CAUTION: Extremely Rough Outline Ahead

OUTLINE

(1) Following the background portion of my essay outlining both the formalist film criticism and ideological film theory, I will argue that the most effective method is formalist film criticism because it takes less liberty in analysis, is more accessible to a general audience, and is less based on literary theory. (I have not yet decided what film to analyze, which is why it is not included in my argument at this point. I have written several papers on Psycho already, so I'm leaning away from that. To me, the most cinematic film we have watched is The Grapes of Wrath, so I am leaning towards that at this point. However, I really enjoyed Masculin, Feminin, and Midnight in Paris may be easier for me to access.)

(2)Claim #1: In comparison to the ideological perspective, which applies hidden symbolism to various structures within film, the formalist approach takes into account what actually appears on screen and the effect that it has on the audience. Though the critics then attempt to read some additional meaning into the content, the claims they make require less extrapolation than those of the ideological theorists.

(3) Film analysis, further research on the different approaches to try to find support.

(4) Claim #2: Ideological film theory can be complex, incredibly symbolic, and ultimately inaccessible to the general public. By focusing more on one scene and placing little emphasis on things occurring outside of the formal aspects of the film, the analysis of formal criticism can be understood easily as long as technical terms are made clear to the audience.

(5) Possibly film analysis. Research on the different interpretations of The Wizard of Oz, or some other film, discussed in class. This example is what gave me the understanding I have of the two perspectives. I found the Ideological Film Theory interpretation to be incredibly difficult to understand and somewhat irrelevant to my experience of the film. (For example: I would be more interested to know if the film was good and how it would make me feel.) On the other hand, I found the formalist analysis discussed to be not only enlightening, but also fascinating. It made me want to watch the film again.

(6) Claim #3: Literary theory is wonderful in many ways. It can help us understand and appreciate a novel through analysis of various subtexts and "hidden meanings." However, literary theory and plot-based analyses, like ideological film theory, are just that, plot-based. They do not take into account the main aspect of film which is first and foremost a visual medium.

(7) Research on the different theories may help here. Also, analysis of mise-en-scene and the way it contributes significantly to a film. Possibly writing on early film or the nature of cinema. Maybe references to early development of film- before narrative.