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.