How to Analyze a Foreign Film without the Use of Subtitles

English subtitles don't accompany your film and you need to write a review on it? A foreign film can be analyzed for technical elements, such as themes, editing, light techniques, etc., without having the full understanding of the dialogue within the film.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• a foreign film
• paper and pen to take notes
• a film book if you are unfamiliar with film terms and/or elements

1. Dialogue is not necessarily needed if you need to write a review on a film based on technical elements. First, one needs to focus on the aesthetic atmosphere of the film, so keep this in mind before you sit down and watch the film. Since dialogue is not an issue, make sure you stay away from any distractions that may hinder your full attention to the film. Also, keep in mind that your focus will be on how elements are portrayed in the film, as well as different camera shots or positioning in the film.
2. Outline on your paper a list of the elements you want to analyze in the film. Outlining is key, because the elements will not appear in any particular order in the film, and some elements you may be looking for, may not even exist in the film.
3. Elements to look out for include and are not limited to lightning techniques (dark vs.. light, shadowing, any alterations in color), camera positions (point-of-view shots, bird's eye view shot, close up, medium close up, etc.), frames for emotions (examples of close-ups), elements of mise-en-scene, or scene locations.
4. After looking out for the elements, focus on any particular themes which seem to reoccur. Are there particular close-ups that seem to be reoccurring?

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need to be an expert at films, just keep an eye open at all times during the movie.