Film Criticism  

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Welcome to the subject guide for Film Criticism Resource Guide.  Please use the tabs above to find information for research or personal interest.  Contact the librarians if you need more help with your project.

What are the differences between film criticism and film reviews?

"Film Criticism"

Film criticism is writing that analyzes, interprets, and evaluates motion pictures. True film criticism is written by scholars who take an academic approach to the subject, and is most often published in books or scholarly journals. Film criticism will sometimes address a rather specific aspect of a film, or focus on the work of a particular director or genre.

Example: Masculinity, Violence, Resitence: A New Psychoanalytic Reading of Raging Bull

"Film Reviews"

Film reviews are written for the general public and are usually less substantive and academic than film criticism. Film reviews are often written by journalists and assess the entertainment and cultural significance of a current motion picture. Most instructors prefer that you use film criticism when writing a research paper, rather than film reviews - be sure to clarify this with your instructor.

Example: Raging Bull