure: How the story is built

 Plot vs. story
 Non-linear storytelling
 Five-act structure
Turning points and pacing
Genre blending
Break down key scenes
Map the story arc as a group

Homework (optional):

 Identify one key turning point and explain why it matters

Week 4: Cinematography & Visual Language
How meaning is created visually
 Camera angles, framing, movement
 Use of space
 Lighting and colour symbolism
Scene analysis
Compare visual storytelling

Homework (optional):
Write a short paragraph analysing one shot
Week 5: Themes & Symbolism
Deeper meaning
Content:
How does the context shape the symbols
Symbolism
Metaphor and subtext
Group discussion: “What is the film really saying?”
Small group: analyse one symbol each

Homework (optional):
Prepare a short interpretation of a theme

Week 6: Sound, Editing & Tone
Emotional and technical impact
Content:
 Music and sound design
 Editing and pacing
 Tone shifts
 Activity: Watch a key sequence with and without sound (if possible)
 Discuss how editing shapes tension

Homework (optional) (optional):
 Reflect: which scene affected you most and why?

Week 7: Bringing It All Together + Final Analysis
Student-led interpretation
 How to structure a film analysis
 Reviewing key concepts from the course
 Student presentations or group discussions
 Guided writing session (short analysis)