How to effectively argue about movies

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By cftoto
User-Submitted Article

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(4 Ratings)

You love "Movie A." Your friend hates it. Now, it's time
to decide who's right. Of course, opinions are neither right nor
wrong, but you do want to offer a sound argument to support your case.
So here's a few ways to defend your movie without sounding like a
spoiled child.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Break it down. Look at the film in question and assess the reasons
why it worked for you. Did the story progress in a naturalistic
fashion? Does the end answer some questions suggested in the film's
earliest moments? All these elements can help buttress your argument.
Step 2

Compare to the past: Does the film expound on themes other classic
films previously explored? Most action movies today owe a debt of
gratitude to the venerable "Seven Samurai." If you can draw parallels
between movies old and new, you'll sound more informed and potentially
convince others with your argument.
Step 3

Consult the experts: Sometimes a person can feel a specific way
about a film, but she has a hard time expressing it. Check with what
established film critics have said about a movie. Critics often
express what a viewer feels about a film in ways she hadn't thought of
previously. Then, examine your own feelings about the film and discuss
your thoughts in the context provided by those critics.
Step 4

Get personal. Often we relate to a film because it reflects on
something special in our own lives. Mary loves the 1986 film "Pretty
in Pink" because she once pined for the cute boy in high school while
a less attractive fellow chased her vigorously, just like Duckie did
in the film. Talk about why the film brought back those memories and
how honestly it tapped those themes for you.