Chapter 2 in A Short Guide to Writing about Film discusses the importance of taking notes upon watching a film. It allows for a better analysis and understanding what is being viewed. When taking notes, it is also important to question what was just was just viewed, whether it was confusing or whether one just wants to know the meaning of that scene in the film.
Questions allow the viewer to really experience the film. It helps them understand why a scene was filmed this way, the why filmmaker chose to use this scene, why the filmmaker did this in a scene, etc. When a viewer takes a deeper look at a film, they really come to understand it better.
Watching a film multiple times is also necessary in really understanding all aspects of what was viewed.  Many things can go unnoticed the first time around so it is important to take a few looks at the film, as a better understanding might result from it. Watching the characters work their way through the plot multiple times might give the viewer a different opinion the second time around.
Reviewing the notes that one has written allows for the retention of visual memory. Remembering what was seen in the film can help recall specific details that might have stood out. These details might differ from what was originally examined. They might be more specific which might allow for a different perspective of the film.
These few tools are extremely useful when writing about film. They will ultimately allow the viewer to analyze the film in detail and really examine it from all angles. Note-taking is an important piece to all types of writing.


Corrigan, Timothy (2011-08-09). A Short Guide to Writing about Film (8th Edition) (Short Guides) (Page 26). Pearson HE, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

Chapter 3 in Movie History: A Survey discusses how norms developed trough the narrative style of the Hollywood film industry. As films became more popular, the audience expected certain story-lines and plots, consistent lighting effects, etc. The film industry began to establish a certain set of standards that the film should prepare that the audience could follow. The film was expected to narrate a story and the characters to act it out. A problem was expected to derive a solution.
The audience is enticed to engage in the story as the images and dialogue presented to the viewer established a plot for them to follow. The flow of the story was important to the viewer. It kept them interested and allowed them to recognize what was happening that made the story play out.
Filmmakers were now getting the hang of how to present a story and plot in such a limited time frame. They established cues and gestures as techniques used to engage the audience. The filmmakers had to pick and choose which clips to present and which to leave out. Filming the movie in pieces required that the editor assemble the story through depicted events. Characters are also developed in this early filmmaking. The audience begins to learn each individual character represented by a specific actor.
Understanding 5he norms that cinema had created in its earlier years helps to understand the modern film industry. Much of these guidelines are current in modern movies. The norms created in the early years have not changed very much. Though today's movies might seem much more lively and realistic, one can still see the relation to early cinema.


Gomery, Douglas; Pafort-Overduin, Clara (2011-02-28). Movie History: A Survey: Second Edition (Kindle Location 1909). Taylor and Francis. Kindle Edition.

After watching the film "Seventh Heaven," it is interesting to see how the film industry has progressed. These were the basics of early film history. Black and white picture with no audio dialogue. The viewer really had to get into the film and analyze the story. It is easy for viewers to follow films today, as everything is in-your-face and laid out for the viewer to see and understand.
It was difficult for me to know what was really going on at the beginning of this film. I honestly was bored with it after watching the first 30 seconds. This shows how the film industry has changed. This type of film would've excited viewers in the past. Now the audience expects much more.
This film really helps me analyze early movies and their productions. As I have not seen many black and white films, this is very knew to me. I think one can learn a lot from early filming techniques and this is a prime example.