Film Studies

semester long

Some films entertain you. The best ones won't leave you alone. 

This elective is for students who love cinema and want to watch it properly. We slow films down, pull scenes apart shot by shot, and work out how directors make us feel what we feel. Expect strong opinions, better arguments, and a growing list of films you now have to see. 

What we do: 

• Review : Write sharp, evidence-based film reviews that go beyond "it was good" 

• Analyse : Close analysis of key scenes using film metalanguage: cinematography, editing, sound, mise en scène 

• Create : Write a script for a short film 

• Curate : A Director's Retrospective: choose a filmmaker, research their career, and build a guide comparing two of their films 

• Argue : Regular discussion and debate about what makes films work, and which ones actually do 

Assessment: 

• Analytical film reviews – including close scene analysis 

• Director's Retrospective (film selection, guide cover design, persuasive introduction, comparison of two films) 

• Creative script writing for a short film 

Do this subject if: 

• You've watched a film twice just to see how they did it 

• You have opinions about movies and want to sharpen them into arguments 

• You want to write about film the way real critics do 

• Don't do this subject if: 

• You're looking for a break from reading and writing. This is an English subject: we read a lot, and we write more. 

• Film is just background noise to you 

Content advisory: This subject involves in-depth study of films rated M and below, some with mature subject matter. 

Student testimonials

"Film is great for learning about film structures, learning about new films and watching movies and is great fun."

“In this class, you get to appreciate the finer details in films in comparing and analysing great movies, gaining a new perspective on films and essay writing skills for every year level.”